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.
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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