The African continent is most popularly known for its distinct and unique wildlife and nature, however, if you look beyond that, you will so many interesting things that are equally worthy of your attention and deserves to be there on your itinerary. Being the second-largest continent in the world, it’s only fitting for Africa to be boasting of 30,000 km of coastline. Speaking of which, in addition to being home to a myriad of exotic wildlife species and bountiful nature, the continent also houses some of the most stunning and idyllic beaches that differ from each other in terms of their stories, cultures, sights of interest, and natural landscapes.
When it comes to picking the best beach destination to explore, the endless number of options to choose from can leave anyone a bit confused. With every beach promising to offer different kinds of experiences, it’s up to you to decide what beach/beaches you would like to visit on your trip to Africa. Listed below are some of the best beach destinations in Africa that will let you see the continent from a completely different perspective.
Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania
Located off the coast of East Africa, Zanzibar is a Tanzanian archipelago that boasts of white sandy beaches. It is a literal paradise for all those who are looking to spend their days basking in the sun and relaxing on fine sand while taking in the beauty of the gorgeous landscape. Zanzibar is an ideal place to soak in the local culture. The winding alleys, squandering houses, and brimming markets of Stone Town, which is the heart of this island, make the experience even more delightful.
Bom Bom Island, Principe
Bom Bom is a spectacular island nestled in the Gulf of Guinea. It is home to an array of amazing beaches, with each one unique and stunning in their own way. Bom Bom is one of the main islands of Sao Tome and Principe- teeming with verdant greenery. The Bom Bom Island Resort and the Virgin Forests of Principe are two of the best highlights of this island. You can also enjoy some water activities here, including snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, and whale watching.
Lamu Archipelago, Kenya
If you are looking to get some laidback vibes and want to spend your days in absolute peace and tranquility, Lamu should be your choice of destination. Boasting a collection of islands, Lamu is a beautiful place to visit in Kenya. Featuring pristine blue waters, soft white sand, and spectacular snorkeling, the amazing beaches in Shella Village offer a typical Indian Ocean experience. The town of Lamu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the winding streets and the peaceful setting of this town is compelling in itself to make you stay here for more than just one day or two.
Likoma Island, Malawi
Likoma Island in Malawi is sure to offer you a truly spectacular and unique experience. Lake Malawi, which is the third-largest lake in Africa, is one of its best highlights. It boasts of clear waters and golden beaches. And as far as Likoma Island is concerned, even though it is situated inside the Mozambican border, it still belongs to Malawi. Here on the island, you can find an array of pristine beaches and lavish resorts. Aside from soaking up the beauty of this island, you can also indulge in water activities, such as snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, and much more.
Skeleton Coast, Namibia
To all the adventure seekers out there, visiting the Skeleton Coast in Namibia is one of those experiences you wouldn’t want to miss. This is a deserted area that features soaring dunes and the untamed coastline of the Atlantic Ocean that sits alongside the dunes. This might not be the most ideal place to sunbathe or socialize with others, but exploring this place is truly a one-in-a-kind experience, considering it is one of the best and only living examples of the world’s true wilderness.
