A Guide to African Beach Holidays
Why not enjoy a relaxing retreat on a beach holiday in Africa? Africa offers some of the best beach holidays. With world-class beaches along its extensive coastline, the continent offers something unique while remaining distinctly African.
From palm-fringed white sand beaches, turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs and lush mangroves to windswept dunes, tropical islands and historic towns, each destination offers a blend of breathtaking beauty, luxurious amenities, and tailor-made experiences.
Highlights for African Beach Holidays
- Beach holidays in Africa feature idyllic palm-fringed white-sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and coral reefs, making them top choice luxury and romance destinations.
- Easily combine an inland safari with a relaxing stay off the coast of Kenya or Tanzania to ensure a complete and unique safari and beach experience (bush-and-beach combinations).
- Explore a mix of history and culture in Stone Town, Lamu, Bazaruto, and the archipelago nations of Seychelles and Mauritius.
- Diverse beach experiences featuring adventure-filled activities including snorkeling, diving (Mafia Island), and marine life encounters.
Best African Beach Holiday Destinations
Whether you’re seeking gentle adventure, barefoot luxury, calm, or effortless indulgence, here’s a look at some of our expertly handpicked African beach holiday destinations.
1. Zanzibar
Also known as the Spice Islands, Zanzibar is famous for stunning beaches, private honeymoon islands, rich history, and exotic allure. It offers a laid-back beach experience after a safari in the Serengeti, Masai Mara, Bwindi, or Volcanoes, making it the ultimate paradise to include on your bucket-list.
Zanzibar features a vast array of exclusive accommodation and activities to embark on, including exploring the labyrinthine streets of Stone Town, visiting the House of Wonders, Old Fort and the spice plantations, and swimming in coral reefs around Pemba and Mnemba.
2. Seychelles
The Seychelles is the epitome of Indian Ocean luxury, but this comes at a price! This idyllic unspoiled archipelago is located 1,000 miles off the east coast of Africa. It features over a hundred breathtaking islands, characterized by warm, crystal-clear waters and dramatic peaks, making it an ideal beach break destination after an overland adventure. Seychelles can easily be combined with a safari holiday in Southern or East Africa.
3. Mauritius
Mauritius is another idyllic, fun-filled island nation and beach destination located about 2,000 kilometres off the southeast coast of Africa. Surrounded by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, it is a paradise for sun, beach, water sport, and cultural immersions. Moreover, it can easily be combined with any kind of African vacation, including big game safaris in Southern or East Africa.
4. Mozambique
Mozambique offers some of the best long beaches on the mainland but for a real African island experience, the islands off the coast are a treat. Set in tranquil, turquoise seas off the coast of southern Mozambique, the Bazaruto Archipelago and its five tropical islands offer some of the world’s best scuba diving and snorkeling.
The fascinating history and culture can be found in the stunning, remote islands of the Quirimbas Archipelago, located in northern Mozambique.
5. Lamu and Diani Beach
Located in the Indian Ocean off Kenya’s northern coast, the Lamu Archipelago comprises the alluring islands of Lamu, Manda, Pate, Kiwayu and Manda Toto. These islands offer a tranquil, traditional, rustic and away-from-the-crowds African beach experience with a range of activities to embark on.
Diani Beach, located 30 km south of Mombasa, offers a premier experience along its 10-kilometer-long shoreline with shallow turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and coral reefs.
6. Cape Town
It is no wonder Cape Town is home to world-class and award-winning beaches renowned for their breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re interested in buzzing beachside bars, world-class restaurants, secluded coves, safe swimming areas or a romantic spot for a sunset picnic, all are within close proximity to the city center.
Beach Vacations and wildlife safaris
