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10 of the Best Africa Beach Destinations
Africa’s vast 18,950-mile-long coastline is dotted with an extraordinary variety of beaches — from remote palm-fringed hideaways to energetic, culture-rich coastal towns. Whether you’re looking to unwind on powder-soft sand, explore marine life on a diving adventure, or experience island living infused with Swahili culture, Africa beach destinations offer something for everyone.
But with thousands of miles of coast (and countless islands) to choose from, the big question is: where should you go?
To help narrow it down, we’ve handpicked 10 of the very best beach destinations in Africa, based on beauty, uniqueness, local charm, and travel value. Here are our top picks:
#1 Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar is often synonymous with the best beaches in Africa — and for good reason. Located off Tanzania’s eastern coast, this island paradise is famous for its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and a unique cultural history that blends African, Arab, and European influences.
The northern beach of Nungwi is a haven for swimmers and snorkellers, thanks to its calm waters and vibrant coral reefs. Meanwhile, the southeast coast is home to Paje Beach, a mecca for kitesurfers. With long stretches of open beach and consistent winds, Paje is both a water sports hotspot and a relaxed getaway for beachgoers looking to unwind.
Beyond the beach, the historic Stone Town is a must-visit. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers narrow, winding alleyways, spice markets, and beautifully carved Zanzibari doors. The island’s rich Swahili heritage and trading history give Zanzibar a distinct, almost mystical allure.
For more details on planning your trip, check out:
- The Best of Zanzibar: 12 Frequently Asked Questions About Zanzibar Travel
- 4 Day Zanzibar Beach Resort Package
- 5 Day Zanzibar Holiday – Adventure Package
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#2 Durban, South Africa
One of the liveliest beach cities in Africa, Durban is a vibrant fusion of Indian, Zulu, and colonial influences, all set against a backdrop of expansive, golden beaches. This coastal city on South Africa’s east coast enjoys a subtropical climate with over 320 days of sunshine each year, making it ideal for year-round beach fun.
Durban’s famous Golden Mile is a magnet for locals and visitors alike, offering a bustling promenade lined with cafés, markets, and ocean-view hotels. Addington Beach is great for beginner surfers, while the Sapphire Coast south of the city offers a more relaxed, tropical beach escape.
Durban also serves as a gateway to the Drakensberg Mountains and traditional Zulu cultural villages, making it a great beach destination for travellers seeking both coastal fun and inland adventure.
Want to explore more? This tour combines beach and bush:
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#3 Cape Town Beaches, South Africa
Cape Town offers a beach for every mood and occasion — from the ultra-trendy Camps Bay to the peaceful shores of Llandudno. Nestled between mountains and sea, the city’s coastline is a patchwork of white sands, boulders, tidal pools, and surf breaks.
Camps Bay is the crown jewel, known for its glamorous beach bars, striking scenery, and postcard sunsets. Clifton’s four beaches are ideal for sunbathing in sheltered coves, while Muizenberg is Cape Town’s surf central, with colourful huts and gentle waves for beginners. For a more secluded feel, Llandudno offers golden sands framed by dramatic boulders and is a favourite among locals for its tranquil vibe.
Explore Cape Town’s coastal beauty through this tour:
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#4 Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), South Africa
Also known as Gqeberha, Port Elizabeth is South Africa’s “Friendly City” and a lesser-known coastal gem located on the country’s southern shores. As the eastern gateway to the Garden Route, it offers an ideal base to combine beach life with wildlife safaris and nature trails.
Families flock to Hobie Beach for its safe swimming areas and nearby dining, while King’s Beach is popular with both surfers and sunbathers. For something more serene, Sardinia Bay delivers sweeping sand dunes and a pristine shoreline.
The region’s mild climate means beach season is essentially year-round, with November to March being especially ideal.
Extend your stay after a safari:
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#5 Vilankulos, Mozambique
With 1,540 miles of mostly undeveloped coastline, Mozambique is a rising star among African beach destinations — and Vilankulos is at the forefront of that charm. A coastal town on the Indian Ocean, it’s known as the gateway to the stunning Bazaruto Archipelago.
Vilankulos is the epitome of rustic beach charm. Traditional dhow boats float across the bay, colourful fishing scenes play out on the sand, and the vibe is calm and community-focused. The sheltered waters here make it perfect for snorkelling, diving, and kitesurfing.
Best of all, Vilankulos offers both adventure and relaxation on a budget — a rarity for such a visually stunning location.
