With vast stretches of coastline surrounding this huge continent, it is difficult to single out just a handful of beaches that could be classed as the best. During our travels, we have been lucky enough to enjoy many beach locations and there are always some that stick in the memory, that make you feel emotional, and really do have the wow factor. We have compiled a list of 7 beaches that for different reasons rate as our best, although we could easily add more!
Arguably one of the most exclusive islands in the world – let alone Africa, many celebrities have chosen North Island for its beauty and seclusion. It was also the honeymoon destination of our future king, so really has the royal stamp of approval.
One of 115 islands in the Seychelles Archipelago, North is accessed by helicopter from the main island of Mahe and is home to just 11 luxury villas all with direct beach access.
The beaches of the Seychelles are the stuff of picture postcards, powder fine white sand, lapped by the azure Indian Ocean, fringed by palm trees. Add to this the exclusivity of North Island and the feeling that this pristine beach before you is privately yours and you
have beach perfection.
Mozambique may not immediately spring to mind as a top beach destination but stretching some 2470 kilometres down the south-eastern coast of Africa, it hugs the Indian Ocean coastline and is home to two of the most incredibly beautiful archipelagos in Africa, Bazaruto in the south and Quirimbas in the north. Combining perfectly with a safari in Southern Africa there are regular flights into Mozambique from South Africa.
There are plenty of idyllic spots to choose from but Benguerra Island stands out. Set within the National Park of the Bazaruto Archipelago, enjoy the long beaches that encircle the island or head off by speedboat to explore deserted beaches and reefs teeming with colourful fish, the snorkelling and diving in the area is top notch. If you are lucky you may spot a pod of dolphins or the extremely rare Dugong a mysterious sea mammal native to these waters.
Benguerra Island also lets you in to experience the daily existence of the local community here. Although the gentle pace of life is highlighted by the traditional dhow fishing boats that criss-cross the ocean before you, the regular weekend football games provide much excitement for local residents and lodge guests alike.
Here’s an option that’s a little different – Malawi. Yes, it is ‘land-locked’ but it does have the third largest freshwater lake in Africa and at around 47 miles wide at its widest point, if you didn’t know better it feels like a traditional beach resort.
The beach lodge of Kaya Mawa (meaning ‘maybe tomorrow’ in the local tongue) is located on Likoma Island and as with all special places, it takes a little effort to reach but Wow is it worth it. A honeymooner’s paradise where you can be as active or relaxed as you choose, it links perfectly with a safari within Malawi or the South Luangwa in Zambia.
The lake is perfectly still first thing in the morning, so it’s a great time for first-timers to get on the water in a kayak or paddleboard. Later in the day when the wind picks up, stay on dry land and use mountain bikes or your own 2 feet to explore the island and meet the friendly locals that call this unique place home.
Whilst Zanzibar has seen much development over the past decade, this part of the South-East coast has remained relatively unchanged.
This stunning beach was named one of the World’s top 30 by Conde Nast Traveller magazine and it’s easy to see why.
During low tide a shallow lagoon makes it safe for families to paddle and play and at high tide the reef tames the ocean making it a good swimming spot.
Where some well-known beaches can be difficult to access and are cut off to all but those in top of the range resorts, Bwejuu is different. Home to the popular Zanzibar Collection resorts, yes can you can opt for Luxury, Baraza and Palm’s certainly offer a 5* experience with their impressive villas dotting the coastline but their larger more reasonably priced sister resort is a perfectly good hotel, offering value in the best possible location.
There is something magical about this wild and untamed stretch of coastline in rural Kwazulu Natal, South Africa. This region known as Maputaland, forms part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a world away from the built up and busy city of Durban just 4 hours further south.
A stay here isn’t about relaxing on a sun lounger and a gentle swim. It’s the excitement of exploring a wilderness, feeling the fresh air and salty spray of the ocean as the wave’s crash on the shoreline and the promise of discovering a natural and unspoilt gem that co-exists with nature and blends with the natural environment.
This area is a snorkelling and divers paradise with Giant Rays Whale Sharks and bottle nosed dolphin’s regular visitors in season and a host of other fish species on the local reefs.
A real highlight is also the annual Loggerhead and Leather-backed Turtles visits, who come ashore to lay their eggs, from November with the hatchlings arriving at some point between January and April.
This is a simply stunning location and why the term “barefoot luxury” was invented – As you head towards the island by boat it takes your breath away. On arrival you pulls up in the clear shallow waters and off you hop, wading onto the beach and your island paradise.
Situated to the north of the main Zanzibari island of Unguja, Mnemba is a luxurious island retreat popular with honeymoon couples for its ‘Robinson Crusoe’ secluded exclusivity – and he wasn’t found for thirty years! The stylish accommodation is located on the edge of the beach overlooking its own coral reef ideal for a lazy snorkel or gentle dive in the rich waters than run down the east coast of Africa.
When is a beach not a beach?
When it’s an entire coast – the Skeleton Coast!
The Skeleton Coast is a pristine wilderness with a somewhat inhospitable climate which actually seems to add to its charm. It has an almost magical quality to it and the coastline dotted with the skeletons of whales and the rusting bones of ship wrecks tells a story of how powerful the ocean can be.
A short trip inland and the spectacular desert landscape is inhabited by animals who have adapted to survive in this environment so be on the lookout for lion, elephants, giraffe and brown hyena. You would be hard pushed to find a sea and safari experience like this anywhere else in Africa.
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