Africa's Best Beaches
When one speaks of taking a trip to Africa, 'safari' inevitably comes to mind. We're here to tell you however that Africa has so much to offer, and one of those things is an incredible selection of award-winning, off-the-grid gorgeous beaches. The beaches in Africa are out of this world, so read on to learn about some of our favorite beach destinations on the African continent.
BEST BEACHES SEYCHELLES
Any list of top beaches in Africa worth reading includes the Seychelles - hands down, one of the best beach destinations Africa has to offer.
The Seychelles, an archipelago of 117 islands off the coast of Kenya amidst the Indian Ocean, have emerged as one of the world's most romantic getaways. Prince William and Kate Middleton spent their honeymoon here and they certainly took advantage of some of Africa's greatest beahces. The private island of Desroches boasts several miles of secluded beach and amazing coral reefs where visitors enjoy diving, bike riding and moonlit dining. Those wishing to extend thir stay on the island can stay at the Desroches Island Retreat, the only accommodation on the island, featuring just 20 luxury villas, an incredible spa and a gorgeous pool built on the sea line.
Other private islands to keep on your radar are North Island and Fregate Island. North Island is only accessibly by helicopter and truly tailors the experience to you, whether you want a romantic beach picnic, activities for the kids or a week dedicated to exploring the reefs, your wish is their command. Rates include just about everything from diving to private yacht tours to mountain biking. Fregate Island is simlarly only accessible by helicopter, small plane or boat and it's quite honestly one of the most stunning places you may ever lay eyes on. The island is home to 7 beaches, one of which is frequently voted 'most beautiful beach in the world', thousands of free-roaming Aldabra Tortoises who will happily eat a handful of leaves right out of your palm, unique tree-house dining venues and so much more. The property on Fregate Island boasts 16 gorgeous villas built into the coastline, each with private sunken jacuzzis, terraces and panoramic daybeds overlooking the lush jungle behind and the crystal waters in front.
One of Africa's best beaches also qualifies as one of the world's best beaches and has been awarded as such, year after year. The beach we are referring to is Anse Source D'Argent and is also located in the Seychelles, specifically on an island called La Digue. Coined by many as the picture perfect beach for its dark boulders surrounded by pristine white powder sand and crystal clear waters that quietly lap the shoreline.
BEST BEACHES CAPE TOWN
Camp's Bay Beach, Camps Bay, is located just outside of Cape Town. Graced with the ideal positioning, this gorgeous beach is situated adjacent to 5-star luxury properties, exclusive restaurants, upmarket clubs and cocktail bars. Camp's Bay Beach, truly one of the best beaches in Africa, is the recreational retreat for visiting celebrities and local luminaries alike.
Next in Cape Town are the Clifton beaches. Featured in several different travel publications, the Clifton beahces are thought of as some of the most beautiful and romantic beaches in the world, let alone in South Africa. They received the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2014.
Cape Town is also home to Bloubergstrand Beach. Offering one of the best uninterrupted views of stunning Table Mountain and Cape Town, this long beach is clean, quiet, and amazes visitors with its breathtaking panorama.
BEST BEACHES MOROCCO
Legzira beach, Sidi Ifni, Morocco. This quiet, tranquil beach's primary draw is the amazing rock structures that stretch far out into the water, as well as the rarely seen off-the-grid water caves. Visitors particularly find a visit at sunset most beautiful and most memorable.
Not to miss is the seaside town of Essaouira. What makes Essaouira so unique is the remnants of its bohemian past - crocheted rasta beanies are sold in the bustling souks and surfers come from all around the world to lap up the waves and what is now considered one of the top windsurfing spots on the planet. It's one of Africa's best beach destinations alright, but if you ever get bored of soaking up the sun and crisp ocean breeze, there's so much more to do. Hit the boardwalk where you can go wine tasting and watch snake charmers perform their best tricks!
One of Morocco's most scenic routes runs right through Mirleft, another flourishing surf scene with gorgeous beaches and beckoning restaurants lining the main street. Other Moroccan beaches on our radar are Al Hoceima, Saidia and Taghazout.
