Best Beaches in Africa: An In-Depth Guide
Some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in the world are found in Africa. From white sandy beaches to crystal-clear waters; scenic cliffs or incredible marine diversity, the continent has beaches for everyone.
These beaches range from adventurous water sports and dramatic scenery to quiet retreats into unspoiled nature. Not only does Africa have amazing beaches but also has a world-class African safari experience! Planning a trip? Here is a detailed article for the top 10 African beaches based on their beauty, activities, and traveler reviews.
Diani Beach, Kenya
Diani Beach is an absolute stunner and quite possibly the most beautiful beach on the east coast of Africa.
About 30 kilometers south of Mombasa, it is renowned for its unspoiled white sands, swaying palms, and clear turquoise water. The coral reefs offshore help create calm along with shallow waters that make it great for swimming.
One of Diani’s highlights is its diverse marine life, with dolphins, sea turtles, and colorful fish found in the nearby reefs. The rare and endangered Colobus monkeys are also found on the beach, and are frequently spotted in the surrounding forests.
Diani has just the right mix of relaxation and adventure. Luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and beach bars abound in the area. Diani has something in store for you if you are looking for a peaceful getaway or some exhilarating water sports.
Best for:
- Snorkelling & diving (coral reefs & marine life)
- Kite surfing & windsurfing (ideal wind conditions)
- Luxury resorts & beachside relaxation
Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue Island in Seychelles is frequently cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Its beauty is almost unreal, amplified by giant granite boulders that line the shore, creating a landscape as if taken from a dream. The sand here is a powdery white, and the shallow, clear waters make it one of the ideal beaches for swimming.
The beach is located within L’Union Estate, a nature reserve that conserves the land surrounding it. Brightly colored marine life populates the lagoon’s calm waters, so snorkeling here is a wonderful option. Sunsets here are gorgeous, too, with a pinkish sky reflecting off the boulders and water.
For its remote and idyllic setting, Anse Source d’Argent is a magnet for honeymooners and photographers. It’s also appeared in numerous movies, commercials and travel magazines.
Best for:
- Amazing photography (rock formations & colors)
- Love/bubble destination & honeymoon trips
- Soothing swims in tranquil, shallow waters
Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Located at the northern tip of Zanzibar, Nungwi Beach has gained popularity for its soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs.
Unlike much of Zanzibar, where the tidal shifts can be breathtakingly dramatic, Nungwi is a great swim year-round. It makes this stand out as one of the best beaches in Tanzania.
The beach is also a hub for traditional boat building. Hand-crafting of wooden boats is a unique cultural experience to watch. Sunset savor the sights of the Indian Ocean while boarding an in the evenings, sailing along the coastline.
The nightlife in Nungwi is quite energetic, with beach bars, seafood places, and bonfire parties. But there are a lot more quiet spots to kick up or simply enjoy the view if you want a more relaxing experience.
Best for:
- Swimming & snorkeling (excellent water clarity & coral reefs)
- A romantic & scenic experience
- Seafood restaurants and lively nightlife
Camps Bay Beach, South Africa
Soak up the sun at Camps Bay Beach, the most famous beach in Cape Town.
Framed by the Twelve Apostles mountain range on one side and the deep blue Atlantic Ocean on the other, this beach is one of the most stunning in the world.
The golden sand beach is a kilometer long, with space for sunbathing, beach volleyball, and long walks along the water. The water is refreshing and cool with a dip perfect for a hot summer day. Stylish cafés, seafood restaurants, and cocktail bars line the beach, where visitors can savor fresh seafood and watch the sunset over the ocean. The café is also popular for people-watching, drawing a mix of locals and travelers from around the world.
Sure, the water of Camps Bay can be a bit cold from the currents of the Atlantic, but the views, the energy and the luxury make this includes as a must-see.
Best for:
- Lively nightlife & seaside restaurants
- Lovely vistas with a stunning mountain backdrop
- Laying in the sun & relaxing by the sea
Boulders Beach, South Africa
One of Africa’s most unique shores is Boulders Beach in Cape Town, near Simon’s Town.
The main draw here is the colony of African penguins that waddles among the smooth, rounded granite boulders that give the beach its name.
Unlike many of Cape Town’s other beaches, Boulders Beach is well sheltered from strong waves by the large rock formations. It is thus one of the ideal spots in Cape Town to go swimming with your family.
The beach is located in South Africa’s Table Mountain National Park, which means it is a protected area and the penguins can be seen up close in their natural habitat. Visitors can stroll along wooden boardwalks to view the penguins without disrupting them.
Best for:
- Wildlife lovers & photography (penguin colony)
- Swimming Any Age (Quiet Times & Soft Sand)
- One-of-a-kind nature experience (national park protection)
Paje beach, Zanzibar, Tanzania
One of Tanzania’s most famous beaches, Paje Beach, found on the southeast coast of the island of Zanzibar, is a kite-surfing haven.
It is the perfect paradise for water sports lovers due to the blend of shallow, warm waters, constant trade winds, and soft white sand.
Paje is less commercialized than nearly every other beach in Zanzibar and has a laid-back, backpacker-friendly vibe. There are quaint beach bungalows, budget guesthouses, and colorful local cafés that dish up fresh seafood and tropical fruit smoothies.
