Africa might be best known for safaris, but did you know that it’s also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world? From the far-flung Indian Ocean Islands to East African lake beaches, spectacular swells on sandy shores in Cape Town, and so much more. Here are some of our favourite images of Africa’s beaches to inspire your next holiday.
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Zanzibar’s swatches of silky sand are super inviting
Vibrant Zanzibar is made up of a chain of islands off the Tanzanian coast, it’s the perfect add-on destination to an East African safari for a bush and beach holiday. Fun fact, famous singer Freddy Mercury was born here in Stone Town, the largest city in Zanzibar.
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Camps Bay is one of Cape Town’s most famous beaches
We love Camps Bay in Cape Town, not only because it has flawless beaches and clear water, but it’s also the hottest place to be in summer, with trendy cocktail bars and high-end restaurants to turn your beach day into a night out.
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Mauritius is a watersports wonderland for the adventurous
Ah, Mauritius…the postcard depiction of a tropical island holiday. It’s what honeymoon dreams are made of! There’s also something for everyone, from adventure-fueled activities on land and underwater to simply kicking back and sipping on bottomless cocktails.
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Relaxing in a hammock in the Maldives, Image Credit: Innahura Maldives Resort
The Maldives offers a unique island getaway in its famous luxury overwater resorts. Just imagine jumping straight out of bed and into the deep blue sea! The weather is also delightful year-round (although some months are wetter than others), so a memorable holiday in the sun is almost guaranteed.
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Robberg Nature Reserve is a worthwhile stop on your Garden Route road trip
Located on the scenic Garden Route just outside Plettenberg Bay, Robberg Nature Reserve is the perfect off-the-beaten-track beach to explore. With wonderful swimming spots, trails, and inviting beaches where you can soak up the sun, it’s a must on your road trip along this route.
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Clifton is where the rich, famous and fabulous gather in summer
Clifton in Cape Town is a high-end oceanfront area with several beaches sheltered from the wind and incredible mountain and ocean views. Watching the sunset from its shores is one of the hottest shows in town! Camps Bay, located nearby, also offers a lively dining and nightlife scene to keep the party going.
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Scenic Sava Dunes in tropical Mozambique
Escape to the remote Sava Dunes on the Inhambane coastline of Mozambique. These golden dunes lapped by turquoise water are ideal for that off-the-grid holiday you’ve been craving.
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A dreamy setting for sundowners, Image Credit: andBeyond Benguerra Island Resort
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The iconic Table Mountain from Sunset Beach, Image Credit: Sergey Ryzhkov
We probably did not even have to caption this image, as Table Mountain in Cape Town needs no introduction. There are plenty of places throughout the city from which to admire its unique flat-topped outline. However, our favourite viewpoint for the best photos, like the one above, is from Sunset Beach near Bloubergstrand.
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Paraglide over Wilderness Beach on the Garden Route
Like long walks on the beach? So do we! Then head to Wilderness Beach, located along the Garden Route, as the seemingly endless stretch of sandy beach is perfect for just that. However, if you want something a bit more exciting, we highly recommend paragliding for a bird’s-eye view!
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Boulders Beach is home to a large colony of endangered African penguins
How adorable are these dapper penguins waddling about on a picture-perfect beach? One of Cape Town‘s top attractions, Boulders Beach, is a must-visit on your South African journey. Meeting these African penguins in their natural habitat will leave you smiling from ear to ear!
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An idyllic setting on the west coast of Mauritius, Image Credit: Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa
Honeymoon? Golden anniversary? Family getaway? Victoria Beachcomber in Mauritius is so idyllic that it almost looks like a painting! But it offers more than just good looks, as there’s plenty to entertain guests of any age.
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A romantic space to reconnect, Image Credit: Grootbos Nature Reserve
We absolutely love the untouched Grootbos Nature Reserve on the Garden Route in South Africa. Spending just a few minutes here will dramatically lower anyone’s stress levels. With 3,5000 hectares of wilderness, beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, and fascinating 907 plant species, it’s like nowhere else on earth. It’s also a great place to see the marine Big 5!
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An aerial view of Azura Benguerra
When life gets a bit too much, we love heading to Azura Benguerra Island in Mozambique. Located within a Marine National Park and giving you access to deserted white beaches, crystal clear ocean water to play in, and unbelievable sunsets followed by a night sky exploding with stars, it’s enchanting in every way.
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The Umhlanga Pier at sunrise, Image Credit: Marlin Clark
The Umhlanga Pier, or Whalebone Pier, found in Durban, South Africa, is a unique architectural piece that gives you a great vantage point of the ocean. It even got world recognition as CNN voted it the most beautiful pier in the world, and the designer was awarded the South African National Award for Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement.
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Madagascar is like a mini continent with plenty to explore
Madagascar is another often-overlooked island paradise with plenty of beaches that are uninhabited and hugged by emerald forests. Considered a mini continent of its own, Madagascar is home to many unique attractions, including the famous lemur, which is found nowhere else on the planet.
Book Your Dream Holiday to Africa’s Beaches Today
Can you already feel the sand between your toes and taste that piña colada? Then let’s make it happen! Contact our Rhino Africa Travel Experts, and let’s start planning today!
