Top 5 Breathtaking Beaches of Africa

While the novice traveler visits Africa in search of safaris, it’s the beaches that are some of the finest examples of beauty on the continent. Each region has unique attributes that call to any vacationer. And we’ve narrowed down the top five.

Belle Mare
Country: Mauritius

Located on the South East coast in the town of Mahebourg, Belle Mare is said to be the most beautiful beach in Mauritius. Due to a small amount of development, the beaches and surrounding areas are generally untouched. The beach is surrounded by unspoilt nature with a few hotels and luxury villas for serenity seeking vacationers. Like most beaches, Belle Mare gets pretty crowded on most weekends, but during the week, a couple can have the sands almost entirely to themselves. Nudity is prohibited, but topless sunbathing is perfectly fine.

Cap Skirring
Country: Senegal

Originally a fishing village, Cap Skirring in Senegal has been a popular tourist destination since explorer French of Ziguinchor landed in 1960. There is a bustling airport, a series resorts, and a golf course. The beaches boast a palm-filled landscape and the ocean temperatures are near perfect year round. Area hotels offer a selection of guided tours and activities, such as mountain biking or 4 x 4 trips. For a peek at local life, one can visit craft markets or even watch a traditional wrestling match.

Ifaty Beach
Country: Madagascar

The Ifaty beach region is comprised of two small fishing villages called Mangily and Madio Rano. Between these villages you will find a collection of bungalow accommodation options, making it an ideal beach destination to unwind. Guest partake in the many outdoor activities which include trekking and active wildlife exploits on other parts of the island. For a more quiet experience, one could simply watch the traditional ‘pirogue’ fishing boats as the glide across the gentle waters.

Banana Beach
Country: Sao Tome and Príncipe Island

Just off the western coast of Central Africa, is the stunning island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe. The two islands are located approximately 140 km apart, and both islands are breathtakingly beautiful. Banana Beach is the jewel of the region and is called one of the best beaches in Africa. Local attractions include white and black sand beaches, waterfalls, cliffs, and tropical forests. Banana Beach has no beach resorts and is completely untouched. The only settlement is a small fishing village 10 minutes away.

Swakopmund Beach
Country: Namibia

Swakopmund Beach is a picturesque vision of sea and sand. It is the biggest coastal town in Namibia. Boasting 19th-century German architecture that recalls its colonial past, Swakopmund is a favorite site for destination weddings. But take care! While the beaches are beautiful, the water can be misleadingly cold. Land activities include a local museum, a crystal gallery, and a marine aquarium. Another unique attraction is the Rossmund Desert Golf Course which is one of only five all-grass desert golf courses in the world.

As you can see, there are tons of gorgeous locals in Africa that take you beyond the serengeti. So the next time you’re looking for a beach to bum on, put one of these beautiful African destinations on your wishlist.