The main focus of most African getaways is the safari, as it should be since Africa is the only place in the world where you can see the Big 5, stay next to river banks frequently visited by elephants, and hear the bone-shivering roar of lions as the sun sets.
But a week of game drives can leave you bored and fatigued, and when you are looking for something a little bit different to add to your itinerary, there is always the beach holiday.
Home to 38 coastal countries, numerous big and small islands, and plenty of massive lakes, Africa is the holiday beach destination that you don’t often see featured in those dreamy Instagram beach snaps.
Some of the best beaches in Africa are secluded and remote, away from everything and completely exclusive, while other beach destinations are a little more urban. All you have to do is decide which type of beach holiday you’d like to have.
In this guide, we have a selection of our favourite beach destinations, the very best beaches in Africa, starting with what is hands down our favourite place, Namibia.
Which countries in Africa have the best beaches
A beach holiday is a bit of a quintessential getaway and it’s not all about lying about on the beach, with your toes buried deep in the sand and your mind wandering away into the clouds. When holidaying at the coast, there’s also plenty of activities to do and loads of time to spend enjoying your luxury accommodation, and even going on a safari (if you choose your destination just right).
But before you get ahead of yourself with excitement, you need to find the best destination for your trip and we have a list of the best beaches in Africa.
Namibia
It’s no secret that Namibia is fast becoming one of Africa’s most exciting holiday destinations and a place where you go when you really want to experience solitude.
Namibia is best known for its desert holidays and its safaris, but being a coastal country it is also home to some of the most unique and best beaches in Africa.
Though its waters are colder, the beaches are uniquely stunning, attracting adventurous souls keen on exploring ghost towns, shipwrecks, and wildlife-rich shores.
Namibia gives travellers an off-the-beaten-path experience where the raw power of nature is on full display. Whether you’re kayaking with seals in Walvis Bay, venturing along the remote Skeleton Coast, or sandboarding down giant dunes, Namibia’s beaches are for all kinds of travellers.
Special Mention – Swakopmund Beaches
Swakopmund Beaches, ranked as among the best beaches in Africa, are just for adventure travellers who are into sandboarding and quad biking. The beach is not your conventional one, instead, it is rather desolate. But that is certainly a big part of the appeal.
And which is the best month to visit Swakopmund?
July to October, about the middle of winter, into summer, are the best months to visit this beach. At this time of the year, the weather is usually very dry and also rather pleasant. The downside is that this is a very busy time of year to travel here.
Namibia’s Other Best Beaches
- Skeleton Coast – A dream destination for photographers and history buffs interested in shipwrecks.
- Pelican Point (Walvis Bay) – Perfect for those wanting to kayak alongside seals.
- Spencer Bay – A remote beach ideal for explorers.
- Torra Bay – Best for fishing enthusiasts.
South Africa
South Africa has an extensive coastline and some of the very best beaches in Africa.
The country’s beaches cater to every type of traveller, from surfers chasing the perfect wave to families wanting to explore calm, scenic coves.
Cape Town is famous for its beaches and is home to iconic places like Clifton and Camps Bay, which are framed by dramatic mountain backdrops, while the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast has real wild beauty and is just about devoid of humans. And if you are looking for something that is a little more like paradise, Durban’s subtropical coastline will give you just that thanks to its year-round warm waters and spectacular greenery.
Quite a few of South Africa’s best beaches are also close to various nature reserves, both private and public, where you can have a safari.
South Africa’s beaches truly have something for everyone, and if you’re an adrenaline junkie looking to surf world-class waves, a wildlife lover hoping to spot penguins on Boulders Beach, or someone who simply wants to bask in the sun, this is one destination worth adding to your bucket list.
South Africa’s Best Beaches
These can be split into two categories, starting with every tourist’s favourite South African destination, Cape Town.
Cape Town Beaches
- Camps Bay (Cape Town) – Best for luxury travellers and sunset lovers.
- Muizenberg Beach (Cape Town) – Ideal for beginner surfers and families.
- Boulders Beach (Cape Town) – A must-visit for wildlife lovers due to its famous penguin colony.
The other gorgeous South African beaches worth visiting include:
- Umhlanga Rocks (Durban) – Perfect for those who enjoy a lively beach atmosphere and great restaurants.
- Coffee Bay (Wild Coast) – Best for backpackers and nature lovers looking for unspoiled beauty.
Mauritius
Mauritius has it all, including a few of the best beaches in Africa.
It is a dreamy island paradise off the coast of Madagascar, out in the warm Indian Ocean. The island is particularly famous for its swoon-worthy soft powdery white beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and coral reefs where you can see all sorts of marine life.
This island is immensely popular with honeymooners, adventure seekers, and families alike, mostly because it is home to world-class resorts as well as many places where you can enjoy the natural scenery, of which Mauritius has in abundance.
From kite surfing in Le Morne, exploring underwater caves, and going on a catamaran cruise, to enjoying the the calm waters of Trou aux Biches, Mauritius is just the place for an idyllic escape.
Best Beaches in Mauritius
- Belle Mare – Perfect for honeymooners seeking serenity and stunning sunrises.
- Le Morne – A haven for kite surfers and adventure seekers.
- Trou aux Biches – Ideal for families thanks to its calm, shallow waters.
- Île aux Cerfs – Great for day-trippers looking for an island escape.
- Flic en Flac – Best for nightlife and beachside dining.
