Beaches (of course) offer a tantalizing mix of sun, sand, and clear, blue water, which make them one of the planet’s premier destinations for recreation. It’s easy to understand why people vacation there; the region offers stunning scenery, a mosaic of cultures, and fresh, healthy food. The natural beauty, however, isn’t the only thing that makes African beaches so popular.
Africa is home to some of the world’s most amazing shorelines, with a variety of the most beautiful and impressive tropical beaches on earth located on the continent. The continent’s shorelines are also incredibly diverse, ranging from beaches that are barely a few feet wide to beaches that stretch for miles.
After all the hard work we’ve put into researching and writing our best beaches articles, we are now ready to present our top picks for the top 10 best beaches in Africa. We believe that all of us African beach lovers want to know where to go and what to expect at the beach, and we have taken the time to research some of the best African beaches.
List of Top 10 Best African Beaches to Must Visit:
1. Anse Source d’Argent Beach in Seychelles
Location: La Digue Island, L’Union Estate, Seychelles
The Anse Source d’Argent beach in Seychelles is located on the island of La Digue. It is one of the most beautiful beaches on La Digue Island. It is also one of the few beaches in the world that is there a rare blue lagoon with a white sand bottom.
The beach has clear water with a mild temperature and a fair amount of sand. The area is quite serene and quiet. If you are looking for something else, as far as activities, you can also find restaurants and a market nearby.
Anse Source d’Argent beach itself is just a few meters wide and as you walk towards the end, you will find a stunning coral reef, with gentle waves lapping at the shore. You can swim with the fish or simply relax in the peaceful, clear water.
Best Time to Go:
May to September is the best time to visit Anse Source d’Argent beach.
Perfect For:
Best for Swimming and Snorkelling.
2. Boulders Beach in South Africa
Location: Simon’s Town, South Africa
South Africa has a number of beautiful beaches, but one of the most popular and well-known is the small stretch known as Boulders Beach. Despite its small size, Boulders Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Africa. Boulders Beach, which is located in Simons Town, South Africa.
It is a small strip of sand that stretches for just a few kilometers, but what is so appealing about this beach is its stunning beauty and penguin’s colony. Boulders Beach is very popular with the local people, who are always out on the beach enjoying the sun and the sea.
Best Time to Go:
October to March is the best time to visit Boulders Beach in South Africa. Summer on the south coast of South Africa is mid-December to mid-March. Peak tourist season is from October to March, with the rest of the year being more relaxed. But you can visit anytime when you want to visit.
Perfect For:
Best for visiting to see African Penguin colony and perfect for swimming.
3. Belle Mare Beach in Mauritius
Location: Belle Mare, Mauritius
Belle Mare Beach is a beautiful and peaceful beach on the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. It is the most famous beach on the island. The Belle Mare beach is situated near the town of Mahebourg on the South East coast of Mauritius, which is a quiet and secluded part of the island.
The beautiful white sand is perfect for sunbathing, and the warm clear water is ideal for swimming. With a long stretch of sand, the beach also attracts swimmers and snorkelers who enjoy the scenery and scenery. It is quite a popular destination among tourists, because of its location, the beauty of the beach, and the resort.
Best Time to Go:
The best time for visiting Belle Mare beach in Mauritius in May and October/November. April and May are also good times of the year, but if you want to avoid the rain then October, November are good months to go.
Perfect For:
Belle Mare beach is best for swimming, Scuba diving, Parasailing, Speed boat trip, and Horseback riding.
4. Elmina in Ghana
Location: Elmina, Central Region, Ghana.
Elmina (also known as Elmina Castle) is a historic town in the Western Region of Ghana, situated on the Gulf of Guinea, south of Cape Coast. It is a coastal town with the sea on two sides and popular with tourists and local people.
Elmina is not only one of the biggest beaches in Ghana, but also one of the most beautiful.
