11 Best Beaches in Africa
The best beaches in Africa include Anse Lazio, Bazaruto, Nungwi, Watamu, Shela and Le Morne. They span Seychelles, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya and Mauritius. Africa's coast runs for about 30,500 km (18,950 miles). It ranges from foggy desert shores to warm coral lagoons. This guide covers 11 beaches, what each is best for and when to go.
Last updated: October 2026
The 11 best beaches in Africa at a glance
- Skeleton Coast, Namibia: Shipwrecks, desert dunes and seal colonies
- Bazaruto Island, Mozambique: Diving, dugongs and luxury lodges
- Anse Lazio, Seychelles: Granite boulders, clear water and calm swimming
- Naama Bay, Egypt: Resort comfort and Red Sea diving
- Watamu Beach, Kenya: Marine park, turtles and snorkelling
- Coffee Bay, South Africa: Wild Coast scenery, surf and Hole in the Wall
- Shela Beach, Kenya: Swahili culture, quiet sands and dhow trips
- Nungwi Beach, Tanzania: Calm water, sunsets and Zanzibar nightlife
- Camps Bay Beach, South Africa: Cape Town views and beachfront cafes
- Le Morne Beach, Mauritius: Kite surfing and a UNESCO mountain backdrop
- Île Sainte-Marie, Madagascar: Humpback whales from July to September
The 11 best beaches in Africa, one by one
1. Skeleton Coast, Namibia
Best for: Dramatic scenery and photography. Best time: May to October, when skies are driest.
Skeleton Coast is one of the most unusual beaches in Africa. The Atlantic Ocean meets the Namib Desert dunes here. The coast is named after the many shipwrecks along its shores. The water is cold and the mist is thick. This is a place for scenery, not swimming.
Large seal colonies and seabirds live along the shore. Visitors come for the wild landscapes and striking photographs. The harsh conditions give the coast its mysterious appeal.
2. Bazaruto Island, Mozambique
Best for: Diving and a private tropical escape. Best time: May to October, in the dry season.
Bazaruto Island is part of the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique. It has turquoise water and white sand. Vibrant coral reefs surround the island. They make it a fine place to snorkel and dive.
Dolphins, manta rays and dugongs live in these waters. The atmosphere is quiet and the lodges are luxurious. Bazaruto suits travellers who want an exclusive getaway.
3. Anse Lazio, Seychelles
Best for: Swimming and classic beach scenery. Best time: April, May, October and November, when seas are calm.
Anse Lazio lies on Praslin Island in Seychelles. It often appears on lists of the world's most beautiful beaches. Soft white sand and clear water meet giant granite boulders.
The warm, shallow water is ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Palm trees give natural shade. You can sunbathe on the sand or explore the nearby forest.
4. Naama Bay, Egypt
Best for: Resort comfort and Red Sea diving. Best time: March to May and September to November.
Naama Bay is the heart of the beach resort scene in Sharm el-Sheikh. It sits on Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. White sand and calm water draw visitors all year. Summers are very hot, so spring and autumn feel kinder.
The bay looks across the Gulf of Aqaba toward Saudi Arabia. Divers love the nearby reefs, including Ras Mohammed National Park. Coral reefs here teem with marine life. Naama Bay mixes natural beauty with modern resort comforts.
5. Watamu Beach, Kenya
Best for: Snorkelling, turtles and fresh seafood. Best time: December to March and July to October.
Watamu Beach is a hidden gem on Kenya's coast. It has soft white sand, clear blue water and small islets and sandbars. Starfish, sea turtles and colourful fish live in the reefs.
Watamu Marine National Park protects these coral reefs. It makes the area a top snorkelling destination. Fishing boats land fresh seafood daily. You can taste authentic coastal cuisine after a day on the water.
6. Coffee Bay, South Africa
Best for: Surfing and rugged scenery. Best time: November to March for warm weather.
Coffee Bay lies on South Africa's Wild Coast. Green hills roll down to golden sand. The area is known for Hole in the Wall, a rock formation carved by waves.
Experienced surfers enjoy the waves here. The water can be rough, so swim with care. The coast is better for long walks and photography. Coffee Bay suits travellers who want untouched, rugged beauty.
7. Shela Beach, Kenya
Best for: Swahili culture and peaceful relaxation. Best time: December to March and July to October.
Shela Beach is on Lamu Island, one of Kenya's most tranquil coastal spots. The sand is soft and white. The water is clear and calm. It feels like a true escape from modern life.
Nearby Shela Village has narrow streets and traditional Swahili houses. The atmosphere is relaxed. Visitors can join dhow trips to explore the surrounding islands. Shela suits travellers who want rest and cultural immersion.
8. Nungwi Beach, Tanzania
Best for: Calm swimming, sunsets and lively evenings. Best time: June to October and December to February.
