The 12 Best Beaches In Africa You Should Visit!
Africa, the land that personifies wilderness has been a hotspot for all outdoor lovers when it comes to wildlife tourism. But apart from its rich wildlife, Egypt’s pyramids and sphinx, enduring traditions and more, the continent has the privilege of boasting some of the world’s most untouched and pristine beaches. Endowed with the ocean on all its sides, Africa is blessed with some awe-inspiring beaches.
Check out these 12 best beaches in Africa that will make you amazed with it’s beauty!
1. Nungwi, Zanzibar, Tanzania – for picture-perfect hues of sand and water
Fringing the coast of the Nungwi village in the far northern end of the island of Zanzibar lies one of the best beaches in Africa. A charming village itself, Nungwi boasts of several hospitality giants. You can choose to spend your day in one of the many all-inclusive properties here and head out on in the evenings to watch dhows (lateen-rigged ships with one or two masts) with their characteristic white sails coming back from the boat yard.
Best time to go: June to September
2. Beyin beach Ghana for eventful evening with local fishermen
Of all the West African beaches, the Beyin beach has got to be the winner for more reasons than one. It is considered to be one of the most important beaches in Ghana owing to the large magnitude of fishing carried out here. In the evening, the place livens up with fishermen coming back from work. A beautiful scene to witness as you sit down with a glass of cocktails or a book to read!
Go around October to March
Ideal for: Leisure and relaxation
3. Chitimba Malawi for all the nature’s drama
If you are looking for a secluded beach, you’ve got to visit the Chitimba Malawi which is counted as one of the top 10 African beaches. It is distinct from the other beaches in the region, given its being as an inland beach. This beach fringes one of the largest lakes in Africa, Lake Malawi. Engulfed by lots of dense vegetation, this beach is indeed one of its kind amidst all the ocean and lake beaches the continent is home to.
Visit Early May to late October
4. Anse source d’argent, la digue, Seychelles and its breathtaking boulders
As per several facts endowing African beaches, the Anse Source d’argent, La Digue, Seychelles is the only beach in the region that has made it to the list of the world’s most photographed beaches. This beach takes the clichéd ‘turquoise waters, soft white sand beaches’ to another level, with its breathtaking boulders. What’s more? A visit here bestows you with the opportunity to cycle around to the adjoining beaches, on what is considered as one of the best islands in Africa.
Ideal for: Beach hopping, cycling around
5. Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt and its incredible beach resorts
The nation’s resort capital, Sharm el-Sheikh is perfect for those who are looking for a leisurely vacation, without any compromise on luxury. The beach is a top-rated attraction in Sharm El Sheikh owing to its comfortably temperate waters. Even the opportunity to swim and sunbathe here are some win-win points for this beach. Its close proximity to the reefs of the Red Sea has several diving enthusiasts flocking to the beach.
Best time to visit is from November to February
Ideal for: Family vacationers, diving
6. Camp’s Bay Beach, Camps Bay, South Africa – Cape Town’s favorite
The most popular beach in Cape Town, Camp’s Bay Beach is seldom found empty. And if you happen to come around during the holiday season for December to February, it is another story altogether! This is one place that displays the popular culture of Cape Town at its best, given a plethora of cafes and bars that dot this beach. However, if you are looking for privacy, skip this one and head to the adjoining Clifton beaches.
Visit in months of December to February
Ideal for: Cafes, bars
7. Watamu, Kenya for some beautiful coral creations
Nestled in Kenya’s marine protected area, the Malindi Marine Reserve Park, the Watamu beach is said to be one of the best on the east African coast. It’s beautifully turquoise waters and shallow banks are perfect for a swim. The tides are quite soft here which explains the beach’s popularity as a hotspot for watersports such as snorkeling and diving. In case you undertake any of these activities, you will be bequeathed with sights of stunning coral formations.
Go on beach during July to October to enjoy Diving and Snorkeling
8. Praia de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Cape Verde – the paradisiacal beach
Apart from being a beautiful beach, the Praia de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Cape Verde is one of the best beaches in Africa owing to its very modest and friendly people. The beach boasts of some resorts around it, that are also considered to be the best places to stay in Cape Verde. Warm waters are an added benefit! Many visitors have also quoted this place as a “paradisiacal beach”.
9. Diani Beach, Kenya – a zoo cum beach
Located at a distance of one hour from Mombasa, the Diani Beach is not your average beach, with resorts and sports activities lining up at it. This one is partially a zoo which is one reason why you are most likely to spot several colobus monkeys in the vicinity. In addition to this, there are camels that also double up as your ride here. A beautiful beach awaits as you make your array through dense vegetation. Look forward to a lot of local art shopping.
10. Clifton Beaches, Cape Town Central, South Africa – if you crave privacy
So, if the Camp’s Bay Beach was not your scene, escape to the Clifton Beaches that serve the requirement of tranquility! Not just that, but the beaches promise optimum privacy, thus you are ought to spot several honeymooners here. The beach also boasts of stunning rock formations all across it. Owing to these factors, the Clifton Beaches are monikered as Cape Town’s St Tropez! This is a group of four beaches, small but big on the impact.
11. Belle Mare, Mauritius – hues of blue galore
Home to some of the best African beach resorts, Mauritius is go-to choice of several travelers in search of the ultimate beach destination. One look at it and you are to be taken aback with the gorgeous hues of greens and blues here. You are ought to love this place if you are a sucker for quietude and serenity. Sunrises and sunsets here, are simply magical, to say the least. Check into one of the many luxury properties the beach accommodates.
Visit from May to December
12. Nakupenda Beach, Stone Town, Tanzania – for romance and more
Literally translating to ‘I love you’ in the Swahili language, the Nakupenda Beach is one of the best beaches in the region if you are looking for a romantic setting. It is also noted as a great snorkeling destination. The beach features distinct characteristic of being a sand dune in the middle of an ocean. Owing to this fact it is submerged during high tide. Thus, not many people crowd this beach retaining its tranquil charm and thus making it a romantic place to be.
Beach is Ideal for: Snorkeling, romance, and swimming
This was our pick on the best beaches in Africa, out of all the many Africa is home to! Have you been to any of the above listed? Let us know in the comments section below!