Best Time to Go:
The best time to visit Elmina in Ghana is in the months of January and February, where on average temperatures are between 27˚C to 32˚C. On the hottest days temperature can reach 34˚C, so the best time to visit Elmina in Ghana is in the months of December to February. Also, you can visit from mid-July to late September. This is when the weather is most comfortable, and the water is warmest.
Perfect For:
In Elmina, there are many interesting places, monuments, and things to do. The most important in Elmina are Elmina Castle, Fort Coenraadsburg, Dutch Gold Coast, Cape Coast Castle, and Cape Coast Beach.
5. Mafia Island in Tanzania
Location: Mafia Island in Tanzania
Mafia Island is a beautiful and remote island located off the coast of Tanzania. The island is well-renowned for its beaches, reefs, and wildlife.
Mafia Island is only accessible by boat from the Tanzanian mainland, and it’s a day trip to get there. Alternatively, you can go by a 30-minute domestic flight from Dar es Salaam. Once you arrive on the island, you can surf, snorkel or just relax on the beach as you explore this wonderful tropical paradise.
The flora and fauna on Mafia Island are also worth mentioning. There are many types of monkeys roaming around in this wilderness area as well as different species of birds that make this a naturalist’s paradise!
Best Time to Go:
The best time to go to Mafia Island in Tanzania is between June and September. This is the dry season, which means that there are some days when it becomes too hot to enjoy the beach.
This is the recommended time of year for tourists to visit Mafia Island in Tanzania due to the weather conditions. The temperature of the water during this period ranges between 27-28 degrees Celsius (80-82 degrees Fahrenheit) and it is not too humid or crowded on this island.
Perfect For:
Mainly best for scuba divers and birdwatchers. Also, best for Snorkeling with Whale Sharks.
6. Djerba Island in Tunisia
Location: Gulf of Gabès, Djerba Island, Tunisia
The Djerba is an island off the coast of Tunisia. Djerba Island is a popular tourist destination for people of all ages. It is the largest island in North Africa, with a population of 163,726 people at the 2014 Census.
There are many reasons to go to Djerba Island and one main reason would be summer. Also, its a perfect climate, warm waters, and beautiful beaches. It is not only a nature lover’s paradise but also the perfect spot for water sports.
The climate is hot and dry here. It’s known for its palm, olive trees, and beaches, where you can find a lot of hotels. The island is popular among tourists because it has a Mediterranean climate.
The city of Djerba has an old Medina with narrow streets and buildings from the 13th century. It also has souks or markets that sell anything from spices to clothing, jewelry to antiques, carpets, and leather goods.
Best Time to Go:
According to the locals, you should go in the late spring or summer. The ideal time is June to September. The weather is hot and dry and it’s an ideal travel destination for those who want to escape winter in Europe or America.
Perfect For:
Djerba Island is an exotic destination that offers a lot of breathtaking natural scenery. The island offers resorts, hotels, and other tourism services for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Djerba Island is composed of two towns: Houmt Souk, Mdjerba. Houmt Souk is the most populated town on the island with over 75,904 citizens living in it. The towns are very close to each other.
People visit Djerba for many different reasons. Some come to explore the filming locations for Star Wars, the Borj El Kebir castle. Others come to enjoy the natural beauty of Djerba’s beaches.
7. Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt
Location: Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
Sharm el-Sheikh is a city located on the Egyptian Red Sea coast. It is at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. And is situated along the Gulf of Aqaba and the waters of the Red Sea and Gulf of Suez.
The holiday resort of Sharm el-Sheikh is located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. It is popular with tourists from all over the world and is one of the most famous seaside resorts in the Middle East.
If you’re an avid traveler who enjoys visiting exotic and beautiful destinations, then you’ve probably heard of Sharm el-Sheikh. With its clear blue waters, Fanara Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world at Sharm el-Sheikh and you’ll find that many of the people who have visited this place talk about it with great fondness.
The most visited places at Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt are Naama Bay, Nabq Bay, Ras Um Sid, Fanara Beach, and Shark’s Bay Beach.
