Best Beaches and Resorts in Africa: Top Ideas for Next Beach Holidays
Discovering the wonders of the diverse, scenic and best beaches and resorts is an experience like no other in Africa. With 18,950 miles of beautiful shoreline, the continent offers breathtaking coastal cliffs, secluded coves, and sun-soaked sand. Africa’s 38 coastal countries boast some of the world’s most beautiful and untouched beaches. There is an African beach destination that will ensure your dream beach holiday. Explore, soak up the sun, snorkel, scuba dive, surf, and savour the best African beaches regularly.
Watamu Beach
The pristine white shoreline in Watamu gradually meets the shallow, turquoise sea and is a component of the Malindi Marine Reserve Park, an area protected for marine life. It’s widely acknowledged that the snorkelling and diving opportunities among the coral formations off the coast are unparalleled in East Africa.
Useful information: Watamu serves as a crucial nesting site for green and hawksbill turtles.
Diani Beach, Kenya
Diani Beach spans 20 kilometers and features a palm-fringed coastline that stays clean and free of seaweed thanks to the nearby coral reef. This picturesque coastal area is now a favourite destination for beachgoers in Kenya. Watamu offers everything from boutique hotels and water sports to fantastic beach parties.
Useful information: If you’re interested in learning how to kitesurf, you can receive lessons at this location.
Anse Soleil, Mahe
Located in the southwest of Mahé, this beach is a beloved destination, drawing in numerous visitors. It’s an ideal spot for families, as long as children stick to the shallow waters closer to the shore. Access is convenient, with a bus stop situated just 200 meters away and limited parking available right by the beach. Additionally, you’ll find shops and restaurants close, providing all the necessary amenities. Furthermore, natural shade is present, offering a reprieve from the sun’s rays.
Useful information: Additionally, the beach’s modest cafe is known for serving top-quality seafood in the region.
Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue
Anse Source d’Argent, located in the southwest of La Digue, is frequently lauded as one of the most stunning beaches in the world. This renowned beach is considered one of the Seychelles’ top attractions, boasting a breathtaking combination of turquoise waters, golden sands, and striking granite boulders, making it a truly unique destination. It’s easy to see why Anse Source d’Argent has earned the title of the world’s most photographed beach.
Useful information: There are numerous beautiful beaches on La Digue, and the island is easily navigated by bicycle.
Anse Gouvernement, Praslin
Located in the tranquil north of Praslin, there lies a stunning curved bay showcasing the natural elegance of the Seychelles. Nestled close to the luxurious Hotel l’Archipel, this beach boasts shallow, crystal-clear waters and gentle, rhythmic waves, making it a perfect retreat for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking serenity and relaxation. With convenient access by car and proximity to various hotels, this beach offers ease and comfort. Visitors can enjoy top-notch facilities and equipment rentals for activities such as snorkelling, fishing, and sailing. The surrounding palm trees provide a soothing shade from the tropical sun.
Belle Mare Beach, Mauritius
Situated on the eastern coast of the island, there’s no superior method to commence the day than by taking a morning walk on one of Mauritius’s longest beaches. In proximity to Mahébourg (notable for its lively local markets), Belle Mare Beach continues to be a favourite option for tourists and residents to unwind. Covering roughly six miles of pristine sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, this location is ideal for unwinding and exploring marine life, whether snorkelling, swimming, or diving. Refresh yourself in the water and then dry off in the shade of casuarina trees in this idyllic setting on the east coast.
Mnemba Island, Tanzania
Mnemba Island Lodge, located just off the northeast coast of Unguja, is a luxurious and intimate private haven boasting a pristine beach and clear turquoise waters. The island provides access to an exclusive white sand beach, exceptional opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, and the opportunity to witness green turtle hatchlings. The only lodging option available is the exquisite Mnemba Island Lodge, featuring 12 private beach cottages. The ideal time to visit is from July through March, with the peak of turtle hatching occurring between February and March.
Mafia Island, Tanzania
Mafia Island, off the coast of Tanzania, is a peaceful retreat with the renowned Mafia Island Marine Park, perfect for diving. Visit from June to October for the best experience, and from October to April for a chance to see whale sharks. For thrill-seekers and explorers, enjoy scuba diving and swimming alongside whale sharks, paired with a memorable safari in Tanzania, for the ultimate adventure.
Ilha Caldeira, Mozambique
This secluded island near Mozambique’s shore is designated to become the ultimate luxurious retreat for people looking for a relaxed and high-end experience next year. The first luxury resort in Southern Africa by Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts will be unveiled on this unspoiled Indian Ocean gem in 2022. Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira’s exclusive villas will highlight stunning vistas of the islet’s sandy beaches and magnificent sunsets, focusing on sustainability.
Ilha Caldeira is situated within a marine protected area and is recognized as a top-notch diving location, housing 20% of Mozambique’s untouched live coral! In addition to lounging on pristine beaches that show no signs of human presence, visitors will have the opportunity to partake in activities such as observing whales, kayaking, embarking on tours to neighbouring islands in the archipelago, and exploring a historic shipwreck that went down in 1947.
Quirimbas, Mozambique
The Quirimbas Archipelago, a collection of 32 picturesque islands along the Mozambican coast, holds great cultural and historical significance and is home to some of the finest beaches in Africa! Many islands are covered by Quirimbas National Park, allowing nature enthusiasts to delve into mystical forests, observe unique marine life such as turtles and dugongs, and explore flourishing coral reefs. Some of our top picks from the Quirimbas include Medjumbe, a secluded and small island perfect for a romantic getaway; Quilalea, an entirely uninhabited tropical haven with amazing snorkeling opportunities; Vamizi, a conservation triumph with remarkably diverse coral reefs; and Ibo, a small, wooded island with roots dating back to the early 1600s when it thrived as a bustling trading hub.