BEST BEACHES MAURITIUS
Le Morne Beach, Mauritius. A gorgeous beach stretching more than 3 kilometers, with a visually stunning location - a mountainous backdrop paired with a light blue sea. The waters are so clear that visitors can observe the fish and other underwater life without ever having to leave the white sandy beach.
BEST BEACHES KENYA
Diani Beach, Kenya. This beautiful 20-kilometer stretch of palm-fringed beach is nothing short of pristine and entirely kept clear of seaweed as a result of coral reef formation just offshore.
Watamu is similarly incredible - boasting smooth white beaches and gentle turquoise waters. Watamu is within Kenya's Malindi Marine Reserve Park, a marine protected area, allowing for phenomenal snorkeling and diving, some even say the best in all of East Africa.
BEST BEACHES MALAWI
Chitimba, Malawi. Not many inland beaches make Africa's best beaches list, but this one certainly merits the honor. Densely vegetated hills and trees wrap around the beach bordering one of Africa's biggest lakes, Lake Malawi. Lake Malawi is, simply put, a freshwater paradise, and home to 1,000 different species of fish.
Not to be missed is Likoma Island - an enchanting tiny island that has everything you could ever want from a beach vacation, pristine beaches, calm translucent waters, untouched reefs and the most relaxing atmosphere. Whether you want to lounge atop dramatic waterfront cliffs and watch the sun set, pick up a soccer game with the friendly locals or indulge in a gourmet dinner under a sky awash with innumerable stars - the beaches of Likoma have it all and will guarantee a truly incredible vacation.
BEST BEACHES MOZAMBIQUE
Bazaruto, Mozambique is an idyllic tropical island beach. The island's peaceful sand beaches extend endlessly out into the clear turquoise water before dropping off into the azure hues of the Indian Ocean. Palm trees dangle over the beach, providing welcoming shade on hot summer days. The Bazaruto Archipelago is also renowned for its diving opportunities, so divers get the double benefit of great waters and a beautiful beach.
Tofo beach is also one of Mozambique's best beaches. Characterized by an intimate stretch of beach with clear waters and for those who venture out into deep waters, a hotspot for divers and fishermen alike.
BEST BEACHES NAMIBIA
Skeleton Coast, Namibia. This is not the typical clean sandy beach by the seaside, which in itself may lend to its popularity. A wild, wide, rugged stretch of beach between the Kunene and Swakop Rivers, cold air over the Atlantic Ocean colliding with the warm air of the Namib Desert often leaves the beach shrouded in fog. Curiosity seekers look out for ships that have run aground in the rocky, shallow waters off the beach. A great deal of seals and marine bird life can be spotted near the shipwrecks. Hauntingly beautiful is perhaps the best way to describe Namibia's Skeleton Coast.
Other than being fun to pronounce, Swakopmund, Namibia should also be on your radar for Africa's best beaches. More of an adventure playground than a relaxing getaway, and offering a plethora of activities from fishing, surfing and kayaking to quad biking and sand boarding.
BEST BEACHES GABON
Other beaches that stray from conventional beach stereotypes are the beaches of Loango National Park, Gabon. These beaches have become famous for this surfing hippos, best seen in January (that's right, surfing hippos). This uninhabited coastline of the park, more than 100 km long, also sees leopards, gorillas, buffalo and elephants trek across the sands. Loango is the only place in the world where one can see all these animals in a single setting.
BEST BEACHES TANZANIA
Mnemba Island, Tanzania - hands down one of the most popular beaches in Africa. Mnemba is a private island cast amidst the Indian Ocean and belonging to the Zanzibar Archipelago. From here, visitors can watch whales and dolphins, and of course, one of our favorites, swim with whale sharks. Only 10 cottages rest on the island, owned and operated by luxury travel company &Beyond. Each little cottage is a little piece of heaven, all right off the beach with private verandas and tucked away in the shade of a tropical beach forest.
BEST BEACHES MADAGASCAR
Sainte Marie Island, Madagascar. This tropical paradise, one of the best beach destinations Africa has to offer, has year-round sunshine, incredibly calm, warm waters, and pristine, white sand beaches lined with endless palm trees. Divers can't get enough of the gorgeous coral gardens, and viewers up on land can see humpback whales, in season of course.
