Africa is a vast continent offering diverse experiences, including some of the world's most stunning beaches. If you're planning an African beach vacation, here are some of the best coastal resorts the continent has to offer.
Top Coastal Destinations in Africa
1. Mnemba Island, Zanzibar
Located just off the northeast coast of Unguja, the largest island in the Zanzibar Archipelago, Mnemba Island is the pinnacle of barefoot luxury. Although Mnemba's circumference is only 1.5 kilometres (0.9 miles), you certainly won't struggle to find towel space on its exclusive white sand beach. Swimming conditions in the calm turquoise waters are excellent, and you can go snorkelling straight off the beach.
2. Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique
Consisting of 32 idyllic islands strung along the Mozambican coastline, the Quirimbas Archipelago boasts significant cultural and historical value. This archipelago offers some of the best beaches in Africa.
3. Cape Town, South Africa
It's no secret that South Africa's Mother City has some of the best beaches in the world. The city offers a vibrant mix of urban and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination.
4. Seychelles Archipelago
The sensational islands of the Seychelles Archipelago are seriously tough to beat if you're looking for some of the best African beach vacations. If you've ever wondered where those arrestingly beautiful images of the Seychelles were taken, chances are it was on the island of La Digue. Anse Source D'Argent is located on La Digue and is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in Africa - if not the world!
Read also: Ultimate Guide: African Resorts
5. Trou aux Biches, Mauritius
When it comes to choosing the top beach destination in Mauritius, west is best. Clear waters and safe swimming conditions make Trou aux Biches particularly popular with families. There are ample water sports to keep the kids entertained, and a great coral reef just a short swim from the shore.
Best beaches in Mauritius
6. Lamu Archipelago, Kenya
The Lamu Archipelago, located just off Kenya's north coast, comprises the alluring Indian Ocean islands of Lamu, Manda, Pate, Kiwayu and Manda Toto. These islands are well worth visiting if you're looking for tranquil, away-from-the-crowds African beach vacations. Enjoy activities like historical walking tours, dhow (traditional sailboat) trips, kayaking and swimming with dolphins. Lamu Island, a World Heritage Site, has been a centre of Swahili culture for over 700 years and offers superb barefoot luxury at fantastic Kenya beach resorts.
7. Mafia Island, Tanzania
While Zanzibar is the most popular island off Tanzania's coast, Mafia Island offers discerning visitors a serene and exclusive hideaway, far away from the tourist crowds that frequent some of the other Tanzania beaches. The largest island of the Mafia Archipelago, Mafia is home to one of the world's best dive sites, the Mafia Island Marine Park. Whale sharks migrate along the coasts of Kenya and Tanzania from about October to April every year. During this period, these gentle giants concentrate around Mafia Island longer than anywhere else on the East African coast.
8. De Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa
Often referred to as the ‘jewel of the Western Cape', the De Hoop Nature Reserve is located about three hours drive from Cape Town and offers a convenient stopover for travellers exploring South Africa's gorgeous Garden Route. While whales migrate here from Antarctica to calve and breed between July and November, this protected marine area is also a playground for dolphins, seals and a plethora of pelagic birds.
9. São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé and Príncipe comprise two tropical islands floating in the Gulf of Guinea off the west coast of Africa. São Tomé is the larger and more developed of the two islands, while Príncipe is much more off the beaten path. Bom Bom Island is situated off the northern tip of Príncipe and harboured by palm-fringed beaches.
Read also: Honeymoon destinations Ghana
10. Ilha Caldeira, Mozambique
This private island off the coast of Mozambique is earmarked for being next year's ultimate barefoot luxury escape. Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts is set to open its first luxury resort in Southern Africa on this pristine Indian Ocean jewel in 2022. Ilha Caldeira is part of a marine protected area and a world-class diving site - home to 20% of Mozambique's intact living coral!
Planning Your Beach Vacation after a Safari
Safari is always the focus of a vacation to Africa - and rightly so! Where else in the world can you see such a variety of ecosystems? However, Africa has so much more to offer than just its amazing game viewing. The continent is home to stunning cities such as Cape Town, spectacular sights like Victoria Falls, and a number of picturesque beaches.