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#6 Tofo Beach, Mozambique
For travellers looking to mix beach life with world-class marine adventures, Tofo Beach in Mozambique offers the perfect blend. This coastal town on the Inhambane Peninsula has earned a reputation as one of the top dive destinations in Africa, known for its encounters with whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and seasonal humpback whales.
Tofo’s shoreline stretches out in a golden arc, backed by sand dunes and dotted with rustic lodges and eco-friendly beachfront bungalows. It’s a haven for barefoot travellers, offering a relaxed and bohemian atmosphere with plenty of options for seafood feasts, beach bars, and friendly local interactions.
Although it’s a favourite among backpackers, Tofo remains uncrowded — especially outside of school holidays — making it one of the best Africa beach holiday destinations for solitude, ocean adventure, and affordable paradise.
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#7 Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
Just offshore from Vilankulos lies the exquisite Bazaruto Archipelago — a group of six islands protected as a marine reserve. The archipelago is home to deserted white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and coral-rich reefs teeming with sea life including dolphins, turtles, and the rare dugong.
This group of islands offers luxury lodge escapes and exclusive beach resorts, perfect for honeymooners or travellers seeking tranquillity and barefoot luxury. Each island, including Bazaruto, Benguerra, and Magaruque, has its own personality, from dune-backed beaches to freshwater lakes.
If overnighting on the islands is beyond your budget, you can still enjoy their splendour via day trips from Vilankulos, making it an ideal destination for both budget and luxury beach travellers.
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#8 Tsarabanjina, Madagascar
If remote island bliss is what you crave, Tsarabanjina off the coast of northern Madagascar delivers just that. This private island, part of the Mitsio Archipelago, offers one of the most exclusive and untouched beach getaways in Africa.
Home to only 25 bungalows, it’s the type of destination where you can walk barefoot along soft white sands, snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, and enjoy starlit dinners by the sea with no one else in sight. The island’s commitment to sustainability and preservation ensures its marine and land ecosystems remain pristine and flourishing.
Dry season, from April to December, is the best time to visit. Activities include nature walks, kayaking, and snorkelling excursions — all in complete harmony with the environment.
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#9 Lamu Archipelago, Kenya
Steeped in Swahili history and culture, the Lamu Archipelago off Kenya’s coast is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. For centuries, this chain of islands was a key trading port on the Indian Ocean, and it still retains the charm of its historic past.
Lamu Island, the main hub, is home to Lamu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest Swahili settlements in East Africa. The town’s winding alleyways, dhow harbours, coral stone houses, and car-free streets offer a magical, slow-paced lifestyle that transports you back in time. Donkeys remain the primary mode of transport!
Beyond history, the beaches are incredible. Shela Beach is the most famous — a sweeping stretch of golden sand perfect for long walks and sunset dips. Manda Island offers seclusion at Manda Bay and Takwa Beach, with pristine sands and minimal development.
For the best experience, visit between November and March when the weather is dry and the ocean calm.
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#10 Lake Malawi, Malawi
Though not on the ocean, Lake Malawi is home to some of the most stunning freshwater beaches in Africa. This enormous lake stretches over 360 miles and boasts white-sand shores, crystal-clear waters, and hundreds of fish species — many found nowhere else on Earth.
Beaches like Senga Bay, Kande Beach, and Chintheche each offer a unique feel. Nkhata Bay is a favourite among divers and snorkellers for its excellent visibility and colourful cichlid fish, while Nankoma Island, located in the Lake Malawi National Park (a UNESCO site), provides an intimate, eco-conscious escape.
Lake Malawi is ideal for kayaking, swimming, and sunset sailing. Thanks to its calm, warm waters and friendly communities, it’s also perfect for families and first-time travellers to Africa.
Combine your visit with a wilderness experience:
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Plan the Ultimate Africa Beach & Bush Holiday
From the dramatic shores of South Africa to the remote islands of Mozambique and Madagascar, and from the historic Swahili towns of Kenya to the serene shores of Lake Malawi, there’s no shortage of unforgettable African beach destinations.
Whether you’re seeking luxury, adventure, cultural immersion, or complete off-grid seclusion, these top 10 beach locations offer the perfect starting point. Each destination pairs beautifully with a Big Five safari or cultural journey, allowing you to create a custom trip that balances coastal relaxation and wild exploration.
Still searching for the perfect place? Explore more:
Let our team of Africa Travel Experts help you build your perfect itinerary — from flights and transfers to lodges and guided experiences. Contact us today and make your Africa beach holiday dreams a reality.
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