Wild Beaches and Barefoot Luxury
Africa’s coastlines are as rich in character as they are in natural beauty. From palm-fringed islands and coral reefs to windswept dunes and historic Swahili towns, these are shores shaped by culture, tides, and the Spice Trade, and they offer some of the world’s most beautiful beach holidays.
Whether you’re looking for castaway seclusion, barefoot luxury, or a family-friendly coastal escape, Africa's Indian Ocean beaches and offshore islands provide extraordinary settings for both relaxation and exploration. Snorkel in turquoise shallows, sail on a traditional dhow cocktail in hand, try kite-surfing, swim with whalesharks, or just soak up the scene from a pam-shaded hammock.
From the white sands and spice-scented markets of Zanzibar, to the vibrant marine life off Mafia Island, and the aquatic adventures on offer along Kenya’s coast, there’s something for everyone: sun-seekers, thrill-seekers and underwater fanatics.
Further south, Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipealgo promises idyllic luxury and world-class diving, across the ocean, the islands of the Seychelles are honeymoon heaven, while Namibia’s wild Atlantic shores offer a very different kind of coastal drama: penguins, seal colonies and windswept wilderness. There are so many coastal options!
Our beach holidays are as flexible as you like, from standalone seaside getaways to post-safari wind-downs. Choose from chic eco-lodges, family retreats, or remote island hideaways.
To help you plan your ideal escape, we’ve created a collection of Beach Holiday itineraries, featuring handpicked properties and expert local advice. Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple, or with the whole family, we’ll help you find the perfect balance of comfort, freedom and natural beauty.
Our Beach Holidays Collection
Unwind in Africa’s most breathtaking coastal destinations with our handpicked beach holiday itineraries. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed post-safari retreat, a romantic honeymoon, or a tropical adventure, these journeys take you to some of the Indian Ocean’s most idyllic shores.
Sail through the picture-perfect Bazaruto Archipelago, snorkel technicolour coral reefs off Mafia Island, or explore the spice-scented streets and palm-lined beaches of Zanzibar. In Kenya, kick back in Swahili-style beachfront lodges or try your hand at diving or kite-surfing. You might even combine sea and safari in one seamless trip.
All of these beach holiday itineraries are crafted with comfort, style and flexibility in mind. Whether you're travelling solo, as a newly-wed couple or with a big family group, we’ll tailor the details to create the perfect coastal escape for you.
Our most recent reviews of beach holidays in Africa
Detailed, un-edited reviews from our Africa travellers whose trips we tailored towards beach holidays. Click below to read the traveller's full review, and see all the reviews of our Africa holidays here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Planning a beach holiday in Africa?
Whether you're dreaming of coral lagoons, family-friendly shores, or a post-safari wind-down, you might have a few questions before you go. Our Beach Holidays FAQs cover everything from the best destinations and times of year to water safety, diving, and what to do beyond the beach towel. If you’re still unsure, just ask: our specialists are here to help you plan the perfect coastal escape.
Which are the best countries in Africa for a beach holiday?
The Seychelles Archipelago offers islands of idyllic coves, with huge rounded boulders and lush green interiors, or white-sand atolls ringed with reefs, all perfect for island-hopping and total relaxation.
Mozambique is remote and untouched, with pristine islands in the Bazaruto archipelagos making for picture-perfect Indian Ocean vistas, diving and fishing.
Meanwhile, South Africa blends sweeping beaches with dramatic landscapes, and a super range of family-friendly accommodation and activities, especially along the Garden Route and Western Cape. You might even share the beach with curious penguins!
When is the best time of year to visit Africa’s beaches?
Along the Indian Ocean coast - including Tanzania, Mozambique and the Seychelles - conditions are generally warm and tropical. June to March is ideal for Tanzania and Mozambique, with October to February offering the chance to swim with whalesharks off Mafia Island. The Seychelles are particularly calm and clear between April and October, perfect for snorkelling, diving and island-hopping.
