25 of Africa’s most beautiful beaches

While Africa might not claim the title for having the best beaches globally, it certainly boasts some of the finest.

From the Seychelles’ windswept sands to Namibia's eerie, seal-covered shores, the continent’s coastline is as diverse as it is breathtaking.

Here’s a glimpse at some of Africa’s top beaches.

1. Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt

Sharm el-Sheikh has earned its reputation as Egypt’s resort capital, offering warm, clear waters and expansive beaches perfect for swimming and sunbathing. It’s also the gateway to some of the world’s top diving spots along the Red Sea’s coral reefs.

Good to know: If you prefer a beach day without the direct sun, head to Sharm el Maya for plenty of shade.

2. Watamu, Kenya

The pristine white sands of Watamu, gently sloping into crystal-clear, turquoise waters, are part of the Malindi Marine Reserve Park, a protected marine area. The snorkeling and diving around its offshore coral reefs are considered some of the best in East Africa.

Good to know: Watamu serves as a vital nesting site for both green and hawksbill turtles.

3. Diani Beach, Kenya

Diani Beach, a stunning 20-kilometer stretch of palm-lined shore, remains unspoiled and free from seaweed thanks to the coral reef just offshore. This coastal haven has become one of Kenya’s most beloved beaches.

Good to know: Interested in kitesurfing? You can take lessons here.

4. Nungwi, Zanzibar, Tanzania

It’s hard to pick just one top beach on this relaxed island, but Nungwi, located on Zanzibar’s northern tip, is certainly one of the standouts.

Once a humble fishing village and dhow-building hub, Nungwi has evolved into a sought-after vacation spot, where palm trees casually spill onto a beach that fades seamlessly into turquoise waters.

Good to know: At sunset, you can watch white-sailed dhows glide out from the boatyard—perfect for a photo opportunity.

5. Chitimba, Malawi

Chitimba might be simple, with just a peaceful stretch of inland beach, but the lake it sits beside is one of the largest in Africa. Surrounded by lush, wooded hills that gently slope down to the water’s edge, it offers a serene slice of freshwater bliss.

If you're up for some adventure, Chitimba Camp’s guides can take you on walks through the surrounding hills.

Good to know: Ichthyologists believe Lake Malawi may be home to as many as 1,000 species of fish.

6. Anse Soleil, Mahe, Seychelles

Lush jungle and giant boulders cascade down the hillside, leading to the secluded Anse Soleil beach and bay on the southwest coast of Mahe. This serene, private spot is perfect for a romantic sunset view.

Good to know: The laid-back café on the beach offers some of the finest seafood in the region.

7. Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue, Seychelles

It’s easy to see why Anse Source d’Argent is considered the most photographed beach in the world. A scenic trail, flanked by jungle on one side and massive granite boulders on the other, leads to a pristine beach where the sand is dazzlingly white and the water's turquoise hue looks almost otherworldly.

Good to know: La Digue is home to countless beautiful beaches, all easily accessible by bike.

8. Belle Mare, Mauritius

The sunrise at the peaceful Belle Mare beach, located on the east coast of Mauritius, makes an early wake-up worth it. Famous for its soft white sand, you’ll likely find a quiet, secluded spot along this mostly undeveloped stretch of shoreline.

The water is serene and shallow—perfect for spending leisurely days in the calm embrace of the sea.

9. Ifaty, Madagascar

If you’ve always dreamed of unwinding on a pristine stretch of white sand, where the shade comes from swaying palm trees rather than beach umbrellas, Ifaty, on Madagascar’s southwest coast, might just be your perfect escape.

This coastal stretch, dotted with fishermen’s homes made from local materials, is bordered by vibrant coral reefs, perfect for exploring with a snorkel and goggles or from the surface in a colorful dugout canoe.

Good to know: If you visit in July or August, you might catch a glimpse of migrating whales.

10. Tofo Beach, Mozambique

Tofo in Mozambique offers an eight-kilometer stretch of sandy beach, where you can enjoy crystal-clear waters and endless beauty.

It’s ideal for those who love lounging on the sand, playing in the surf, and further out, divers and fishermen can find plenty of adventure.

Good to know: If you're into surfing or fly fishing, the more tranquil beach of Tofino is the place to be.

11. Bazaruto, Mozambique

When it comes to picture-perfect tropical beaches, Bazaruto, the crown jewel of the Bazaruto Archipelago, takes the prize.

The island's serene sandy shores stretch endlessly into crystal-clear turquoise waters, gradually merging with the Indian Ocean, while palms lean over the beach offering the ideal spot to sip a cocktail in the shade.

Good to know: Bazaruto Archipelago is a diver’s paradise, famed for its exceptional underwater experiences.

12. Uvongo, South Africa

Nestled at the mouth of the Ivungu River, Uvongo Beach boasts a shallow lagoon, ideal for children to play in. Rent a pedalo and paddle up to the base of the stunning 23-meter waterfall that cascades into the lagoon.

Good to know: When the tide is low, grab a net and explore the rock pools at the beach's southern end.

13. Coffee Bay, Wild Coast, South Africa

Coffee Bay on South Africa's Wild Coast is as untamed as it gets. With towering cliffs and lush hillsides meeting the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean, this dramatic beach will leave you awestruck.

Just eight kilometers from Coffee Bay, Hole In The Wall is a striking rock formation at the mouth of the Mpako River, standing tall in the sea.

Good to know: The best way to take in this stunning coastline is by walking along it.