Best Time to Go:
With a year-round warm climate, Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt is a fantastic destination for travelers looking to enjoy the sun and sand.
Perfect For:
It is now popular for the beautiful beaches and coral reefs. Egypt is a popular tourist destination for many travelers, and it’s not hard to see why. The country has an abundance of beautiful beaches and 250 different coral reefs that are now being actively sought out by travelers. Also, best for Scuba diving and water sports.
8. Essaouira Beach in Morocco
Location: Essaouira Beach, Morocco
Essaouira is a beautiful city located in the region of Marrakech in Morocco. It is a coastal city that is famous for its warm climate and its beautiful beaches.
The city Medina of Essaouira in Morocco is a UNESCO world heritage site. It lies on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Bouregreg River and is a very popular destination for both Moroccan and foreign tourists. In fact, every year, the city and surrounding areas get millions of tourists.
They come here not only for its beaches but also for its old city, sultanate and fortress. It is the fourth most visited tourist destination in Morocco, after Fes, Marrakech and Casablanca, and a bustling place full of life.
Some of the popular tourist spots in Essaouira, Morocco are Medina, Sqala du Port, Sqala de la Kasbah, Tagart beach with sand dunes.
Best Time to Go:
You can visit Essaouira beach at any time of the year. But you should avoid the rainy season in the months of October to April. Essaouira Beach is the best time to visit in May, June, July, August, and September.
Perfect For:
Essaouira Beach is best for surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and sailing.
9. Skeleton Coast in Namibia
Location: Skeleton Coast, Namibia
The Skeleton Coast in Namibia is a sparsely populated stretch of sand that runs along the southern side of the Namib desert, which is one of the largest deserts in the world. It features some of the most desolate beaches in the world. The Skeleton Coast region is often referred to as Namib land or Skeleton Coast because of the barren desert that the coastline is nestled in.
Namibia is known for its famous white sands and beautiful beaches; the latter of which is home to the Skeleton Coast, an area of true white beaches at the mouth of the Skeleton Coast National Park.
Ugab River and Kunene River are the largest rivers in Namibia. The coastline is home to several small fishing villages and has been subject to strong winds along with increased erosion in recent years.
Best Time to Go:
October to April is the best time to visit Skeleton Coast, during this time the days are clear and sunny, the water is warm, and the weather is pleasant. You can see a little bit of rain too in these months.
Perfect For:
Skeleton Coast in Namibia is best for to go to see the phenomenal scenery of the sand dunes, the rough coastline, and the desert. Skeleton Bay is the best location for surfing.
Skeleton Coast is located in the Namib Desert, it’s the most western cape of Africa. You can see the sea from the Namib desert and it’s the only place in the world where you can see the uninterrupted view of the Atlantic Ocean from land.
10. São Tomé Island in Príncipe
Location: Santa Margarida, São Tomé Island, São Tomé and Príncipe.
An island and its capital city, São Tomé (Portuguese for Saint Thomas) is the only Portuguese territory in the Atlantic Ocean. It is located in the Gulf of Guinea, north of Equatorial Guinea.
São Tomé Island – the largest African island located in the Gulf of Guinea, in the São Tomé e Príncipe archipelago. Its population is around 193,380 (in May 2018). Its beaches are among the best in Africa. Its fishing villages are picturesque. Its flora and fauna are unusual. São Tomé Island is one of the most picturesque African islands. It has an amazing ecosystem, especially its rainforest. It has abundant fish. Its beaches are some of the bests in Africa.
Best Time to Go:
In the dry season, from May to September, the climate is very hot, and the average temperature is from 29 to 32 degrees Celsius. May and October are the best months to visit São Tomé Island in Príncipe.
Perfect For:
Best for Remote Relaxation. São Tomé is a great island for short beach holidays, with golden sand beaches and warm, clear water lapped by the warm Gulf of Guinea Current.
