Whether you’re taking a trip from Africa for some business, safari tour, a romantic honeymoon, or just a vacation the other best thing you can do is to have a chilled beach relaxation on those of the magnificent beaches in the world.
With clear turquoise water, so many stretches of white sand and different activities to choose from, it’s hard to choose the best beach in Africa.
Here is some guide to nine best beaches in Africa for swimming, kite diving, snorkeling, wakeboarding, sunbathing, and enjoying beautiful beach resorts. (in no particular order).
1. Nungwi Beach- Zanzibar, Tanzania
Nungwi Beach is located in the northernmost tip of Zanzibar and is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Zanzibar.
Nungwi has amazing white coral sand that seems to glow after nightfall. In 2014, Nungwi Beach was on CNN’s list of 100 best beaches. Also in 2018, it made it to the list of Top 25 Beaches in the World in TripAdvisor’s Travellers Choice Awards.
There are numerous beach resorts, hotels, restaurants, and bars that offer a variety of night-time entertainment. Nungwi’s extensive coastline is wide open for diving, swimming, and snorkeling in some of Africa’s most pristine, reef-rich waters.
It’s one of the rare beaches untroubled by severe undulations of high and low tides, making it perfect for all-day water activities. You can also see green turtles, dolphins, and whale sharks, and enjoy a sunset cruise on a traditional dhow sailing boat.
Best Place to Stay in Zanzibar
Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar, located on Nungwi Beach beautiful white sand and crystalline turquoise water that makes it a paradise.
This place offers inclusive holidays/vacations with exclusive services of RIU Hotels and Resorts. The rooms are very sophisticated and are notable for their designs and spaciousness.
All rooms have air conditioning, satellite TV, Minibar, and balcony/terrace. For those who prefer more privacy, there are villas with private pools.
Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel, main and theme restaurants. The hotel is 66km (41 miles ) from the airport. Also, there is a spa with a variety of treatments, beauty salons, and massages.
2. Anse Source D’Argent -La Digue, Seychelles
Anse Source d’Argent is one of the most photographed beaches in the world. Anse Source D’Argent is an Adventureland and is suitable for adults and children and is one of the most popular beaches of the 115-island archipelago in the western Indian Ocean.
The beach is located on La Digue Island and is one of Seychelle’s most famous attractions. Famous for its reef-sheltered, crystal clear water and otherworldly granite boulders.
It’s also famous for having been used in several prominent commercial shoots and films, including movies such as Castaway by Tom Hanks and the famous Bacardi Ad of the 1990s.
The beach can only be accessed through privately-owned plantation L’Union Estate with an entrance fee of 100 rupees, ( US$7.40) that is valid all day.
The beach is very popular so that it can get crowded with visitors. It will be better to visit early in the morning and return in the late afternoon to avoid many of the island’s day visitors if you don’t like the crowd.
Best Place to Stay in Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
La Digue Island Lodge, this is one of the most unique and vintage establishments of Seychelles – surrounded by a lush green environment and a private stretch of beach.
The hotel is a time-honored establishment with its iconic Yellow House that transcends the island’s traditions and way of life. The unique beachside setting boasts magnificent vistas of the neighboring islands and beautiful crystalline waters where colorful sunsets paint the skies daily.
The hotel offers a lot of activities and leisure such as Spa, excursions & sightseeing, walk & trails, and fishing. Also, there are five different restaurants to choose from.
3. Grand Baie, Mauritius
Grand Baie is a large tourist beach located in the district of Rivière du Rempart at the north of Mauritius. This resort town is the most popular holiday/vacation destination in Mauritius.
Grand Baie offers facilities for safe swimming, sailing, windsurfing, and water skiing. It is also the departure point for deep-sea fishing trips and boat excursions to the islands to the north of Mauritius. There is good accommodation, bars, and restaurants,
Best Place to Stay Grand Baie, Mauritius
The Club Med La Pointe aux Canonniers Resort Its two idyllic beaches are protected from the wind and lined by former colonial houses with thatched roofs.
Glide across the turquoise lagoon on your waterskis, then enjoy some time for yourself in the Zen infinity pool. Embark in a family diving adventure among coral reefs and swordfishes.
Savor the delights of a tasting workshop led by one of France’s top wine sommeliers.
4. Nosy Be, Madagascar
Nosy Be Island is Madagascar’s number one beach destination. It has turquoise water, soft white, and don’t forget the wonderful seafood.