Africa’s beaches are often overlooked as people don’t tend to realize how tiring a week on safari can be, what with all the early wake-up calls and late-night stories around the campfires. Whether it is a family vacation or a honeymoon, you never want to finish a safari… yet the thought of flopping on a beach is always welcomed!
Combining Safari with Beach Destinations
There are excellent options for a beach vacation, whether on the tranquil Indian Ocean shores of the country or on the tropical sandy beaches of the islands just off the coast, such as Mafia and Pemba. However, the standout island is Zanzibar, which is suited to travelers looking for luxury and mile upon mile of beautiful beaches lined with palm trees and turquoise waters. There are properties here for everyone, from Pongwe and Matlai to Baraza Resort and Spa and Kilindi Zanzibar!
The likes of Diani in Kenya can easily be reached from one of the country’s safari camps in a day!
Read also: Discover Lagos Beaches
Easily accessible from Nairobi and boasting some of the most fascinating underwater attractions in the world, Mauritius is a destination seemingly made for an idyllic extension to your African safari! Located to the east of Madagascar, amidst the azure waters of the south-west Indian Ocean, this island paradise has direct flights to the African mainland. Boasting the third largest reef in the world and some of the best diving, it presents an exceptional gateway destination, with a range of stunningly located oceanfront properties that can cater to all tastes and needs, whether for families, solo travelers, couples, or honeymooners.
The farther south you head on safari, the little bit more difficult it becomes to include a beach - and this is when Cape Town and Victoria Falls should be considered. This beautiful unspoiled archipelago with over a hundred islands is simply breathtaking, with warm crystal-clear waters and dramatic peaks. The Seychelles are located 1,000 miles off the east coast of Africa, making this destination an ideal beach break in combination with a safari holiday in Kenya. Spend your day's island hopping, snorkeling, and diving, or enhance your paradise experience by pampering yourself with a revitalizing treatment at one of the spectacular resorts spas.
Seaside Hotels & Resorts In Africa
Africa has diverse seashore accommodations located in seaside towns and pristine islands in various countries.
Beachfront hotels and resorts for the below countries will be published shortly. More to come on the below countries as we continue our efforts to operate authentic travel to Africa.
- Mozambique
- Seychelles
- Mauritius
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Namibia
Customer Testimonials
Here are some testimonials from travelers who have experienced AfricanMecca Safaris:
- Adrienne & Barrie Carter (Canada): "Greetings to you and our most fervent thanks for a wonderful trip of Kenya, Zanzibar, South Africa & Victoria Falls. Everything went very well. This was truly a perfect vacation. Thank you so much for all your arrangements."
- Pat Bernard (Vice President, Global Channel Sales, Novell Corp - New Hampshire United States): "Dear Raza, The accommodations you recommended were superb. We loved them all -- Giraffe Manor, Wilderness Trails, Governor's Il Moran, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge and Mnemba Island Lodge."
- Noorin & Jason Nelson (Maryland, United States): "AfricanMecca Safaris created a remarkable honeymoon tailored to our interests and desires. The quality of service and delivery of experience was unsurpassed. I highly recommend AfricanMecca Safaris to honeymooners, families, or any traveler."
- Bruce and Susie Ironside (New Zealand): "We had a great time on your safaris. Thank you very much for all that you did for us. We were in Africa overall for 5 weeks and spent time in South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Tanzania. We just totally loved it."
- Dan Kobick (Managing Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers - New York, United States): "I cannot say enough about the quality of AfricanMecca. Their teams in Kenya and Tanzania were top notch. Raza, again thanks to you and your entire organization! We will be repeat customers."
- Shelley Roberts (Hemel Hempstead, United Kingdom): "I booked my safari holiday through AfricanMecca. They were the most helpful company I have ever dealt with and I work within the travel industry. I had the most amazing time. The holiday went as clockwork with no hitches anywhere."
- Christine Milan (MT Carmel Travel - Connecticut, United States): "This is to let you know my guests, The Bryant's, had a wonderful time on the trip Samburu, Masai Mara/Kenya, Chobe/Botswana & Victoria Falls/Zambia. Everything was perfect! Thank you."
Popular articles:
tags: #Africa
