Beaches and islands in Africa are as varied as the continent itself. Each offers something unique while still remaining distinctly African. If you are looking for a sun-kissed Africa beach holiday beneath a blue, azure sky then head to the east coast of Africa. If you’re considering a more offbeat location, then the Skeleton Coast is outstanding for fishing.
From Southern Africa to East Africa, you can experience a variety of regions, beaches and cultural diversity.
Contact us or fill out an enquiry form and one of our travel experts will help you tailor make your perfect safari
3
Enjoy an authentic African experience, with peace of mind
Experience our Tailor-made Beach Holidays in Africa
What You Need To Know
Indian Ocean Islands
When it comes to idyllic island beach destinations, then Mauritius and the Seychelles are great options. These destinations can also be combined with any kind of big game safari in Southern or Eastern Africa with our bespoke safari offerings
South Africa
Beach holidays in the southern most country of Africa will offer a wide choice of beach destinations. From the glam beaches of the Cape Town, to the family-friendly beaches of the Garden Route or the long, golden beaches in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Mozambique
You can find some of the best beaches in Mozambique, characterised by long beaches in Bazaruto and the Quirimbas Archipelagos, the islands in Mozambique are where the best scuba diving and snorkelling can be experienced.
East Africa
Beaches on Kenya’s mainland coast, or the exotic spice islands of Zanzibar often beckon for a relaxing beach holiday. There are great diving and honeymoon islands as well as plenty of activities on offer.
Check what vaccinations are required before travelling
Ask your safari expert whether your destination is malaria-free
Make sure that your visas check out
Not all beaches have public facilities available
Gratuities are expected when dining (10% is the standard). This is of course at your own discretion
Dress modestly and be aware of any religious requirements, particularly in East African countries
Arrive with an open mind, African life works at a different pace
Stay well hydrated; the African sun is harsh
Not all tap water is suitable to drink. Ask your safari expert for more information.
A first-aid kit is always a great idea for minor accidents
Be sure to take out travel insurance
Please refer to the weather and climate guide to determine the best time to travel per region.
Beachwear
Casual and cool clothing
Something more modest if entering Muslim countries/regions
Walking shoes
Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
Camera
One smart casual outfit
First-aid kit
The weather and climate from region-to-region can differ quite vastly. Here is a basic guide to the weather and climate in each of the main African beach destinations:
Indian Ocean Islands: During summer soime islands experience a short, rainy season. Most though have great weather throughout the year with the exception of the wet months of January, February and March. Zanzibar for instance experiences rain from mid-March to May.
South Africa: Cape Town in the Western Cape gets its rainfall in the winter months from April-September, making October-January some of the best months to visit. The east coast in Kwa-Zulu Natal on the other hand gets rain during the summer months, but the weather remains warm and tropical throughout the year.
Mozambique: typically a tropical climate with two seasons. A wet season from October-March and a dry season from April to September. Climatic conditions vary depending on the altitude, while rainfall is heavy along the coast and decreases in the north and south.
East Africa: the weather is typically equatorial with high temperatures year-round and little seasonal variation. There tend to be two short rainy seasons in East Africa, one around April and the other in October/November.
Beach holidays are all about enjoying time in the water and exploring the coast. Water activities are popular with locals and Africa has some incredible snorkelling and diving spots
Popular Beach Holidays in Africa
Each of our popular itineraries can be tailor-made to suit your budget as well as your specific interests.
Pemba is perfectly safe as long as you stay in Pemba and not venture out into the mainland Mocimboa da Praia and Palma.
Pemba Island is an island in the Indian Ocean located 35 miles (56 kilometers) off the coast of East Africa, opposite the port of Tanga, Tanzania. The island is 42 miles (67 kilometers) long and 14 miles (22 kilometers) wide.
There are plenty of different options for accommodation on the West coast such as hotels, self-catering accommodation and B&Bs. Examples of this include; Paternoster Beach Cottages, Crystal Lagoon Lodge, West Coast Luxury Tents and more.
Try out wine, craft beer, olives, and Rooibos tea tastings
Explore weskus cuisine and braaivleis
Zipline into Citrusdal,
Jump into natural (warm) pools
Try out the famous river cruises
Trek through the amazing nature reserves and National Park
Go on game-drives
Try archery or angling
Go horseback riding along the west coast
Learn about San culture and Riel-dancing
50 min (54,5 km) via N2
51 min (61,8 km) via N3 and N2
1 hr 3 min (58,2 km) via R102
37 min (40,4 km) via N2
46 min (42,0 km) via M4
50 min (44,0 km) via R102
Ballito is a holiday town in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province. Ballito is located approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) north of Durban.
It is located within the KwaDukuza Local Municipality and the iLembe District Municipality.
Madagascar's local currency is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA). The Euro is the most widely accepted foreign currency, but US dollars and British pounds are also easily exchanged. You can exchange money at banks or withdraw cash from ATMs in your area.
Madagascar, an island country located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of southern Africa, is the world's fifth-largest island, with a landmass of 587,000 km2 and a population of 25.6 million people.
In general, travelling in Africa during the dry season is preferable because it is cooler and there are fewer bugs.
This means visiting Madagascar between May and October. Plan your trip between June and September to see the humpback whale migration.
If you want to dive with whale sharks, try to go between November and March. The breeding season for lemurs lasts from October to December, when babies are born to take advantage of the new spring greenery.
Take a trip up table mountain
Visit Robben Island
Hike Lions Head
Shop at the V&A waterfront
Have a Beach day at Clifton
Go wine tasting in Kirstenbosch, Durbanville, Stellenboch and Franschhoek
Pemba can be reached by boat or charter plane from the Quirimbas Archipelago.
South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania have direct flights to Pemba Airport in northern Mozambique.
The islands of the Quirimbas Archipelago are literally across the water and can be reached by boat or charter plane.
The Quirimbas Islands are located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of northeastern Mozambique, close to Pemba, the capital of the Cabo Delgado province.
Vilankulo has a mix of accommodation options which consists of lodges, hotels and backpackers. Examples of this include; Vilanculos Beach Lodge, Bahia Mar Boutique Hotel, Baobab Beach Backpackers and much more.
Vilankulo (or Vilanculos) is a coastal town in Mozambique, lying in the Vilanculos District of Inhambane Province.
Scuba Diving
Horse Riding
Sunset Dhow Safaris
Kite surfing
Canoeing
There are no direct flights from the United States, but you can easily connect via London or Middle Eastern hubs such as Qatar or the United Arab Emirates.
International flights arrive at Mahe airport, a lovely, tiny airport from which you can catch a local flight on Air Seychelles to your preferred island.
Most visits to Seychelles are trouble-free. However, there have been instances of break-ins, robberies, burglaries and opportunist thefts against residents, expatriates and tourists.
Seychelles is a charming group of islands located in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, off the coast of East Africa.