In contrast, Africa’s Atlantic coastline - including South Africa and Namibia - has a very different character. The waters here are colder and often rougher, shaped by ocean currents and dramatic weather patterns. In South Africa, December to March brings the warmest beach weather, while whale-watching along the Garden Route is best from July to November. Namibia’s coastline is cooler and wilder year-round: far better for scenic drama than swimming.
Wherever you're headed, we can help you choose the right destination and time of year to match your interests, whether it’s diving, surfing, relaxing, or spotting wildlife in the shallows.
Are Africa’s beaches safe for swimming and snorkelling?
Along the Indian Ocean coast, in places like Zanzibar, Mozambique, and Kenya, many beaches are protected by offshore reefs or shelving shallows, creating calm lagoons ideal for paddling, swimming and snorkelling. Here, conditions are typically warm, clear and inviting, perfect for families and first-time snorkellers.
In the Seychelles, reef-fringed coves such as those on Mahé and La Digue offer similarly gentle conditions in parts. These are some of the best beaches for snorkelling straight from the shore, with easy access to coral gardens and tropical fish.
By contrast, the Atlantic coastline, especially in South Africa and Namibia, is often wilder. The water is colder, waves are stronger, and rip currents can be dangerous. Most beaches here don’t have lifeguards, and shark activity may be a concern in certain areas. While many of these beaches are spectacular for walking, photography and whale watching, not all are safe for swimming.
That said, there are exceptions. Along South Africa’s Garden Route, you'll find protected estuaries and gentle inlets, including family-friendly spots in and around Tsitsikamma, where calmer waters are perfect for young children to paddle, splash and safely explore.
Wherever you travel, tides can shift quickly, coral and rocks may be slippery underfoot, and local conditions change from day to day. We always recommend asking lodge staff or local guides before entering the water, and supervising children closely at all times.
If you’re seeking beaches with calm, swimmable water or guided snorkelling trips, we’ll happily recommend the safest and most enjoyable spots to match your plans — so you can enjoy Africa’s waters with confidence and care.
What beach activities can I do besides relaxing?
You can snorkel or dive over coral reefs, exploring marine parks teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and dazzling underwater life. Many lodges have PADI-certified dive centres, making it easy to learn to dive if you’re just starting out: places like Mafia Island are especially good for beginners. And between October and February, you might even swim with whale sharks, the gentle giants that glide just offshore.
For those who prefer to stay above water, try kayaking through mangroves in Mozambique, paddleboarding across calm lagoons, or even kite-surfing on the breezy shores of Diani Beach or Zanzibar.
At low tide, join a local guide for a tidal reef walk on Zanzibar’s east coast, learning about corals, starfish, and the intricate life of the shallows. Or head to Juani Island, part of the Mafia Archipelago, where you can witness one of nature’s great spectacles: sea turtles hatching on moonlit beaches, an unforgettable sight for both adults and children.
For inner calm, many beach lodges offer sunrise yoga sessions with sea views, traditional dhow sailing trips at sunset, or fishing excursions with local crews too.
In Lake Malawi, freshwater beaches provide a completely different kind of aquatic playground, with kayaking and snorkelling on offer. While in South Africa, coastal adventures include whale watching, beach horse-riding, and glorious scenic hikes through reserves like De Hoop and Tsitsikamma.
Whether you're looking to have fun, explore, learn, or safari underwater, Africa’s beaches are brimming with possibilities so can be as active or as restful as you wish them to be.
Where can I learn to dive in Africa?
Mafia Island in Tanzania is one of the best places to learn, thanks to its calm, protected marine park and friendly dive centres well-versed in teaching beginners. The island’s clear, shallow reefs are perfect for training dives, and between October and February, you might even spot whalesharks in deeper water.
In Mozambique, dive schools around Vilanculos and the Bazaruto Archipelago offer a range of beginner and intermediate courses. The coral reefs here are rich in life, there are very few people in the area, and the relaxed pace makes it easy to build confidence in the water.
The Seychelles also boasts a number of top-rated dive centres, with calm lagoons, coral walls, and excellent visibility, especially around Mahé and Praslin. The marine life is diverse, and dive schools are known for their high safety standards and personalised instruction.
