Some of the best beaches in the world may be found in Africa, which has 18,950 miles of coastline divided among 54 countries.
With 3,000 miles of coastline, Madagascar boasts the longest on the continent. It is home to hundreds of lovely, frequently extremely secluded beaches as well as offshore islands like île Saint-Marie, where the scenery is breathtaking and life goes slowly.
The longest coastlines in Africa are found in South Africa and Mozambique, which also boast an abundance of gorgeous beaches with breathtaking scenery. For absolute jaw-dropping views, don’t miss Cape Town’s Camps Bay.
Moreover, Mozambique is home to hundreds of offshore islands, such as the Bazaruto Archipelago, which has a relaxed atmosphere, warm, clear turquoise water, and pure white beaches. Further north are Kenya and Tanzania, where there are even more breathtaking coastlines. Some of the nicest beaches in these countries are off the mainland on island paradises like Lamu Island in Kenya and Zanzibar in Tanzania.
It’s difficult to choose just one beach from the many beautiful stretches of sand that are spread across several nations. However, we believe the ones we’ve included here are the most captivating on the African continent.
Best Beaches In Africa
38 nations in Africa lay claim to coastlines. There are so many beaches to pick from. There are historic sites in Ghana, postcard-perfect palm-studded Mozambique, and savage cliffs that destroyed numerous ships trying to navigate the treacherous waters of South Africa during the early colonization era. Smaller, oceanic islands also exist. Many of them have serene beaches with gentle, golden gravel, sparkling lagoons, and posh resorts scattered throughout. It seems criminal to limit oneself to just 15 beaches with such diversity.
There’s an enchanting African beachfront for everything from sacramental rituals to crossing off a bucket list dive, or just sunbathing, surfing, and searching for unforgettable boogies in the glow of a popular beach bar.
These are the best 14 beaches in Africa for all types of getaways.
#1. Bazaruto Island, Mozambique
Some of the most beautiful beaches we’ve ever seen may be found on Bazaruto Island, which is located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Mozambique and inside the confines of the Bazaruto Archipelago Marine Park.
#2. Camps Bay Beach, Cape Town, South Africa
One of South Africa’s most popular beaches, Camps Bay Beach is just a minute’s drive from the city center and offers views of the Twelve Apostles peaks and Lion’s Head. Sunbathing on the white-sand beach is a popular local activity, even though the water is too chilly for the average swimmer.
#3. Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar Island, Tanzania
The island of Zanzibar, which sits off the coast of Tanzania, is a lovely place to visit. In addition to having amazing beaches like Nungwi, Zanzibar has a vibrant cultural scene. One of Africa’s most picturesque destinations, Stone Town is home to the vibrant bazaars of the Swahili coastal commerce hub, as well as wooden dhows cruising the crystal-clear turquoise waters.
#4. Naama Bay, Egypt
Egypt’s best beach resort, Sharm el-Sheikh, is centered around Naama Bay on the Sinai Peninsula. This is where the white-sand beach meets the calm, clear, blue seas of the Gulf of Aqaba. In the distance, you can see the rocky coastline of Saudi Arabia.
#5. Agadir, Morocco
Morocco’s most well-known beach is the gold-sand beach in Agadir on the country’s southern Atlantic coast. European visitors who come here in the winter to escape the cold in their own countries are particularly drawn to the family-friendly beach and the resort town beyond it.
#6. Mafia Island, Tanzania
Tanzania’s less well-known island address is Mafia Island. Sublimely peaceful and situated about 100 miles south of Zanzibar, the entire atoll has only 300 hotel beds, compared to 10,000 in Zanzibar. Beaches without crowds are almost a given here.
#7. Loango National Park, Gabon
This is an adventurous person’s beach. The Loango National Park in West Africa is home to flourishing estuaries, wide grasslands, and teeming forests. It also boasts the best tourism infrastructure, and hippos love the spotless beaches.
#8. Cabo Ledo, Angola
Angola, cut off from the world for decades after the bloody civil war, is gradually opening up due to its stable politics and laxer visa requirements.
#9. Cape Maclear, Lake Malawi
Though the name “sea” may be a stretch, this massive inland pool of crystal-clear water offers reasonably priced lakeside fun that extends as far as the eye can see.
#10. Grand-Popo, Republic of Benin
Grand-Popo’s vast sandy beaches are very alluring but regrettably not suitable for swimming due to the often choppy waves and hazardous rip currents. Instead, stay on the sand and uncover a priceless nugget of West African tradition.
#11. Margarida, Príncipe
Give Madagascar a break. Due to its remote location, some 130 miles off the coast of mainland West Africa, the two-island republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, once known as the Chocolate Islands, is now referred to as Africa’s own Galapag.
#12. Elmina, Ghana
Even though beach vacations are typically a frivolous, relaxing activity, many of Africa’s coastlines are rich in historical significance. Visit Elmina Beach to show respect for the land and those who departed from it.