At low tide, the beach stretches far out, exposing tidal pools of starfish and little sea animals. Local women harvesting seaweed as Paje is known for sustainable seaweed farming. As night falls, the beach becomes a social space with bonfires, live music, and beach parties, uniting travelers passing through from all corners of the globe.
Best for:
- Kite surfing & windsurfing (perfect wind conditions all year round)
- Backpackers & budget travelers (cheap beach accommodation)
- Tidal-pool adventurers & lovers of Nature
Beau Vallon, Seychelles
Beau Vallon on Mahé Island is one of Seychelles’ most popular and easiest-to-reach beaches, unlike many of the more remote beaches scattered around the archipelago.
Beau Vallon has a wonderful balance of beauty, activities, and local culture.
Its gentle waves and shallow waters make it one of the best swimming spots in Seychelles, making it popular with families and casual swimmers. The rich coral reefs just offshore will thrill scuba divers and snorkelers, who can see colorful fish, sea turtles, and reef sharks.
Perhaps one of the best parts of Beau Vallon is its lively beachfront with local food stalls, markets, and live music. You can sample grilled fish, coconut curry, and fresh tropical fruit as you watch the sunset over the ocean.
Those looking for adventure can find boat excursions, jet skiing, and paragliding nearby. You’ll find both the chance to relax as well as something more adventurous in Beau Vallon.
Best for:
- Scuba diving & snorkeling (coral reefs & marine life)
- Local culture & food markets (sample the real Creole cuisine)
- Swimming is good for the family (gentle waves and soft sand)
Skeleton Coast, Namibia
Skeleton Coast is one of the most remote and eerie beaches in the world extending along Namibia’s northwestern coast.
It’s celebrated for its otherworldly scenery, where the rippling Namib Desert meets the churning Atlantic.
Known as “Skeleton Coast,” the name reflects the many shipwrecks dotting the shoreline, which are attributed to the notoriously dense fog and strong currents that plague the ocean. These decaying wrecks make for haunting but popular terrain to shoot and explore.
Skeleton Coast, unlike tropical beaches, is rough, wild, and dramatic. It also hosts desert-adapted wildlife, including elephants, lions and seals. A highlight of the area is the Cape Cross Seal Colony which houses well over 100,000 fur seals. This is a beach for the real adventurers who enjoy unspoiled natural beauty. It’s not a swimming spot, but a hunting ground for wildlife viewing, photography, and off-the-beaten-path travel.
Best for:
- Adventure hunters & adventurers (remote & rugged sprawl)
- Photography & wreck diving (epic scenery)
- Love to see wildlife (desert lions, elephants & seals)
Legzira Beach, Morocco
After Hoffa, we trekked to Legzira Beach, one of the most unique coastal destinations in Morocco, if not all of North Africa.
Located southeast of the town of Sidi Ifni, it is known for its enormous red rock arches sculpted by wind and waves over thousands of years.
During low tide, people can walk underneath these steep-bodied red rock structures, which stand in front of the contrasting dark blue water of the Atlantic Ocean. The beach’s seclusion, both physical and aural, lends it an almost mystical quality and makes it an ideal refuge for travelers who seek the solace of quieter, less tourist zones.
Legzira is also an excellent hiking destination with trails winding through picturesque cliffs and offering views of the coast. Sunsets, too, are famous here, when the sky and rocks ignite in shades of orange and red. Swimming can be done at El Tunco but the waves can be tough and the better option here is surfing or bodyboarding. The absence of commercial development keeps the area unspoiled and enhances its charm.
Best for:
- Hiking & scenic walks — ledges of coast & rock formations
- Photography (red arch formations)
- Surfing & bodyboarding (big waves & uncrowded surf)
Nosy Be, Madagascar
Nosy Be, an island off Madagascar’s northwest coast, is often referred to as the “Perfume Island,” owing to its lush tropical vegetation and its fragrant vanilla, ylang-ylang, and coffee plantations.
There is the Pantheon classic beach paradise, with sand, warm turquoise water, and rich coral reefs bristling with marine life.
Nosy Be is not like some other touristy islands, with its laid-back, unspoiled charm. Island-hopping, snorkeling, and diving opportunities are excellent among the surrounding islets and lagoons. The waters are a habitat for whale sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles, so it’s one of the best spots in Africa for underwater adventures.
Nature lovers can take rainforest treks on Nosy Be, one of which leads to the top of a mountain, where lemurs chameleons, and rare birds can be seen. Exotic lakes, like Lake Amparihibe, are scattered around the island’s volcanic terrain. Whether you’re looking to relax on a secluded beach, exploring marine life, or enjoying fresh seafood in a beachfront café, Nosy Be is a dream destination.
Best for:
- Diving & snorkeling (incredibly rich marine biodiversity)
- Island photography & boat trips (to hidden beaches & lagoons)
- Nature & wildlife lovers (lemurs, chameleons & rainforests)
Final Thoughts
These beaches in Africa span the continent’s rich coastal beauty, from Zanzibar and Seychelles’ lush, tropical islands to Namibia and Morocco’s wild, dramatic scenery. Adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion – there’s a beach for every African traveler.