In Kenya, the coast around Diani Beach provides another superb option. The waters here are relatively warm and clear, and several well-established dive operators offer PADI courses along with gentle reef dives and sandbars suited to beginners.
Wherever you’re headed, we can advise on the best dive destination to suit your experience level, interests, and the time of year. Whether you're dreaming of coral gardens, underwater photography, or simply getting started in a supportive environment, we'll help you take the plunge.
Can I combine a beach holiday with a safari?
Combining a classic African safari with time on the coast offers the best of both worlds: thrilling wildlife encounters followed by a relaxing stretch of sand, sea, and sunshine. These trips are sometimes called ‘Bush and Beach” holidays, and they’re perennially popular!
In East Africa, the combination is seamless. After a safari in Tanzania's Serengeti or Ruaha, it’s just a short flight to Zanzibar, Mafia Island, or Fanjove Island - all offering warm waters, coral reefs, and laid-back coastal charm. Kenya also makes this easy, with direct connections from safari camps to the beaches of Diani, Watamu or Lamu, often within an hour or two.
In Southern Africa, beach add-ons tend to involve a little more travel but are equally rewarding. Mozambique’s islands and coastline are ideal extensions from a safari in South Africa, Zimbabwe, or even Botswana. These trips often involve a combination of bush flights and light aircraft transfers, and we’ll arrange every step to keep it smooth and efficient.
For something more offbeat, you might combine desert landscapes and wildlife in Namibia with time on the Skeleton Coast, or follow up a Zambia safari with beach-style relaxation on the shores of Lake Malawi, where snorkelling with ciclids, kayaking, and hammocks in the shade offer a freshwater alternative to the ocean.
We’ll help you find the balance that suits your pace and interests. Whether you want to dive straight into the sea after your last game drive, or rejuvenate on a remote island lodge before starting your safari, we’ll design a journey that connects coast and wilderness in the most effortless way possible.
The Best Beach Lodges in Africa
Across Africa’s coastlines and inland shores, you’ll find a growing number of stunning beach lodges and boutique hideaways — each offering exceptional access to the water, delicious fresh food, and a warm welcome after days of adventure or relaxation.
For barefoot luxury and private beaches, the Seychelles and Benguerra Island in Mozambique deliver magical seaside tranquillity and remote island charm. On Mafia Island, the enchanting Chole Mjini Treehouses offer a rustic escape, with open-air treehouses set among baobabs and just steps from the sea.
For style and culture combined, Zuri Zanzibar offers bold design, golden sunsets, and easy access to the island’s vibrant food and music scene. Along Kenya’s southern coast, Kinondo Kwetu is a laid-back, feet-in-the-sand family retreat, ideal for sea swims and beach bonfires. Or for a charming seaside stay, consider Periwinkle Guest Lodge along South Africa’s Garden Route
Further afield, the wild Skeleton Coast in Namibia offers a striking blend of ocean and desert, where Shipwreck Lodge delivers solitude and surreal beauty in a gorgeous contemporary camp. And while not coastal, Kaya Mawa on Lake Malawi deserves a mention: a freshwater paradise of sandy beaches, snorkelling, and kayaking, perfect for those seeking a different kind of beach escape.
Each of these lodges has been selected for its atmosphere, location, and exceptional experience. Whether you're looking for diving, downtime, or a dreamy end to your safari, these are the waterside retreats we love most.
Pole Pole
For a beach holiday, it is more limited than Zanzibar. However, Pole Pole has one of the island’s better beaches. Casting off, some of Mafia’s best beaches are found on remote sandbars in the bay: stunning small beaches with a 360° view of the ocean reached on a dhow trip.
Pongwe Beach Hotel
Pongwe has one of the best beaches we have ever seen in Zanzibar. When the tide is high, Pongwe sits in a private cove. Then when it goes out, a wonderful stretch of inter-tidal zone is revealed for walking and exploring.
Unguja Lodge
Unguja Lodge doesn’t have one of Zanzibar’s endless long white beaches, but it is in a quiet, secluded location. Dive or snorkel straight from the beach to explore the coral cliff for a special holiday experience in East Africa.