List of 139 Beaches in Africa to Visit
The following is a list of the most beautiful beaches you can visit in Africa. These beaches are located in nations such as South Africa, Kenya, Namibia, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The naming of beaches in different countries is a very interesting subject. In some countries, the beaches are named after the local science or geography, in others after the area’s history, but often the names are even more bizarre. Check the list of most names of beaches in Africa.
- Cabo Ledo, Angola
- Comoro Islands, Archipelago
- Grand Popo, Republic of Benin
- Loumbila Beach, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- Genny’s Beach, Bujumbura, Burundi
- Uzuri Beach, Kajaga, Burundi
- Boa Vista, Cabo Verde
- Sal Island, Cabo Verde
- Limbé Seme Beach, Cameroon
- Curralinho Beach, Cape Verde
- Praia de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Cape Verde
- Santa Maria, Cape Verde
- Santa Monica Beach, Santa Monica, Cape Verde
- Chomoni Beach in Grande Comore, Comoros
- Picasso Beach, Kinshasa, Congo
- Assinie Beach, Assinie-Mafia, Côte d’Ivoire
- Monogaga Beach, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
- Sassandra Beach, Western Côte d’Ivoire
- Khor Ambado Beach, Djibouti
- Plage de Doraleh Beach, Djibouti
- Marsa Alam, Egypt
- Marsa Matruh, Egypt
- Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
- Massawa Beach, Eritrea
- Langano Lake, Ethiopia
- Loango National Park, Gabon
- Kololi Beach, Serrekunda, Gambia
- Kotu Beach, Neighborhood in Serekunda, Gambia
- Elmina, Ghana
- Kokrobite Beach, Ghana
- Iles de Los Beach, Guinea
- Bruce Beach, Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau
- Diani Beach, Kenya
- Lamu Island, Kenya
- Cape Maclear, Lake Malawi
- Bamboo Beach, Liberia
- Bernard’s Beach, Monrovia, Liberia
- Buchanan Beach, Buchanan, Liberia
- Robertsport, Liberia
- Al Hamamah Beach, Libya
- Farwa Island, Abu Kammash, Libya
- Gweaa Beach, Garaboli Beach St, Libya
- Municipal Beach, Tripoli, Libya
- Shourouk Beach, Al Marj, Libya
- Tallil Seyahi Beach, Libya
- Tawibi Beach, Libya
- Ile aux Nattes, Madagascar
- Le Sainte-Marie, Madagascar
- Nosy Be, Madagascar
- Likoma Island, Malawi
- Mumbo Island, Malawi
- Pumulani Beach, Malawi
- Beach Kalaban Koro, Bamako, Mali
- Nouakchott beach, Nouakchott, Mauritania
- Belle Mare Beach, Belle Mare, Mauritius
- Grand Baie Public Beach, Mauritius
- Tamarin Bay, Mauritius
- Trou-aux-Biches, Mauritius
- Bambo Ouest beach, Mayotte
- Beach Sohoa, Mayotte
- Gouéla beach, Southwest Mayotte
- Ilot de Sable Blanc sandy beach, Mayotte
- Mliha beach, West coast, Mayotte
- N’Gouja beach, Kani Keli, Mayotte
- Plage de Moya Beach, Labattoir, Mayotte
- Sakouli beach, Mayotte
- Saziley beach, Mayotte
- Tahiti beach, West coast, Mayotte
- Dakhla, Morocco
- Essaouira Beach, Morocco
- Saidia, Morocco
- Bazaruto Island, Mozambique
- Medjumbe Island, Mozambique
- Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique
- Wimbi Beach, Mozambique
- Sandwich Harbour, Namibia
- Skeleton Coast, Namibia
- Ibeno Beach, Kwa Ibo, Nigeria
- Landmark beach in Lagos, Nigeria
- Lekki Beach, Lekki, Nigeria
- Suntan Beach, Nigeria
- Bom Bom Island, Príncipe
- Margarida, Príncipe
- Boucan Canot beach, Reunion
- Brisants beach, Reunion
- Étang-Salé beach, Reunion
- Gendarmerie beach, Reunion
- Grande Anse beach, Reunion
- Hermitage beach, Reunion
- La Salines-les-Bains beach, Reunion
- Roches Noires beach, Reunion
- Saint-Gilles-les-Bains beach, Reunion
- St Leu beach, Reunion
- Terre-Sainte beach, Reunion
- Tremblet Beach, Reunion
- Trou d’eau beach, Reunion
- Saint-Pierre, Réunion
