A List of the Safest And Best Beaches in Africa

A List of the Safest And Best Beaches in Africa:

Continent Africa is massive. There would be plenty of room for the United States of America, Canada, and China all stuffed inside it! Its 38 coastal nations and island governments extend nearly 30,000 kilometers (18,950 miles) of coastline, and its beaches are among the most picturesque and unspoiled on the planet.

Which African nation, though, boasts the most beautiful beaches? How you want to spend your time on an African beach vacation is totally up to you. Our location in Africa allows us to enjoy the sun, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, and the finest beaches in Africa on a frequent basis. Our top ten list of African beaches is as follows…

The Best Beach Destinations in Africa

1. Mnemba Island, Tanzania

Snorkeling at Mnemba Island, Zanzibar

Mnemba Island, the undisputed embodiment of barefoot luxury, is off the northeastern coast of Unguja, the largest island in the Zanzibar Archipelago. A hidden oasis of unspoiled beachfront hugged by the dappled shadow of a casuarina pine grove, this romantic hideaway is the perfect place for a honeymoon or anniversary.

You won’t have any trouble finding a spot on Mnemba’s exclusive white sand beach, even though the island is only 1.5 km (0.9 mi) around. You can go snorkeling just off the beach, and the waters are calm and blue, making them perfect for swimming. In addition, you will have the unique opportunity to witness green turtle hatchlings emerging from their sandy nests and making their way to the ocean, an experience that will stay with you forever.

Twelve private beach cottages tucked away in the tropical jungle of the isle make up the magnificent Mnemba Island Lodge, the sole place to stay on the islet.

Best Time to Go

• July to March
• Turtle hatching is a year-round possibility, but generally peaks between February and March

Best For:

• Intimate, exclusive and flexible African beach vacations
• Swimming and snorkelling
• Combining with a safari in Tanzania

2. Quirimbas, Mozambique

Quirimbas, Mozambique

The Quirimbas Archipelago, a string of 32 beautiful islands off the coast of Mozambique, is home to some of Africa’s most beautiful beaches and a wealth of historical and cultural sites. Nature lovers can explore beautiful forests, view unusual marine species like dugongs and turtles, and discover vibrant coral reefs on the islands that are part of Quirimbas National Park.

Here are a few of our favorite Quirimbas islands:

• The picture-perfect romantic getaway is Medjumbe, a little uninhabited island.
• Quilalea is a tropical paradise that is totally uninhabited and offers fantastic snorkeling.
• Vamizi boasts extraordinarily diversified coral reefs and is hence an exemplary case study in conservation.
• The little island of Ibo was a thriving commercial station in the early 1600s. It is now covered with trees.

Best Time to Go

• May to September

Best For:

• Honeymooners and couples
• Snorkelling and scuba diving
• Combining with a safari in South Africa

3. Cape Town, South Africa

Things To Do In CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Everyone knows that the Mother City in South Africa is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The greatest beaches in Cape Town have everything you could want: lively seaside bars, exquisite restaurants, quiet coves, protected swimming areas, and the perfect place for a romantic picnic at sunset.

Here are a few of our favorite beaches in Cape Town:

• Clifton is a short ten-minute drive from the heart of the city, and it features four beautiful beach coves protected from the “south-easter” wind that blows through Cape Town.
• Famous for its palm-lined strip of hip eateries and watering holes, Camps Bay is one of Cape Town’s most popular beaches.
• One such beach is Boulders Beach, which is home to a huge colony of African penguins, which are in risk of extinction.
• The warm water of Muizenberg makes it a popular spot for surfers and families.
• One of the top kitesurfing spots in the world, Blouberg also has the nicest views of Table Mountain.

Best Time to Go

• December to March

Best For:

• Families and active travellers
• Surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and beach bars
• Sunbathing and beach picnics
• Combing with a safari in Kruger National Park

4. Anse Source D’Argent, Seychelles

Most Beautiful Beach in the Seychelles// Anse Source D’argent Crystal Kayaks

When it comes to beach vacations in Africa, the breathtaking islands of the Seychelles Archipelago are hard to top. Set against the serene blue seas of the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles provide an opportunity to indulge in your tropical island fantasies in the lap of luxury. The long stretches of white sand beaches are interrupted only by granite boulders or the rare cluster of palm palms.