Greystoke Mahale
Greystoke’s spectacular white beach of fine powder-sand is not beside the ocean, but deep inland, next to the great Lake Tanganyika. So whilst chimp-tracking in Mahale, pause to enjoy a superb beach holiday right in the heart of Africa.
Matemwe Lodge
Get equipment for a long reef walks, snorkelling and kayaking at the water sport centre on Matemwe’s pretty white sandy beach. You can even walk to the village and join a local fishing trip for a unique holiday experience.
Breezes Beach Club
Breezes Beach Club sits on a pretty stretch of beach on the Michamvi Peninsula. With plenty of loungers, a large swimming pool and a water-sports centre it is the location for a great beach holidays particularly for families.
Kinondo Kwetu
Having stayed here a couple of times we think this is one of the very best small hotels on Kenya’s coast. Away from any beach boys it’s ideal for a quiet yet luxurious beach holiday. You can make use of the facilities at the PADI diving school.
Pumulani
To make your stay one of your best beach holidays, Pumulani offers a range of activities. Enjoy the sheer feeling of remoteness by the infinity pool, race around the lake on water-skis, or join a stately dhow for sundowners out on the lake.
Chole Mjini
The best beaches near Chole Mjini are on isolated sandbars, uncovered by the tide and surrounded by coral reefs of the Indian Ocean. Beaches don't come more magical, untouched or remote than this, making it one of the best beach experiences in Tanzania today.
Kaya Mawa
The waters of Lake Malawi are implausibly clear, great for diving and especially snorkelling – which you can do straight from Kaya Mawa's golden beach. This is one of the best spots for a relaxing beach holiday on the lake.
Kilindi
With a 500m stretch of white sand, the beach is a main feature at Kilindi. The location on the north-west coast means that sun sets over the sea - a unique feature for the east coast, which creates wonderful evening scenery.
Pinewood Beach Resort
Pinewood Beach Resort is located at the quiet, southern end of Diani Beach, known as Galu Beach. Enjoy your beach holiday in peace and maybe take the opportunity learn to dive at the neighbouring Aqualand water sports centre.
The Plettenberg
Within striking distance of the sweeping Outlook beach, and only a short drive to a number of other great beaches, The Plettenberg offer a smart, comfortable base from which to explore.
Azura Benguerra
The beaches on Benguerra Island are breathtakingly beautiful: pristine, fine sand sprinkled with thousands of colourful shells. Tidal variations are considerable – at low tide, it may be a couple of kilometres to the sea!
Camps Bay Retreat
Camps Bay Retreat is set within a short walk of three stunning beaches – Glen Beach, Camps Bay & Clifton. Beside this, it has three outdoor swimming pools, so you are spoilt for choice to create a best beach holiday experience.
Garden Lodge
Although not obvious for beach holidays in South Africa, the Garden Lodge overlooks a lovely, quiet, wild beach at Walker Bay. Activities can include beach picnics, riding on the beach, and even guided walks to an archaeological site in a massive local cave.
Qambani
Tucked away at the northern tip of the Michamvi Peninsula, Qambani boasts a wide expanse of quiet beaches and blue waters. It is a fantastic spot to lie back, relax and enjoy your surroundings on a beach holiday in Zanzibar.
Baraza Resort & Spa
Baraza sits on a beautiful long stretch of sandy white palm fringed beach on the Michamvi Peninsula. With plenty of comfy loungers, a very large swimming pool and a great water sports centre it is a fantastic beach getaway.
Bazaruto Lodge
If you are looking for a great beach holiday, then consider Bazaruto Lodge on Bazaruto Island. There are beaches all over the island with the waters on the western side generally very calm, perfect for swimming and sunbathing in Africa.
Manta Resort
The Manta Resort sits on a beautiful stretch of white sandy beach. Its isolated location means that guests are unlikely to be disturbed during their beach break on Zanzibar – other than to be offered a fresh cocktail from the beach bar!
Zuri Zanzibar
Located in the north west of Zanzibar, Zuri Zanzibar sits on a beautiful stretch of palm fringed beach. This area of the island is less tidal than Zanzibar's east coast meaning that you can swim in the sea throughout the day.