- Gisenyi Beach, Gisenyi, Rwanda
- Lake Muhazi, Rwanda
- Cap Skirring beach, Senegal
- Plage des mamelles Beach, Dakar, Senegal
- Saly Portudal Beach, Thiès Region, Petite Côte of Senegal
- Anse Coco Beach, La Digue Island, Seychelles
- Anse Lazio, Praslin Island, Seychelles
- Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue, Seychelles
- Denis Island, Seychelles
- Banana Islands, Sierra Leone
- Bureh Beach, Sierra Leone
- John Obey Beach, Sierra Leone
- Lakka Beach, Sierra Leone
- Lumley Beach, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- River Number 2, Sierra Leone
- Tokeh Beach, Sierra Leone
- Bosaso Beach, Somalia
- Jazeera Beach, Mogadishu, Somalia
- Lido Beach, Mogadishu, Somalia
- Berbera beach, Somaliland
- Boulders Beach, Simon’s Town, South Africa
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Clifton Beaches, Cape Town Central, South Africa
- Coffee Bay, Wild Coast, South Africa
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa
- Johns, South Africa
- Llandudno Beach, South Africa
- Robberg Beach, South Africa
- Sanganeb National Park, Port Sudan, Sudan
- Jambiani, Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Mafia Island, Tanzania
- Mnemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Nakupenda Beach Nature Reserve, Stone Town, Tanzania
- Nungwi Beach, Nungwi, Tanzania
- Paje Beach, Paje, Tanzania
- Pongwe Beach, Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Agbodrafo beach, Togo
- Aneho beach, Togo
- Lome beach, Togo
- Djerba Island, Tunisia
- Kalangala Beach, Uganda
- Samfya Beach, Zambia
Frequently Asked Questions of Best African Beaches:
Which African country has the best beaches?
According to our research, the best African beaches are found in South Africa, Mauritius, and Seychelles. If you’re interested in the best African beaches, then you should visit these countries.
Which country has the largest beach in Africa?
Madagascar has the largest beach in Africa, extending along the Indian Ocean for nearly 4,828 km. And Somalia has the second largest coastline in Africa with a length of 3,333 km.
Does Africa have sandy beaches?
Yes, there are many sandy beaches in Africa, including Zanzibar. Some of the most popular sandy beaches are in Seychelles, Mozambique, Diani Beach, Hobie Beach, and Cape Town.
Does Africa have black sand beaches?
Although there are plenty of gorgeous beaches in Africa, black sand beaches are extremely rare. The majority of the beaches on the African coast are covered in white sand. But there are a few beaches with black sand. One of them is located in Cameroon, Limbé Seme Beach is the only black sand beach in Africa.
Where in Africa is black beach?
The black beach is located in Cameroon. Limbé Seme Beach is an African black beach.
Are there beaches in Mali Africa?
Yes, there are some beaches in the country of Mali in Africa. The country has many shallow lagoons and warm tropical waters that house many beautiful islands. The best known and most popular beach is Kalaban Koro in Bamako, Mali when you are looking for the best time to visit Mali.
Can you swim in Namibia?
Can you swim in the sea in Namibia? Yes, you can swim in Namibia, but risky. It has many sandy beaches. Swimming in the ocean can be risky in some areas of Namibia because of strong ocean cold currents. So, it doesn’t make for pleasant or safe swimming.
Hope you enjoyed this article. There are many other best beaches in the world too except beaches in Africa. However, these are the top 10 African beaches. It got me thinking about what makes a beach good to visit, and what makes a beach good to visit in Africa. Write your opinion and tour experience below.