#13. Skeleton Coast, Namibia
This harsh, isolated portion of Namibia’s coast is not suitable for snorkelers or beachcombers. More daring beachgoers, however, won’t want to miss the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity found on this protected stretch of coastline in southwest Africa—sometimes referred to as “the end of the earth.”
#14. Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique
The little seaside community of Ponta do Ouro is located close to Mozambique’s southern border. The name “Tip of Gold” is apt for the beach that encircles the clear waters of the Indian Ocean.
Beautiful Beaches In Africa
Africa is home to some of the most stunning beaches and islands on the planet, each having its own distinct and intriguing history, customs, scenery, and points of interest. The normal tempo of life permits visitors to unwind fully for a few days. These beaches and islands are among the most stunning in all of Africa.
#1. Zanzibar Archipelago
Travelers hoping to take in local culture and unwind on the most gorgeous white-sand beaches will find Zanzibar, an island in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Tanzania, to be nothing short of a paradise.
#2. Lamu
Lamu is by far the most tranquil and laid-back beach town in Kenya. The only things that can break the tranquility visitors will find in Lamu are the sporadic howling donkeys and the calls to prayer.
#3. Seychelles
For a moment, imagine yourself lounging on a beautiful day at a captivating white sand beach with pristine waters, verdant hills, and striking glacial boulders.
#4. Mauritius
Take a flight to Mauritius to experience a little piece of paradise. The island boasts a rich history and diverse culture, in addition to fantastic swimming and sunbathing options in cobalt blue waters and white sand beaches.
#5. Santo Antão
Who hasn’t heard about the breathtaking islands of Cape Verde? Santo Antão is without a doubt the most stunning of all. The vertical island, bursting with breathtaking gorges, canyons, and valleys, provides some of the best trekking experiences in the West African region.
#6. Kokrobite
Ghana’s capital city, Accra, is only a 45-minute drive away from Kokrobite, which is made up of a lengthy, breathtaking stretch of gorgeous white sand beaches. Backpackers, Accra weekenders, and volunteers all love this place.
#7. Réunion
Until you reach Réunion, it hardly appears impossible to have such a vast diversity of breathtaking landscapes on such a little territory. This enchanted African island is similar to the island of Hawaii; it has stunning waterfalls, amazing hilly scenery, emerald woods, white and black sand beaches, amazing panoramic views, and much more.
#8. Cape Maclear
Searching for a pristine island in Africa? Do not search elsewhere. The small pearl of Malawi, Cape Maclear, has the solution you seek. Not only is life slow in this little fishing community on Lake Nyasa, but it moves extremely slowly.
#9. Limbe
Limbe is a gorgeous, modern seaside city in Cameroon, situated between the breathtaking Atlantic coastline and the rainforest of Mount Cameroon.
Black Sand Beaches In Africa
Have you ever thought, even in your most fantastical fantasies, that there are beaches in Africa with black sand?
Although rare in Africa, black-sand beaches are the result of historical geological processes. Volcanoes that are now erupting on the continent will eventually convert to black sand. The black sand is the result of the subsequent weathering and disintegration of volcanic minerals, such as basalt, which is rich in iron and magnesium. Over time, when volcanic material erodes, fine particles develop, contributing to the unique look of black sand.
Africa has numerous countries with black sand beaches along its vast coastline, and each has its own special blend of scenic beauty and cultural richness.
Contrary to popular belief, black-sand beaches can be found throughout Africa. Black-sand beaches can be found in Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritius, Eritrea, Ghana, Cameroon, Cape Verde, and the Seychelles. As mentioned above, there has been some volcanic activity in these countries, which is why the black sand is found on their coastlines. In light of this, the beaches in Africa with black sand are listed below.
#1. Nungwi Beach
Black-sand beaches can be found in Nungwi and Pongwe in the Zanzibar archipelago, which is off the coast of Tanzania. The sight of the turquoise seas of the Indian Ocean meeting the ebony coasts draws tourists.
#2. Eastern Shores (Madagascar)
Among the beaches in Africa with black sand are those on Madagascar’s eastern coast, close to Soanierana Ivongo. This area makes up the island of Madagascar, which is known for its incredibly diverse range of black-sand beaches.
#3. Cape Verde Island Beaches (Cape Verde)
Off the northwest coast of Africa, the Cape Verde Islands have a long history of volcanic activity. Black sand beaches may be found in the Santo Antão and Santiago Islands, where tourists can take in the breathtaking natural splendor of these natural beauties.
#4. Western Ghana Beaches
Ghana’s coastline is attractive because it features black sand beaches in addition to a rich historical background. Travelers are encouraged to experience the intersection of natural beauty and cultural tradition found along these varied shorelines in the Western Region.
#5. Limbe Beach (Cameroon)
When it comes to beaches in Africa with black sand, Cameroon holds a unique position. Particularly Limbe town on Cameroon’s west coast features stunning, glossy black beaches.
