Africa is home to some of the world’s best beaches as its countries are spread through miles of coastlines. With so many possible destinations to ponder on, picking the perfect place to go on your African beach vacation can be difficult. Options range from paradise islands of Mauritius and the Seychelles to the South African Wild Coast. Here are some of the most popular beaches to visit in Africa.
1. Clifton Beach
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Situated in one of Cape Town’s most affluent and sough-after suburbs, Camps Bay Beach is roughly a 10-minute drive from downtown Cape Town and has exquisite views of Lion’s head and the Twelve Apostle Peaks.
The beach is located on the Atlantic Ocean, making it too cold for the average swimmer with temperatures averaging 10°C (50°F). Many do brave the cold waters, while some sunbathe on the white sand beach. For those feeling peckish, the beach area is surrounded by rows of restaurants overlooking the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
2. Anse Source D’Argent
Location: La Digue Island, Seychelles
The islands of the Seychelles are situated off the east coast of Madagascar in the middle of the Indian Ocean and have always been a favourite spot for the rich and famous. There are tons of stunning beaches scattered around this archipelago and Anse Source D’Argent is one of the most beautiful.
The jungle found on this island has huge granite boulders, with snow white beach sand and a sea so luminously turquoise. The best times to visit the Seychelles is around April, May, October and November when the skies are mostly sunny and blue. Anse Source D’Argent’s clear beaches are also perfect for snorkelling offshore too.
3. Trou-aux-Biches
Location: Trou-aux-Biches, Mauritius
Mauritius is also an island off the east coast of Madagascar, in the same area as the Seychelles. Mauritius is a more favourable island to travel to than the Seychelles based on a budget perspective. Trou-aux-Biches is one of the top beaches in Mauritius, located on the main island near the small town also by the same name.
The ocean is calm and perfect for a swim, and the sands are powdery white with palm trees all around. The beach is surrounded by a variety of hotels ranging in different price brackets, as a well as restaurants serving local and international cuisine.
4. Île Sainte-Marie
Location: Sainte Marie Island, Madagascar
Madagascar is still considered as one of Africa’s most unique countries as it is still relatively undiscovered. Many fauna and flora that are purely native to this country call it home. Île Sainte-Marie is a tropical wonderland, boasting sunny skies all year round with porcelain white sands, palm trees and water so clear you could almost drink.
The weather is perfect for vacationing since it’s fairly good throughout the entire year. Between July and September, expect to spot some humpback whales off the coastline in between rounds of the bingo Australia offers online.
5. Nungwi Beach
Location: Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar is an island located off the Tanzanian Coast. This magnificent island is filled with spectacular beaches and a rich culture.
From the clear turquoise water, spotting a few of the locals with their traditional regalia, to the lively bazaars of the Swahili coastal Stone Town trading centre, Zanzibar is definitely one of the most popular beach vacations to experience in Africa. Nungwi beach has white sands, palm trees and clear waters that are excellent for snorkelling and diving offshore.