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Top 12 African Beach Destinations

Discover Africa's Top Beaches

Africa's extensive 18,950-mile coastline across 54 countries boasts some of the world's best beaches. Madagascar, with the longest coastline of 3,000 miles, offers secluded beaches and islands like île Saint-Marie. South Africa and Mozambique, with the third and fourth longest coastlines, feature dreamy beaches such as Camps Bay and the Bazaruto Archipelago. Kenya and Tanzania also offer stunning island beaches like Zanzibar and Lamu Island.

1. Bazaruto Island, Mozambique

Sand dunes and a stunning beach on Bazaruto Island

Bazaruto Island, within the Bazaruto Archipelago Marine Park, is a paradise with warm turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. Known for its amazing diving experiences, the island offers a range of accommodations, including the luxurious &Beyond Benguerra.

2. Camps Bay Beach, Cape Town, South Africa

Camps Bay Beach in Cape Town

Camps Bay Beach, with its stunning mountain backdrop, is a local favorite for sunbathing, despite its chilly waters. Nearby Clifton Beaches offer equally beautiful scenery and shelter from the wind.

3. Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar Island, Tanzania

Aerial view of Nungwi Beach

Zanzibar Island's Nungwi Beach is a picturesque blend of white sands and clear waters, rich in culture and history. Nungwi Beach offers excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.

4. Anse Source D'Argent, La Digue Island, Seychelles

Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue Island

Anse Source d'Argent in Seychelles is renowned for its striking granite boulders and luminous waters. The best times to visit are April, May, October, and November.

5. Naama Bay, Egypt

Naama Bay, Sharm el-Sheikh

Naama Bay in Sharm el-Sheikh is a winter hotspot for Europeans, offering world-class diving and snorkeling in the coral reefs of Ras Mohammed National Park.

6. Île Sainte-Marie, Madagascar

Sainte Marie Island, Madagascar

Île Sainte-Marie, off Madagascar's coast, is a tropical haven with year-round sunshine, pristine beaches, and opportunities to see humpback whales.

7. Shela Beach, Lamu Island, Kenya

Shela Beach, Lamu Island, Kenya

Shela Beach on Lamu Island is a serene spot with clear waters and rich cultural heritage in nearby Lamu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

8. Agadir, Morocco

Umbrellas on an empty beach in Agadir, Morocco

Agadir's golden sands attract families and European tourists in winter, with private resort areas like Palm Beach and Sunset Beach.

9. Coffee Bay, South Africa

Beach at Coffee Bay along the Wild Coast in South Africa

Coffee Bay on South Africa's Wild Coast offers dramatic landscapes where hills meet the ocean, ideal for long walks and exploring the Hole In The Wall.

10. Bom Bom Beach, Principe

Aerial view of Bom Bom Beach

Bom Bom Beach on Príncipe Island is an eco-friendly retreat perfect for nature lovers, with bird-watching and sea turtle sightings.

11. Trou-aux-Biches, Mauritius

Trou-aux-Biches, Mauritius

Trou-aux-Biches in Mauritius is a tranquil beach with calm waters, offering a range of water sports and accommodations.

12. Skeleton Coast, Namibia

The Skeleton Coast in Namibia

The Skeleton Coast in Namibia is a starkly beautiful landscape with shipwrecks and abundant wildlife, though not suitable for traditional beach activities.