Seychelles
Seychelles, rather than being a standalone island is actually an archipelago made up of 115 islands, and is has become synonymous with the stereotypical tropical holiday.
Home to some of the most photographed beaches in the world, the islands have pristine, uncrowded shores where spectacular granite boulders lie on the powdery white sand.
Seychelles is the epitome of paradise and its beaches are greatly considered to be among the very best in the world.
Guests to the island get to snorkel with sea turtles, relax in their luxury resort, or explore one of the many lush island trails.
The islands have a mixture of exclusive hideaways, eco-tourism experiences, and all sorts of opportunities to learn all about the local Creole culture.
From luxurious private islands to adventurous jungle hikes leading to a few lesser-known best beaches in Africa, Seychelles is a place that invites exploration and relaxation in equal measure.
Seychelles Best Beaches
- Anse Lazio (Praslin) – Best for postcard-worthy scenery and swimming.
- Anse Source d’Argent (La Digue) – A dream for photographers and couples.
- Beau Vallon (Mahé) – Perfect for families and water sports lovers.
- Anse Intendance – Great for those seeking a wild, undeveloped beach.
- Petite Anse – Ideal for luxury travellers staying at the Four Seasons.
Zanzibar (Tanzania)
Zanzibar, known as the ‘Spice Island,’ sits off Tanzania’s coast, and it is just the place to lounge on white beaches and take a dip in the warm turquoise waters.
Zanzibar is more than just a gorgeous beach destination. Unlike many other beaches in Africa, Zanzibar is just the place to indulge in exotic flavours and learn about the Swahili culture and local history.
While visiting Zanzibar, can find out why it is called the Spice Island, with a tour of its spice farms. Zanzibar produces cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg, cardamom and more. You can also wander through winding alleys lined with Arabian-style architecture, or just relax under the swaying palms.
Zanzibar’s Best Beaches
- Nungwi Beach – Best for nightlife and water sports.
- Kendwa Beach – Ideal for honeymooners and sunset lovers.
- Paje Beach – A paradise for kite surfers and adventure seekers.
- Matemwe Beach – Perfect for those looking for tranquillity.
- Kiwengwa Beach – An excellent choice for relaxation.
Mozambique
Mozambique’s coastal attractions are well off the typical tourist trail but its remote islands and warm waters make it a dream destination for divers and anyone who loves an off-the-beaten-path holiday.
One of Mozambique’s best beaches is actually not even on the mainland. Bazaruto Archipelago, a series of islands off the coast, is a protected marine park and has some of the most spectacular beaches and an incredible underwater life.
It is just the place to go snorkelling with whale sharks, enjoy delicious fresh seafood on a secluded sandbank, or take a walk around to learn more about the local culture. Mozambique’s beaches have been made to suit a range of travel needs and expectations, especially those who want to have a more luxurious experience.
Mozambique’s Best Beaches
- Tofo Beach – Best for divers, surfers and backpackers.
- Bazaruto Archipelago – Ideal for luxury travellers and honeymooners.
- Vilanculos – A great base for island-hopping adventures.
- Ponta do Ouro – Perfect for dolphin encounters and surfers.
- Macaneta Beach – A beautiful destination close to Maputo.
Kenya
It is probably the last place that you would imagine finding one of the best beaches in Africa but Kenya’s coastline is utterly unique and you can expect Swahili culture, tropical beaches, and rich marine life when you make this African nation your beach destination.
From the historic town of Lamu to the beautiful, golden shores of Diani, Kenya is an exquisite beach experience.
The warm waters of the Indian Ocean make it perfect for snorkelling, diving, and dhow sailing. And when out of those warm waters you can visit the UNESCO-listed town of Lamu, tuck into fresh seafood, or simply laze in the sun on a palm-fringed shore.
Best Beaches in Kenya
- Diani Beach – Best for luxury travellers and water sports lovers.
- Watamu Beach – Perfect for snorkelling and turtle-watching.
- Lamu Island – A must-visit for cultural explorers and honeymooners.
- Nyali Beach – Ideal for families and those looking for a mix of relaxation and nightlife.
- Tiwi Beach – A peaceful retreat for solitude seekers.
Madagascar
Madagascar is a wild and wonderful wonderland where unique biodiversity meets stunning, unspoiled beaches.
Its coastline is just perfect for eco-travellers, adventure lovers, and those craving a Robinson Crusoe-style escape. The waters surrounding Madagascar are also home to some of the most spectacular marine life in the world, making it an excellent destination for snorkelling and diving.
Madagascar’s beaches are enchanting and while travelling here you simply have to take a stroll through the baobab trees, a feature the country is famous for!
Best Beaches of Madagascar
- Nosy Be – Best for island-hopping and luxury stays.
- Île Sainte-Marie (Nosy Boraha) – Ideal for whale-watching and off-the-grid travellers.
- Anakao – A paradise for divers and surfers.
- Ifaty Beach – Perfect for nature lovers and those looking for quietude.
- Baobab Beach – A great choice for photography enthusiasts and explorers.
Although Africa is a place that it would take a whole lifetime and an endless budget to fully experience, its beaches are a great place to start your acquaintance with the continent. And while the beaches are enough for a full holiday, you can always combine your trip with a safari.
Whichever of these best beaches in Africa you choose for your next intrepid adventure, make sure that you make us your trusted travel partner. With our experience and insider knowledge, we’ll make sure that your beach holiday is everything you’ve ever wanted and more.
