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6 min read

A Guide to the Best African Beaches

curved coast and beautiful beach with boats on Zanzibar island
Contents
  1. The best beaches in East Africa
  2. Zanzibar
  3. Kenya
  4. Mozambique
  5. The best beaches in South Africa
  6. Indian Ocean islands
  7. The Seychelles
  8. Mauritius
  9. Travel guides
Jody van Merode

Africa abounds with legendary safari destinations, rare wildlife, lofty peaks and vast plains – but it also has its fair share of stunning coastline and islands. Kenya, Mozambique and South Africa boast sandy shores that are a perfect complement to inland adventures. Islands like Zanzibar, Mauritius and the Seychelles offer many of the best beaches in Africa, which combine beautifully with our favourite safari trips to create luxurious multi-country adventures.

Whether you want to relax in the sun or dive beneath the waves in search of marine wildlife, we highly recommend adding some of these beautiful African beaches into your itinerary. You can also go snorkelling, surfing, whale watching, birding or exploring in historic towns nearby. From family getaways to romantic honeymoons, here are Africa’s best beaches for every type of trip.

The best beaches in East Africa

Many of the most beautiful beaches in Africa can be found along its eastern coast. The East African countries of Kenya and Mozambique allow you to combine safaris and beaches without even crossing a border, while Zanzibar is just a short trip from mainland Tanzania.

Zanzibar

Two white-sailed dhow boats anchored in crystal clear turquoise water along a tropical white sand shoreline.
Two traditional dhow sailing boats rest in the turquoise shallow waters of a white sand beach under a bright blue sky.

Zanzibar is a Tanzanian archipelago best known for its eponymous main island. After exploring safari spots like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, you can take a short flight to this African island paradise for sunbathing, scuba diving and world-class kite surfing. Zanzibar Island is home to historic Stone Town, while Mnemba Island and Thanda Island offer total seclusion.

Need to know: The best time to visit Zanzibar is during one of its two dry seasons: June to October or January to February. July to September is the best time to combine it with a safari.

Kenya

Lush green trees overlooking a long, white sand beach with gentle waves and small boats on a turquoise sea.
A wide, white sand beach stretches toward the horizon under a clear blue sky, framed by lush green trees and turquoise ocean water.

The Kenyan coast isn’t as well-known as safari destinations like the Maasai Mara, but it has its own charms: white sand beaches, swaying palm trees, quiet villages and diverse cultural heritage. We especially love the natural beauty of Tiwi Beach. The Lamu Archipelago is even farther off the beaten track, with a handful of small islands hiding exclusive escapes like Manda Bay Hotel.

Need to know: The best time to visit Kenya’s coast is during the warmer dry season (December to March) but the cooler dry season (June to October) is preferable when going on a safari too.

Mozambique

Aerial view of light-colored sandbars and deep turquoise water channels stretching toward a distant horizon.
An aerial view showcases intricate sandbars and shallow turquoise channels winding through the ocean under a wispy blue sky.

Mozambique is also a fantastic addition to a multi-country African adventure. Its vast stretches of sand are arguably the main attraction, although there’s also plenty of wildlife to be seen farther inland on a combined luxury African safari and beach vacation . Our favourite spots include Ponta Mamoli and the remote islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago.

Need to know: The best time to visit Mozambique is May to October, when the weather is dry and not too hot. This also coincides with the best season for scuba diving and whale watching.

The best beaches in South Africa

A scenic view of a coastal city nestled between steep mountains and a sandy beach with large rocks.
Rugged mountain peaks overlook a coastal town and white sand beach scattered with large boulders during a warm sunset.

As if there weren’t already enough incredible places to visit in South Africa, this country also boasts some of the best African beaches. Cape Town offers the glamorous Camps Bay and rock-strewn Clifton Beaches; Jeffreys Bay attracts the world’s best surfers to the Eastern Cape; and the Whale Coast promises white sand with a backdrop of dramatic cliffs.

You can often spot dolphins and whales from the sandy shores of Robberg 5 Beach on the Garden Route. And if you’re headed south from the Kruger, stop in KwaZulu-Natal – this coastal province enjoys a subtropical climate, making it a year-round destination for sun seekers. 

Need to know: If you want to see a little bit of everything – beaches, cities, safaris, whales, wildflowers and more – spring (September–November) is the best time to visit South Africa.

Indian Ocean islands

A few of Africa’s best beach destinations are scattered throughout the Indian Ocean, far enough from the mainland to ensure a truly secluded experience – but still close enough to combine with South Africa, Kenya or Tanzania for a well-rounded trip.

The Seychelles

Tropical beach scene featuring large smooth rocks, palm trees, and turquoise water under a clear sky.
Large granite boulders and leaning palm trees line a tropical beach with gentle waves washing over the pale sand.

The Seychelles are both impeccably stylish and brilliantly biodiverse, making this remote archipelago a prime destination for nature lovers. Fregate Island boasts the gorgeous beaches of Anse Victorin and Anse Maquereau, while Mahé Island juxtaposes cloud forests with hidden coves. To complement beach time with hiking and rare wildlife, head to Silhouette Island.

Need to know: For optimal beach weather and diving conditions, the best time to visit the Seychelles is either April to May or October to November.

Mauritius

Eye-level view of a clear turquoise ocean with a sandy beach, tropical trees, and a large mountain in the background.
A massive green mountain rises behind a white sand beach and crystal-clear turquoise lagoon under a bright, cloud-flecked sky.

More than 600 miles (1,000 kilometres) east of Madagascar, you’ll find the enchanting island nation of Mauritius. Its pristine beaches are an undeniable draw: Belle Mare is wonderfully wild and authentic, while Tamarin Beach attracts both surfers and dolphins. Baie aux Tortues (Turtle Bay) is ideal for snorkelling – and home to the opulent Oberoi Beach Resort.

Need to know: Although it’s a year-round destination, the best time to visit Mauritius and its beautiful beaches is during the drier months from May to December.

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