Africa’s Magnificent Beaches: Explore Heavenly Shores

Best Beaches in Africa: Explore the Continent’s Most Spectacular Shorelines

Africa’s coastline is as diverse as its culture, wildlife and landscapes, with a staggering variety of beach experiences for every kind of traveler. From the sun-drenched shores of Cape Town, where city rhythms meet endless ocean, to the untouched white sands of Zanzibar, Mauritius and the Seychelles, Africa’s beaches are a testament to the continent’s profoundly beautiful contrasts.

Whether you seek ocean adventure alongside a cosmopolitan city experience or unbridled luxury in a beachfront resort, ROAR AFRICA’s handpicked beach destinations are easy to access with hassle-free logistics. Consider this your guide to Africa’s most majestic shorelines for exploration and restoration.

South Africa: The World in One Country

Beaches in and around Cape Town

To have stunning beaches mere moments away from cutting-edge art and iconic architecture, world-class cuisine and awe-inspiring wilderness is a rare combination—but in Cape Town, South Africa, it’s a way of life. Some of the best beaches in Africa can be found in the Mother City, a melting pot of cultural wonders and natural beauty beyond belief. No trip to the city is complete without a day in Camps Bay, a glittering suburb on a pristine stretch of sand sandwiched between Table Mountain and the azure Atlantic. Enjoy the view in the shade of a granite boulder, or bring children to the tidal pools for an afternoon of discovery on the beach.

Not far are the wild white sands of Noordhoek Beach, a windswept oasis where it’s common not to run into another soul—save for flamingoes or horseback riders at sunset. Instead of colorful Cape Town architecture, the backdrop here is protected wetlands and the vertiginous twists and turns of Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most incredible coastal drives on the planet.

The best beach hotels in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town, home for much of the ROAR AFRICA team, has no shortage of world-class hotels overlooking the ocean. Choose from our favorite properties at the V&A Waterfront, where impeccable design and service nearly rival the harbor views, or ask about a five-star retreat hidden away from the downtown bustle and minutes from the iconic Clifton Beaches. Our carefully vetted stays in the Mother City are the ultimate starting point for a South African safari.

Zanzibar, Tanzania: The Ultimate Safari Finale

Tanzania encapsulates the very essence of Africa’s magic, from the Great Migration, the most spectacular wildlife show on earth, to the singular culture of the red-robed Maasai, endless acacia plains and the unparalleled Indian Ocean beaches. And, after an unforgettable Tanzania safari filled with thrilling wildlife encounters there’s no better way to unwind than with a blissful escape to Zanzibar’s idyllic shores. This enchanting island, set in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and known as the "Spice Island,", is a tropical paradise steeped in history and culture.

On Zanzibar, adventure and relaxation go hand in hand. Spend your morning marveling at the vibrant coral reefs that teem with marine life, or snorkeling and scuba dive among pods of dolphins and schools of brilliantly colored fish. For those seeking ultimate tranquility, the island’s immaculate coastline, lined with five-star hotels and pristine beaches, offers the perfect escape. For unparalleled seclusion, let ROAR AFRICA arrange a private beachside banda on one of the archipelago’s exclusive resort islands, where your personal stretch of sand promises serenity like nowhere else.

Mauritius and the Seychelles: The Best Beach Resorts in Africa

Surrounded by clear, turquoise waters and ringed with powdery sands, Mauritius and the Seychelles archipelago have some of the best beaches in Africa. These remote idylls take escapism to new and heady heights and set the gold standard for aquatic adventure and onshore relaxation. A typical day may start with kite surfing in the warm waters or diving amidst sea turtles, then end with a holistic spa treatment and a remarkable meal under the stars, accompanied by the rhythmic lull of the ocean.

The original Eden, the volcanic island of Mauritius is characterized by white sand beaches (and occasionally black volcanic ones) and cerulean seas, whilst the lush interior flourishes with wildlife, waterfalls, mountainous peaks and rolling sugarcane fields. The Seychelles, meanwhile, consist of more than 100 coral and granitic islands, pristine, unspoiled drops of sand surrounded by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Kaleidoscopic corals abound here, as do exquisite hotels, resorts and eco-retreats. Whether a couple, family or solo traveler, there is an island to appeal to everyone, each acting as a canvas for both outdoor exploration and inner reflection. These outstanding destinations defy words… the sense of peace, discovery and wonder they inspire simply must be felt.

Traveling with ROAR AFRICA means gaining insider access to the best beach destinations in Africa. Concluding your once-in-a-lifetime luxury safari with a blissful, ocean-side stay allows for restorative moments of reflection, the gentle rhythm of the waves providing the perfect counterpoint to the thrill of the bush. To book a beach getaway, please contact the ROAR AFRICA team on welcome@roarafrica.com