AFRICA BEACHES & ISLANDS GUIDE

Africa’s islands and beaches are as diverse as her wilderness destinations, and AfricanMecca Safaris is known for arranging fantastic beach holidays in Africa that give you a lifetime of memories.

1. Tanzania Beaches & Zanzibar Islands

The shimmering stretches of white sand and blue-green water of the Indian Ocean make Tanzania an extraordinary African coastal holiday destination. The beaches of Tanzania, from the castaway Mafia, Pemba, Fanjove Islands to Ras Kutani, Kilwa and Bagamoyo, instantaneously detoxes your mind, relax your body and rejuvenate your spirit. Immerse yourself in the easygoing seaside lifestyle, or seek out high-adventure marine activities, or do a little of both.

However, you envision your paradisiacal beach escape, Tanzania’s beaches will enchant and delight you! Watch spectacular humpback whales make their migratory journey in Mafia, laugh at the antics of coastal primates at Jozani Forest, lose yourself in the fascinating shapes of marine life stranded by changing tides and so much more at Chumbe Island Coral Park!



You can island hop, take cultural Swahili tours, explore small villages and markets and find plenty of aquatic sports to enjoy! As one of the continent’s most remarkable island destinations, Zanzibar is a zesty addition to any African traveler’s itinerary. Known as “Spice Island,” the archipelago has a rich history that is filled with romantic stories of trade, wealth and cultural influences. Stone Town is a distinct UNESCO World Heritage Site that takes you back in time, and the aroma of exotic spices is always in the air.

Idyllic stretches of white sand beaches touched by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean further enhance the experience of Zanzibar Island. The charming Swahilis of Zanzibar welcome you with warm smiles and are delighted to share their methods of harvesting seaweed, catching the best fish and other seafood and cultivating the finest seasonings in the world.

2. Kenya Beaches & Islands

Complement your high-paced East African safari with a restful escape to Kenya’s fabulous coastal beaches and islands, from the famed Diani, Galu, Tiwi, Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu, Kilifi, Malindi, Watamu to the isolated Msambweni, Funzi Lamu and Chale Islands! Located along the eastern edge of the continent, the Kenyan coastline is a stunning location to enjoy the bounty of the Indian Ocean. Pale sand Swahili beaches contrast with jade green and cerulean waters. Palm tree fronds dance to a rhythm the whisper of gentle ocean breezes. Romantic fishing dhows sail the moonlit ocean.

For those times when you seek aquatic adventures, skim across the water jet-skiing, waterskiing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, to name only some of the available activities. Kenya is a global hotspot for world-class diving and snorkeling to explore Kisite Marine Park’s underwater realm of brightly colored marine life amidst reefs of curious, odd and eerie coral. For a thrilling challenge, you can go after some of the largest and feistiest creatures in the ocean in Watamu, Malindi and Mombasa — marlin, sailfish, swordfish, massive yellowfin tuna and many other game fish!

3. Mozambique Beaches & Islands

Lose yourself in the coastal lifestyle of Mozambique! Encircled by the brilliant sandy coastline, sparkling blue waters and distinct island archipelagos like Bazaruto and Quirimbas, Mozambique is a picturesque beach vacation destination that offers an almost endless variety of activities. The high visibility waters around the Bazaruto National Park region of the island is a well-known site for exceptional diving and snorkeling, and you can even go horseback riding on the beach at Benguerra Island and along the coast of Vilanculos.

If you dream of seeing manta rays and whale sharks, Mozambique’s Tofo at Inhambane should top your list! Even discerning foodies are in absolute heaven as they dine upon freshly-caught seafood prepared with divine exotic spices. You simply will not believe your eyes when you travel inland to the breathtaking Gorongosa National Park and Niassa National Reserve to explore grasslands, floodplains of Lake Urema, rainforest, woodland plateau, highlands of Mount Gorongosa, riverine thickets, Miombo coppices and much more.

4. Seychelles Beaches & Islands

Africa is a land of surprises, and no other place on Earth offers more of the unexpected than the 115 inner granitic and outer coralline islands of Seychelles Archipelago. With the exception of Praslin and Mahe that hosts 90% of the Creole population, the islands are rarely touched by humans. The two islands, though, are highly-desired for engaging guests who seek the utmost tropical African tour, and island hopping takes you into the more secluded and isolated islands.

On Mahe Island, tour farms where fragrant vanilla is grown, all-encompassing bays, dense inland forests, touring the capital town of Victoria and shopping in bazaars. Praslin, the second largest island, is popular amongst our guests who long for quiet beaches and the mesmerizing experience of Vallee de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The third largest island is La Digue, an off-beat laidback island. AfricanMecca also recommends beach vacationing in the private isles like North, Fregate, Denis and Desroches Islands.

5. Mauritius Beaches & Islands

Mauritius has something for every coastal traveler! The island is loosely divided into four polar coastlines (north, east, south and west), each offering a unique African beach trip experience. Grand Baie in the north offers everything you would expect from a busy resort town, such as shopping, energetic water sports, nightlife, restaurants and more! Island sunsets in Africa are not to be missed, and the western Flic en Flac coast of Mauritius is the perfect place to catch the golden rays of sunlight dancing upon the water.

You can also go diving, snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, spa pampering and other activities while surrounded by the impressive coastal scenery. The eastern coast is distinguished by its elegant oceanfront hotels and striking beaches like Belle Mare, and the southern coastline of Blue Bay Marine Park offers beautifully rugged ocean-facing cliffs.

6. South Africa Beaches

Camps Bay in Cape Town is the most popular beach destination in the country — and with good reason! Undulating aquamarine waters wash upon a golden shoreline that is dotted with massive rock range of the 12 Apostles, giving one a sense of connecting with nature’s quiet yet powerful presence. The beach transforms into a gentle slope of lush green foothills before rushing skyward to the cloud-kissed peaks of its majestic highlands. Spending time at Camps Bay makes you feel as if you are experiencing all of Africa’s many outdoor activities in one location.

Imagine days of sipping delicious cocktails, watching the waves, joining in a game of beach volleyball, cooling off with locally-crafted ice cream, digging your toes into the sand at sunrise, celebrating with friends and family at local nightclubs and dining upon delectable food! Camps Bay is absolute perfection for your South African coastal experience! Other beach locations in South Africa are Clifton, Sodwana Bay, Ballito, North and South Beach in Durban, Santos Beach at Mossel Bay and many others.

7. Madagascar Beaches & Islands

Madagascar — the word evokes a sense of liveliness, thanks to Dreamworks for their Hollywood animation. The island setting is unique amongst Africa’s other coastal destinations, offering as much tranquility or thrill-seeking as you desire. You can dive and snorkel on pristine coral reefs at Tanikely Marine Reserve, laze about on gorgeous beaches and even tour the unusually-named Nosy Be Island.

For a sense of isolation from modern life, we recommend Ile Ste-Marie, and the island is especially romantic for honeymooners when the native orchids are in bloom. Discover rolling sand dunes, fishing villages and a leisurely pace of life at Ifaty and Nosy Ve. Socialize with other global travelers at Mahajanga that is a preferred location for sunsets and aquatic activities. Tsarabanjina is a distinct private island that hosts the premium Constance Resort.

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