If you’ve ever wanted to know where those breathtaking Seychelles photos were shot, the island of La Digue is probably the place. On the island of La Digue is Anse Source D’Argent, a beach that is often considered to be among the most picturesque in all of Africa—if not the globe! Sunbathers and snorkelers will love this picture-perfect length of white sand beach with its rocky outcrops, blue seas, and gently swaying palm trees.

Other notable mentions in the Seychelles:

• With more than 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) of powdery-soft sand, breathtaking granite formations, and great snorkeling conditions, Cote D’Or (Praslin Island) is one of the archipelago’s longest beaches.
• Mahé Island, also known as Anse Intendance, is a stunning, undeveloped beach where, from October to February, you may be lucky enough to see the hatching of turtles.
• Praslin Island’s Anse Lazio is a picture-perfect beach with large, verdant takamaka trees, powdery white sand, and polished granite pebbles that will leave you speechless.

Best Time to Go

• April to May
• October to December

Best For:

• Honeymooner and couples
• Sunbathing, snorkelling, scuba diving and swimming
• Combing with a safari in East Africa

5. Trou aux Biches, Mauritius

Trou Aux Biches: Beaches & Town | Mauritius

The west coast of Mauritius is where you want to go for the greatest beach. The western coast of this gem in the Indian Ocean is mostly protected from the rain from January to March, and it is lined with some of Africa’s finest beaches, from the remote south-west tip of the island to the northernmost Trou aux Biches, with its fine white sands.

Trou aux Biches is a favorite spot for families because of the calm, protected waters that are perfect for swimming. The kids will have a blast participating in the many water sports available, and they may also swim to a fantastic coral reef. Delectable global cuisine is served at the neighborhood eateries.

Other notable mentions in Mauritius:

• Located at the base of a majestic mountain, Le Morne boasts a long stretch of white sand beach, a lagoon protected by reefs, and an excellent golf course.
• Swimmers, snorkelers, kayakers, and scuba divers will love Flic en Flac, the longest and most famous beach on the west coast, thanks to its placid seas.
• Located on the island’s eastern shore, Belle Mare is a powdery white sand beach with an emerald lagoon, verdant flora, and a few of the priciest hotels.

Best Time to Go

• April to May
• September to December

Best For:

• Families with children
• Family-friendly water sports
• Swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and scuba diving
• Combining with a safari in Southern Africa

6. Lamu, Kenya

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF LAMU ISLAND (KENYA)

The beautiful islands of Manda, Kiwayu, Manda Toto, Pate, and Lamu make up the Lamu Archipelago, which is situated off the northern coast of Kenya. If you are seeking a peaceful, secluded beach getaway in Africa, these islands are a great option. Take part in adventures like kayaking, swimming with dolphins, dhow (traditional sailboat) rides, and historical walking tours. The months of November through March offer the ideal conditions for snorkeling and scuba diving due to the relatively calm and transparent water.

Indulge in unparalleled barefoot luxury at one of Kenya’s many stunning beach resorts on World Heritage Site Lamu Island, which has served as a cultural hub for the Swahili people for more than seven centuries. With its beautiful beaches, vibrant coral reefs, abundance of activities, delicious food, and discreet, courteous service, this island is a vacationer’s paradise.

Best Time to Go

• November to March

Best For:

• Adventurous travellers and cultural tourists
• Sunbathing, snorkelling and scuba diving
• Combining with a safari in Kenya

7. Mafia Island, Tanzania

Although Zanzibar is the most visited island in Tanzania, Mafia Island provides a more intimate and private retreat for those who prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of other popular beaches in the country. One of the top dive spots in the world is located on Mafia Island, the biggest island in the Mafia Archipelago. The wonderful beach resorts in Mafia provide first-rate diving gear and services, or you can just relax on some of Africa’s most beautiful beaches and pretend you’re a castaway.