Nungwi Beach sits at the northern tip of Zanzibar Island. Its sand is powdery and white. The shallow water is calm and good for swimming. Traditional wooden dhows float on the horizon.
Vibrant coral reefs offer good diving and snorkelling. At sunset, beachside restaurants and music bring the shore to life. Nungwi mixes relaxation with adventure.
9. Camps Bay Beach, South Africa
Best for: City views and a lively beachfront. Best time: November to March.
Camps Bay Beach lies just outside Cape Town. The Twelve Apostles mountains rise behind the sand. The views are striking and the mood is lively.
The white sand is perfect for sunbathing. The Atlantic water is cold, so most people paddle or take a quick dip. Trendy cafes and restaurants line the beachfront. Locals and tourists both love it.
10. Le Morne Beach, Mauritius
Best for: Kite surfing and scenic walks. Best time: May to November for steady winds.
Le Morne Beach has clear water and lush greenery. Le Morne Brabant mountain rises behind it. The mountain is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This adds history to the view.
The shallow lagoon suits swimming and kite surfing. White sand stretches for long distances. The setting is serene, with views in every direction. Le Morne suits travellers who want a tropical retreat.
11. Île Sainte-Marie, Madagascar
Best for: Whale watching and secluded beaches. Best time: July to September for humpback whales.
Île Sainte-Marie lies off Madagascar's eastern coast. Palm-fringed beaches and untouched coral reefs define the island. It feels secluded and unspoiled.
Between July and September, humpback whales migrate along the coast. Snorkelling and diving reveal beautiful coral gardens. The island suits beach lovers and nature enthusiasts.
How to choose the best beach in Africa
Pick the beach that fits your trip. Each of these stands out for one thing.
- Best for swimming: Anse Lazio, Nungwi Beach and Shela Beach
- Best for snorkelling and diving: Bazaruto Island, Naama Bay and Watamu Beach
- Best for wildlife: Skeleton Coast seals and Île Sainte-Marie whales
- Best for surfing and kite surfing: Coffee Bay and Le Morne Beach
- Best for culture: Shela Beach and Nungwi Beach
- Best for city views: Camps Bay Beach
- Best for luxury: Bazaruto Island and Anse Lazio
Best time to visit African beaches
Africa spans many climate zones, so no single month suits every beach. East Africa and the Indian Ocean islands are usually best in the dry months. South Africa's coast is warmest from November to March. The Red Sea is best in spring and autumn. Always check local weather before you book.
Combine a beach with a safari
Many travellers pair a beach stay with a safari. Kenya makes this easy. You can enjoy game drives in the Maasai Mara or Amboseli, then fly to the coast. Watamu and Shela offer a calm finish after early game drives.
Best beaches in Africa: frequently asked questions
What is the best beach in Africa?
There is no single best beach. Anse Lazio in Seychelles is often named the most beautiful. Nungwi in Tanzania and Watamu in Kenya are strong choices for swimming and snorkelling.
Which African country has the best beaches?
Seychelles, Mauritius, Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique and South Africa all have excellent beaches. The best choice depends on whether you want swimming, surfing, diving or culture.
What is the best beach in Kenya?
Watamu Beach is best for snorkelling and the marine park. Shela Beach on Lamu is best for quiet and Swahili culture.
What is the best beach in East Africa?
Nungwi Beach on Zanzibar is a top pick for calm water and sunsets. Watamu and Shela in Kenya are also excellent.
Which African beaches are best for snorkelling and diving?
Bazaruto Island, Naama Bay and Watamu Beach are the best. Nungwi Beach also has vibrant coral reefs nearby.
Which African beach is best for surfing?
Coffee Bay in South Africa is a surfer's favourite. Le Morne Beach in Mauritius is better known for kite surfing.
Is Skeleton Coast good for swimming?
No. The water is cold and the coast is often misty. Visit for the shipwrecks, seals and desert scenery.
When can you see whales at Île Sainte-Marie?
Humpback whales migrate along the coast from July to September. This is the best time to visit for whale watching.
Which African beach is best for a honeymoon?
Anse Lazio, Bazaruto Island and Shela Beach are romantic choices. All three offer calm settings and a sense of privacy.
Can you combine a beach holiday with a safari?
Yes. Kenya and Tanzania pair safaris with coastal stays easily. Many travellers fly from the Maasai Mara to Watamu or Zanzibar.
Which African beaches are safest for swimming?
Calm, shallow spots like Anse Lazio, Nungwi and Shela are usually gentle. Always heed local flag warnings and ask your hotel about tides.
Plan a beach and safari trip with Olengugih Safaris
Want a beach stay after your safari? Olengugih Safaris plans Kenya safaris for couples, families and small groups. Add a coastal finish at Watamu or Shela. Tell us your dates, and we will plan the route.
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