Generally known for its wildlife, Africa’s beautiful beaches are often overlooked. From clear blue waters to penguin colonies, Africa’s best beaches have some great sights to offer and make for a nice relaxing break after an adventurous safari holiday. Check out these 10 beautiful beaches and start planning your Africa beach holiday now!

1. Clifton Beaches, South Africa
The Clifton Beaches in Cape Town offer you four beautiful beaches from which to choose. Huge boulders separate the area into the humbly named First, Second, Third, and Fourth Beaches. Singles and friends can enjoy a vibrant social scene on the first three beaches, while families will find themselves most comfortable on the Fourth Beach.

2. Paraia de Santa Maria, Cape Verde
Stretching across Santa Maria Islet, the white sand beach harbours stunning turquoise waters. There is an active fishing pier here where you can watch fishermen at work every morning. Surfers frequent the beach as well, for the waves. 

3. Watamu Beach, Kenya
Watamu, a small town located 105km north of Mombasa, is primarily a tourism and fishing area. There are a few different beaches along the shoreline, all featuring white sand and off shore coral formations. Watamu Beach is one of the best here, a part of Watamu National Marine Park that offers incredible diving and snorkeling opportunities.

4. Buffalo Bay Beach, South Africa
Located near Knysna, Buffalo Bay Beach is a great place for families. Toddlers can swim in tiny rock pools during low tide, and adults can enjoy the crystal clear bay water. The beach generally isn’t very crowded and has only one restaurant at the end, making it a quiet retreat. Beginner surfers will love the gentle waves here. 

5. Beau Vallon Bay Beach, Seychelles
The beautiful Beau Vallon Bay is located on the north-western coast of Mahé, Seychelles’ largest island. The beach here is very popular with tourists for its clear waters and stunning coral reefs. Diving and snorkelling opportunities abound, Beau Vallon is thriving with hotels, restaurants, and even a small market nearby. However, if you stay at one of the exquisite hotels here, you can find solitude at your hotel’s private beach, like the one pictured below at the Sunset Beach Hotel.

6. Paje Beach, Zanzibar
This active beach, located on Zanzibar Island, is a great place to meet fellow travellers. Relax on the white sand and watch as picturesque dhows pass by on clear waters. You can also go swimming, diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, and partake in other waters ports here. Since the beach spreads out over 30kms, you’re sure to find pockets of peace and quiet as well.

7. Tamarin Bay, Mauritius
Located on the west coast of Mauritius, Tamarin Bay is known for surfing and dolphins! There are two great surfing spots here for you to enjoy. The waters aren’t very gentle so you might need a bit of experience to appreciate the surf. For the balance-challenged, there are incredible dolphin-sighting opportunities. Take an early morning catamaran out and you could be rewarded with views of hundreds of dolphins swimming by!

8. Anse Lazio, Seychelles
This picture-perfect beach on Praslin Island in Seychelles is a popular snorkelling spot boasting fine white sand and turquoise waters. Sit back on the clean beach and enjoy uninterrupted views of the horizon. There are two restaurants nearby so you can grab a bite when you feel like it and get right back to lounging. Some consider Anse Lazio to be Africa’s most beautiful beach!

9. Grotto Beach, South Africa
Grotto Beach in Hermanus is a great place to take the kids. There’s a play park near the beach to entertain them if they get tired of the water. White sand, beautiful waters, clean facilities, and spectacular views of the mountains make it a nice day out for the entire family. The sand goes on for around 15kms so you can take a long walk or go jogging as well. Swimmers can enjoy swimming without hesitation as lifeguards are on duty.

10. Anse Source D’Argent, Seychelles
This beach made it on the list purely for aesthetic purposes. The water is too shallow to swim in. The beach is popular, so you’ll find tourists here at most times. And the most common way to access it is by a long bicycle ride. However, the spectacular scenery is worth it. White sand, clear waters, and huge boulders form a surprisingly beautiful picture that’ll stay with you long after your trip is over.

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