Mnemba Island Lodge
Mnemba Island Lodge is the ultimate remote, exclusive beach retreat. It's relaxing and laid-back, with high standards that are delightfully understated. It is costly, but the beaches are stunning and it will a fabulous beach holiday in Tanzania.
Matemwe Retreat
Many guests at Matemwe Retreat will stay in their villa, but a short walk away, the Retreat’s private beach usually has crystal clear water and, at high tide, it’s great for swimming. Relax on the beach or snorkel with the PADI dive centre.
Forest Lodge
Sandy beaches and clear water make Grootbos an ideal location for unforgettable beach holidays in South Africa. Not only for relaxing, but also for more or less highly adventurous activities as horse riding, whale watching or the thrilling shark cage diving.
Coco de Mer Hotel
Coco de Mer Hotel stands beside the sandy beach at Anse Bois de Rose, on Praslin’s south-west coast. With two pools, lots of activities and a gently sloping beach, it is great for children and one of the best spots for a family beach holiday.
Fundu Lagoon
Fundu Lagoon organises day trips by boat to Misali Island, which has some of the best beaches around Tanzania's Pemba Island. You can scuba dive here, snorkel, or just relax and enjoy a great beach holiday.
Fanjove Lodge
Fanjove’s untouched beaches and exposed sand banks at low tide make it a beautiful spot to relax.
Ephelia Resort
The northern beach at Constance Ephelia Resort on Mahé Island is a lovely spot for relaxed beach holidays in the Seychelles, with included water sports like kayaking and windsurfing. Expect consistently high standards at this excellent resort!
Water Lovers
The extensive white sands of Diani Beach are the perfect lure for a beach break in Kenya, where WaterLovers has plenty of personal spaces to relax in the shade, along with a freshwater pool and kayaks for the more active.
Asha Boutique Hotel
One of Asha's main natural attractions is its broad white beach frontage and often crystal-clear sea – great for beach holidays. Relax on the beachfront terrace, have a drink or a meal, lie in the sun or take a snorkelling trip in the hotel’s boat.
Chintheche Inn
The simple Chintheche Inn, owned and managed by Wilderness Safaris, is a relaxed beach lodge on the western shore of Lake Malawi. It offers a serene getaway, with pristine sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush gardens.
Southern Cross Beach
Towards the south end of Plettenberg Bay, 5km of white sandy beaches stretch from the doorstep of Southern Cross. A scattering of marine visitors – like seals, dolphins and Southern right whales – can help make for an interesting beach holidays.
The Marine
With a great Blue Flag beach and quieter, secluded beaches in and around Hermanus, The Marine is a good base for a beach break in South Africa during the summer months of November to March.
Makokola Retreat
Makokola Retreat is a great holiday-spot for water-lovers. It offers many water-based activities, includig diving, waterskiing and parasailing. Discover the underwater world of the fresh water lake on a snorkelling trip straight from the beach.
Rubondo Island Camp
Rubondo Island Camp has a delightful location in a sandy bay on Lake Victoria. Although the presence of hippos and crocodiles make the water unsafe for a dip, it would nonetheless work for a relaxing beach break in Tanzania.
White Sand Villas
Contemporary and luxurious, White Sand Villas sits on a beautiful coastline, ideal for a beach break in Zanzibar. Here you can enjoy a stroll along the beach and watch the kitesurfers skim across the waves – or join them!
Zoi Hotel
Located on a pretty beach, typical of Zanzibar’s east coast, Zoi Boutique Hotel is a good-value lodge which is colourful and vibrant. Away from the beach’s attractions, it has pleasant gardens and a relaxed lounge and cocktail bar.
Bay Hotel
With a stunning sea front location, the Bay Hotel makes a superb base for a beach stay in Cape Town. It is also right on the door step for the numerous restaurants, bars and cafés of chic Camps Bay.
Hotel L'Archipel
Hotel L'Archipel on the small cove of Anse Gouvernement, has a smart, French feel and an almost-private beach, making it superb for a beach holiday. It’s also very close to the Anse Volbert Beach, with its beachfront restaurants and activity centres.