14. Camps Bay, South Africa

On a summer's day, finding a spot to lay down your towel at Camps Bay can be a challenge, as it's one of Cape Town's busiest and most popular beaches, packed with sunbathers enjoying the golden sands.

Along the beachfront, you'll find a lively strip of cafes and bars filled with the city's trendiest crowd. For more seclusion, head to the nearby Clifton beaches, where the boulders offer a bit more privacy.

Get even further from the crowds at Blouberg Beach, where you can enjoy breathtaking sunsets and capture stunning views of Table Mountain across the shimmering waters of Table Bay.

15. Skeleton Coast, Namibia

Few beaches possess the haunting beauty of Namibia's Skeleton Coast, where the wild landscapes meet the relentless ocean in a desolate, yet mesmerizing display.

This vast, untamed coastline, located between the Swakop and Kunene rivers, is frequently enveloped in fog, a mysterious mix of cold Atlantic air colliding with the warm winds of the Namib Desert. The area has earned its name as a shipwreck graveyard due to the treacherous, rocky waters that claim many vessels.

Expect to encounter a vibrant population of seals and seabirds near the wrecks.

16. Swakopmund, Namibia

What’s a beach without adventure? Swakopmund in Namibia has transformed into an action-packed hub, offering everything from fishing and surfing to kayaking, quad biking, and sandboarding.

Fun fact: Swakopmund is often referred to as 'more German than Germany.' Be sure to dine at the Bavarian-inspired Swakopmund Brauhaus for a true taste of the culture.

17. Loango National Park, Gabon

Loango National Park in Gabon is renowned for its 'surfing hippos' on the beaches, but it’s also home to elephants, buffaloes, gorillas, and leopards lounging in the sand.

Stretching over 100 kilometers, the park’s untouched coastline is a prime spot for spotting dolphins, as well as humpback and killer whales.

Fun fact: The best time to witness the surfing hippos is in January. From September to May, you’re more likely to spot forest elephants and red forest buffaloes on the beach. Turtle nesting season runs from October to February.

18. Beyin Beach, Ghana

Beyin Beach in Ghana is a remote, sandy arc lined with towering palms. It’s a quintessential African beach where you’ll likely witness fishermen hauling massive nets teeming with fish, a traditional spectacle.

Interesting note: To reach the stilted Nzulezo village, hop on a dugout boat from the irrigation canal located just across the road from the beach.

19. Banana Beach, Sao Tome and Príncipe

Banana Beach on the serene island of Príncipe, located off the west coast of Africa, offers a peaceful, pristine shoreline that's hard to match.

With its clear, shallow waters and forested edges, it’s a true hidden gem, often free from other tourists, creating an effortlessly relaxing atmosphere.

Good to know: Príncipe’s waters are some of the best in the world for deep-sea fishing, so bring your gear if you’re keen.

20. River No. 2 Beach, Freetown, Sierra Leone

River No. 2 Beach, just outside Freetown, offers an unparalleled sense of isolation, with its endless white sands and a backdrop of lush, mountain vegetation.

Good to know: If you can tear yourself away from the beach, rent a canoe from the local association and paddle up the river to reach a hidden waterfall.

21. Cap Skirring, Senegal

Cap Skirring is a picturesque bay with a wide, flat beach bordered by untouched dunes on one side and the rhythmic waves of the Atlantic on the other. Located in the heart of Senegal’s stunning Casamance region, it's truly a beach lover’s paradise.

While tourism here remains low-key, you can take a taxi to Boucotte beach, where you’ll find even more seclusion and tranquility.

Good to know: If you're a fan of drumming, you can enjoy vibrant performances in the nearby villages of Kafountine and Abéné.

22. Chaves Beach, Boa Vista, Cape Verde

Chaves Beach on Boa Vista is a remote paradise, where the curves of wind-sculpted sand dunes stretch toward the Atlantic. With vast open space and soft, golden sand, this desert island offers the perfect escape for sunseekers. Chaves Beach is isolation at its most serene.

Good to know: If you're a fan of fresh seafood, just ask one of the local fishermen to catch your favorite delicacy.

23. Essaouira, Morocco

The vast expanse of Essaouira’s beach provides plenty of room for those looking to bask in the sun of this relaxed Moroccan town. But it’s the constant wind and waves that lure wind- and kite-surfers during the summer and regular surfers during the winter.

A little further along the bay, away from the bustling harbor, you’ll find a castle said to have inspired Jimi Hendrix’s iconic song 'Castles Made of Sand.'

Good to know: As the sun sets, Essaouira transforms into a stunning sight. Take a stroll to the harbor for some unforgettable shots of the old town framed by the ancient city walls.

24. Dakhla, Morocco

The wind blows relentlessly every day in Dakhla, located in southern Morocco, creating ideal conditions for kiteboarding. With a vast, tranquil lagoon on one side and rolling waves on the other, this beach attracts both beginners and professional kiteboarders alike.

Good to know: The lagoon’s calm, shallow waters make it an excellent spot for snorkeling.

25. Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia

While the beach at Sidi Bou Said is a tempting spot, it’s the cliffside town above that has become the true highlight of this Tunisian paradise.

The winding, cobblestone streets are lined with whitewashed buildings adorned with blue shutters, windows, and doors, while vibrant bougainvillea cascades down, and palm trees stretch upwards.

Good to know: If Sidi Bou Said’s beach is too busy, consider heading to La Marsa. Although Sidi Bou Said ranks among Africa’s top beaches, it’s wise to check travel advisories before heading to Tunisia, where the political climate can shift.