#6. Dahlak Archipelago (Eritrea)
A few miles off the coast of Eritrea is the Dahlak Archipelago. The area is notable for its alluring views of black sand, which never fail to draw tourists.
#7. Mfangano Island Beach
There are miles of black-sand beaches on Mfangano Island in Nyanza. These mineral deposits are the result of decades of volcanic activity in this area.
Safest Beaches In Africa
The mother continent of Africa amazes the world with the variety of its wildlife, long, gorgeous beaches, breathtaking safaris, and rich cultural heritage. You can take a nice nap in the middle of nature in Africa. However, do you fear for your safety while visiting the nation? When traveling, especially to a new location, safety is a top priority. Societal security, militarism, and ongoing domestic and foreign wars are just a few factors that affect a country’s level of safety. There won’t be as many tourists in dangerous nations. We have compiled a list of the top ten safest destinations in Africa out of 54 countries. We hope your vacation is secure and enjoyable.
#1. Ghana
Ghana’s tropical environment and intriguing wildlife make it a year-round destination. Ghana is the safest country for a first-time traveler to Africa due to its safety and hospitality. The ideal time to visit Ghana is from October to March. Ghana is renowned for its stunning coastline, white-sand beaches, lush forests, and variety of wildlife.
#2. Gambia
The Gambia is another secure destination in Africa. It offers tourists comfort and tranquility. The Gambia is surrounded on three sides by Senegal. There is an 80-kilometer stretch of Atlantic Ocean coastline in the west. November and May are the ideal months to travel to the Gambia.
#3. Botswana
One of the greatest locations to enjoy the great outdoors and amazing animals is Botswana. Traveling to Botswana is safe and the country has a lower level of corruption. The tourism industry in the nation is well established. Botswana became a popular tourist destination because of its varied landscapes, vibrant culture, and stable democracy.
#4. Tanzania
You may have one of the greatest safaris in Africa in Tanzania. There will be fewer opportunities for crime because most people will be traveling outside of cities. Safaris are extremely safe, with skilled guides trained to handle close interactions with wildlife.
#5. Sierra Leone
Because of its breathtaking scenery, travelers love Sierra Leone above all other African destinations. This is where mangrove beaches meet mountains. Despite having a high crime rate, Sierra Leone’s stunning scenery helps it top the list.
#6. Senegal
Known as the cultural center of Africa, Senegal is a nation in West Africa. The nation is a popular travel destination because of its stunning natural scenery, diverse cultural customs, and historical significance. Because of its low prevalence of violence, the nation is seen as safe.
#7. Malawi
Malawi, the warm center of Africa, is a wonderful destination. Numerous national parks and a wealth of species are to be found. Examples of their varied character are the elephants at Liwonde National Park and the zebras at Nyika National Park.
#8. Equatorial Guinea
Due to the high rate of robberies and muggings, Equatorial Guinea is one of the least traveled countries on the continent. Spanish is the official language of just one nation in Africa.
#9. Namibia
One of the major turning points in Namibia’s economy has been the tourism sector. However, there are still a lot of crimes, like car breaks, pickpocketing, and looting. Namibia is most enjoyable from July to October.
#10. Kingdom of Eswatini or Swaziland
The national parks, wildlife, and game reserves of Swaziland are well-known. With its breathtaking scenery, Swaziland is a hiker’s paradise. There are waterfalls, plants, rivers, ravines, and lush valleys in Swaziland. May through September is the ideal time of year to travel to Swaziland. You can go to Swaziland by flight.
Which Country in Africa Has the Best Beach?
Australie. Given its vast size (ranking sixth in the world by area) and extensive coastline, it should come as no surprise that Australia is home to some of the greatest beaches on earth.
Which Beach in Africa Has Blue Water?
The best beaches in Africa may be found along the Kenyan coast, with Diani Beach at the top of the list. Long lengths of white sand beaches, tall palm trees, and warm turquoise-blue waters may be seen along the strip.
Does East Africa Have Beaches?
Countless miles of shoreline and hundreds of islands dot East Africa, offering breathtaking vistas of the Indian Ocean. You can go fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, or just relax on the beach!
Where Is the Clearest Water in Africa?
Have you ever imagined yourself swimming in Lake Victoria in Africa, which has the purest waters? Many clear-water lakes in Kenya are well-known for their abundant fish, algae, frogs, and astounding biodiversity.
Where in Africa is Black Beach?
One of the most infamous jails in Africa is Black Beach (also known as Playa Negra), which is situated on the island of Bioko in Equatorial Guinea’s capital city of Malabo.
Summary
Africa is a region renowned for its varied cultures and breathtaking natural beauty. Africa is a continent full of wonders, from its enormous deserts to its lush jungles. However, exploring Africa’s coastline may be the best way to get to know the continent. Africa has thousands of kilometers of coastline, and some of the world’s most exquisite and unspoiled beaches may be found there. Finding the best beach in Africa is a journey that is guaranteed to leave you with lifelong memories, from the exotic beaches of Zanzibar to the tropical paradise of Mauritius.
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