Benguerra Lodge
Benguerra Island's pale, sandy beaches are beautiful and this old, established lodge can deliver a superb beach holiday – amongst the best bets after a Southern Africa safari. It's a paradise for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.
Nuarro Mozambique
The yellow sand of Nampula's beaches and beautiful reef in front of the Lodge are ideal for activities on the beach and in the water. Get ready for one of the best beaches in east Africa, with pristine shores and crystal-clear waters.
Domaine d'Orangeraie
For a beach holiday on the Seychelles, the luxurious Le Domaine de l'Orangeraie is a very good option. Just a short bike ride away are many of La Digue's beaches, including Anse Source d'Argent – arguably one of the world's most beautiful beaches.
Periwinkle Guest Lodge
The Periwinkle is just across the road from the middle of a long stretch of the beach at Plattenberg Bay; it’s a great venue for a beach holiday. The Lodge extends to three levels, and has breathtaking views of the famous Robberg Peninsula, Tsitsikamma Mountains and the sea.
Hemingways Watamu
Hemingways is an internationally recognised game-fishing centre where you can try your luck hooking swordfish, marlin, sailfish and sharks. You can also go dolphin-watching, snorkel straight off the beach and go on BBQ and dhow trip to Sudi Island.
Xanadu Villas
Xanadu Villas exudes peace, tranquillity, and provides an idyllic setting for a romantic honeymoon on Zanzibar. Stroll along the beach, indulge in a massage, or enjoy a gourmet meal in the privacy of your own exquisite villa.
Denis Island Lodge
With long, stunning beaches, Denis Private Island is the perfect choice for those seeking a secluded beach holiday on the Seychelles. Each of the stylish cottages comes with its own private access to a lovely stretch of white sandy beach.
Twelve Apostles
With the wide expanse of Camps Bay beach only a ten-minute drive away from the Twelve Apostles Hotel, you are in an ideal position to relax and soak up the sun on a beach break in South Africa. The weather is best during the southern summer – between December and March.
North Island
North Island’s private villas are all close to one of four powdery white sand beaches here, lapped by the Indian Ocean’s clear, turquoise water. An amazing location, excellent service and food make this one of the best beach stays in the Seychelles!
Four Seasons Desroches Island
Looking for the best escapist’s beach holiday in the Seychelles? Try Desroches Island. Throw a towel, mask and suncream into your bike's pannier and pedal to a perfect beach. There are 14km to choose from, and you can get a picnic hamper delivered.
Tulia Zanzibar
For a totally relaxing, luxury beach break, with excellent cuisine, Tulia Resort is hard to beat. The location is serene, the sea is often crystal clear for snorkelling and diving, and the pools and waterslides are fun.
Thanda Island
Thanda Private Island offers a stunning private island experience. If the sheer number of activities on offer here isn’t reason enough to come then the location certainly is. If you are travelling as a group consider this exclusive island for a beach holiday in Tanzania.
Beach holidays in Africa
Discover some of Africa’s most captivating coastal destinations. In Tanzania, explore vibrant coral reefs, idyllic islands, and the spice-scented shores of Zanzibar. Head to the Seychelles or Mozambique for palm-fringed beaches, crystal-clear waters, and island escapes.
Along South Africa’s south-western coast, wide white beaches meet dune-backed reserves and whale-filled bays. And for something even more wild, the remote Skeleton Coast in Namibia offers sweeping sandscapes and dramatic Atlantic surf.
Or swap ocean for freshwater on Lake Malawi, where quiet beaches, snorkelling, and kayaking create a different kind of beach holiday.
Whether you’re looking for a post-safari wind-down, a romantic island escape, or a family-friendly break by the sea, our Beach Holidays Collection features the very best of Africa’s shores, and we’ll help you find the perfect one for your trip.
Africa - Curated Holiday Collections for Your Interests
Discover our African holiday collections, designed for travellers with passion! Love wildlife, photography or fancy bringing your whole family away - we’ve got a selection of trips to inspire you.
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