From around the months of October to April, whale sharks make their annual migration along the Tanzanian and Kenyan shores. At current time, these docile giants spend more time than any other East African coast location centered on Mafia Island. One of life’s greatest blessings is swimming beside these calm, slow-moving filter-feeders.

Best Time to Go

• June to October (best weather)
• February to March (can be hot and humid)

Best For:

• Discerning travellers looking for exclusivity
• Scuba diving
• Swimming with whale sharks
• Combining with a safari in Tanzania

8. De Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa

De Hoop Nature Reserve, The Whale Trail, Bredasdorp, Overberg

The De Hoop Nature Reserve, sometimes called the “jewel of the Western Cape,” is a popular rest stop for visitors to South Africa’s beautiful Garden Route; it’s about three hours’ drive from Cape Town. This breathtaking coastal preserve is located on South Africa’s Whale Coast, which is well-known as the premier destination for land-based whale watching in the world.

This protected marine area is home to a variety of marine animals, including whales, dolphins, seals, and many pelagic birds. Whales come here from Antarctica to give birth and breed from July to November. De Hoop provides one-of-a-kind land-based marine safari adventures on some of Africa’s finest beaches, in a place teeming with amazing flora and animals, undulating hills, and an abundance of marine life.

Best Time to Go

• Summer (November to March) is perfect for sunbathing and coastal adventures
• Spring (September to October) is when the indigenous flora comes to life and sunsets are incredible
• Winter (July to August) is when the migratory whales arrive

Best For:

• Nature lovers seeking total exclusivity
• Independent travellers who prefer self-drive African beach vacations
• Land-based whale watching
• Combining a trip along the Garden Route

9. Bom Bom Island, São Tomé and Príncipe

Bom Bom Principe Island Resort

Located off the western coast of Africa, São Tomé and Príncipe are two tropical islands that float in the Gulf of Guinea. Indulge in barefoot luxury and Crusoe-esque adventure at this newly-discovered treasure and must-visit African beachfront resort.

Príncipe is far less popular than São Tomé, the bigger and more developed of the two islands. A variety of stunning African beaches, from wide, sandy expanses to crescents of powdery white sand, surround the two islands.

Bom Bom Island is sheltered by beaches lined with palm trees and is located off the northern coast of Príncipe. Birdwatchers will find heaven in the interior forests, and adventurers can keep themselves occupied with deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, and whale watching.

Other notable mentions in São Tomé and Príncipe:

• One of the top swimming beaches on the island, Praia dos Tamarindos in São Tomé is conveniently located just a short drive from the capital.
• Popular Bacardi rum advertisements from the 1990s popularized Praia Banana (Príncipe) with its picture-perfect sand and lovely waters.
• A couple’s paradise, Praia Bateria (Ilhéu das Rolas) is a breathtaking sand crescent encased in two sheer rock faces.

Best Time to Go

• June to September

Best For:

• Adventurous couples and nature lovers
• Swimming, sunbathing and snorkelling

10. Ilha Caldeira, Mozambique

Caldeira Island | Amazing Luxurious Lodge!

Next year, the pinnacle of barefoot luxury will be this private island off the coast of Mozambique. On this perfect gem in the Indian Ocean, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts will launch its first Southern African luxury resort.. Designed with eco-consciousness in mind, the private villas at Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira will provide spectacular views of the island’s powdery white beaches and breathtaking sunsets.

Twenty percent of Mozambique’s live coral is found in Ilha Caldeira, a world-class diving spot and marine protected area. The resort offers a variety of activities for guests to enjoy, such as sunbathing on footprint-free beaches, kayaking, whale watching, island tours within the archipelago, and viewing a historical shipwreck that went down in 1947.

Best Time to Go

• May to November

Best For:

• Couples and honeymooners
• Multi-generational families
• Swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling and scuba diving
• Combining with a safari in South Africa

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