Nosy Be is the best place for water activities such as diving which is a famous activity there. Plenty of swimming, snorkeling, sailing, and fishing. There are also excursions to the surrounding islands.
Best place to stay in Nosy Be Island
Anjiamarango Beach Resort Hotel, located near a small village of Befotaka 20 minutes from Fascene International Airport.
The hotel has 35 individual bungalows that are facing the sea which gives you a breathtaking view.
There are a French & Malagasy cuisine restaurant and a lot of activities to do such as outing in the sea in kayaks, traditional fishing, scuba diving, and many more.
5. Saly Beach, Senegal
Saly beach is located in the seaside town of Saly- Portudal, 50 miles from Dakar the capital of Senegal, and its 15 minutes away from Blaise Diagne International Airport.
The area has high-class luxurious hotels, casinos, and golf courses. This place attracts many tourists with its long arching beach, and palm-fronded hotel -restaurants. Saly beach has a lot of activities such as windsurfing, jet ski, and sport fishing.
Best Place to Stay in Saly-Portudal
Lamantin Beach Resort & Spa, this is the largest seaside resort in West Africa. Built-in local style with a flowery garden and coconut trees around the area that is one of the things makes the resort popular. The resort offers both land and water activities.
6. Camps Bay Beach, South Africa
Camp Bay beach is located in Cape Town, South Africa. It’s the campground for beachgoers. The beautiful Camp Bay beach is surrounded with its white-sand beaches, hiking trails, and beachfront restaurants serving seafood and local wines, best enjoyed while watching a colorful sunset.
Don’t forget a lot of activities such as volleyball, beach bats, frisbees, etc.
Best Place to Stay in Cape Town
The Twelve Apostles dramatically located above the Atlantic Ocean, flanked by majestic Twelve Apostles and Table Mountain, our award-winning hotel offers luxurious rooms and exquisite dining experiences.
Savor seafood and fine dining at Azure Restaurant, enjoy delicious cocktails and breath-taking sunsets at The Leopard Bar, and luxuriate in our holistic spa with stunning outdoor gazebos
7. Bazaruto-Mozambique
Bazaruto Islands are located in Mozambique and are known for their unspoiled beauty and diverse ecologies. Its magnificent coral reefs are home to more than 2000 fish species as well as whales and dolphins.
There are a lot of activities to do in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Such as the diving and snorkeling in the Bazaruto Marine National Park, kayaking and parasailing.
For those visitors who would just like to get away from it, all will find Bazaruto just the place to relax, sip cocktails, and indulge in a delicious seafood beach dinner or perhaps sail away on a dhow for a castaway picnic.
Best Place to Stay in Anantara Bazaruto Island
Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort, seats on the Indian Ocean coastline is an aqua playground immersed in brilliant watercolor. Breathtaking views, rolling dunes melt into the ocean.
Here you can swim with dolphins and experience the annual migration of humpback whales from July to September. The resort offers several activities like world-class diving, sailing, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, sunset dune boarding, sunset sail, and award-winning Anantara Spa.
8. Santa Maria, Sal – Cape Verde
The fishing town of Santa Maria is located in Cape Verde, has beautiful beaches and lively evenings. It is a hot vacation destination. Santa Maria beach is a perfect place to admire the natural beauty.
You can soak up some sun in the afternoon in those golden sand and hit the bars and restaurants in the area. If you happen to visit in mid-September you will be able to enjoy their music festival.
Best Place to stay in Santa Maria, Cape Verde
Meliá Dunas Beach Resort & Spa is a luxury all-inclusive pool and beach resort. Located overlooking a coral reef with rich sea life. The tropical gardens make this place a paradise
The best place to watch the sunset, a good place to have fun with kids at the water park, relaxing at the Yhi Spa and enjoying exquisite cuisine in their fine restaurant. The resort is a great destination for windsurfing, kitesurfing and scuba diving.
9. Essaouira- Morocco
The whitewashed and windswept coastal town of Essaouira is located in Morocco. This place has been a tourist attraction for so long.
There are long expanses of white sand backed by the dunes and a stretch of argan trees which gives a unique feeling. Its endless expanse of pristine Atlantic beach makes it a paradise for surfers, windsurfers and kite surfers.
Best Place to Stay in Essaouira
Villa Quieta Essaouira, this former family place will take your breath away with its traditional architecture mixed with modern comfort.
While there you can enjoy its outdoor swimming pool located in a large garden. There are a lot of activities such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, etc.