Come on, don’t just think the beaches in Australia are best in the world. Africa has some impressive coastal spots and paradise islands worthy of exploring. Plus an African beach holiday is the ideal finale to your dream safari.
Grab your togs and towel, here’s our top African beach holidays for 2020. Let’s dive in… (pardon the pun!)
eco-African beach holiday
Chole Island, Tanzania
Tanzania is well known for its spice islands and Zanzibar is always top of mind… but venture a little further and you hit Chole Island. This tiny island forms part of the Mafia Island Marine Park, protected to ensure its wildlife on land and water not only survive, but thrive.
This is your Robinson Crusoe experience where you can experience all sorts of marine activities from diving, snorkelling, sailing and supping to swimming with whale sharks.
For a really cool accommodation option that’s eco-tourism at its best and a castaway fantasy, choose Chole Mjini. Treehouse accommodation without the trimmings of air conditioning and room service! Built among 19th century ruins, Chole Mjini could be the next movie set for Indiana Jones. It’s the ultimate eco-lodge that was built way before the term became so mainstream.
Chole is an easy adventure to reach. There are regular flights to Mafia Island, then it’s a road transfer across the island to a stretch of sandy beach where your transfer boat is tethered and waiting. You’ll see the tufted island of Chole across the dazzling azure waters, beckoning you to stay!
Glamour African beach holiday
Camps Bay, South Africa
For those seeking beach glamour, Cape Town’s Camps Bay is ideal. This is where the beautiful people go and the city’s most famous and popular beach. With a wide sandy beach, rocky outcrops either end and palm trees lining the footpath, it’s certainly insta-worthy.
Adjacent to the beach on the other side of the main road you’ll find a long stretch of cafes, bars and restaurants filled with locals and tourists of all ages from your young trendies to elegant oldies.
For a more quiet beach away from the crowds yet close by, walk around to Clifton. It’s set among boulders with a stronger sense of privacy.
There are some fantastic luxury hotels, owner run B&Bs and even private villas and houses for rent.
Don’t forget the sunsets… rather spectacular from Camps Bay wouldn’t you say?
Fascinating African beach holiday
Essaouira, Morocco
This enchanting, laid-back beach is a brilliant finale to the manic, melting-pot of Marrakesh. In Arabic, Essaouira means ‘little picture’ and the city is certainly pretty.
The city itself boasts a walled city with colourful blue and white buildings. This is then surrounded by a rather mystical, sand coloured rampart with impressive stone gates. It’s fascinating wandering up and down the streets, exploring tiny passageways and the souks. You’ll find many creative studios and galleries too because this really a hidden creative hub.
Now let’s get to the beach where a wide expanse of buttery sand beckons a morning or sunset walk. This is a haven for kite-surfers or anyone seeking a relaxed few days exploring. Don’t miss the exotic marble hammams where you can spoil your body and soul.
Accommodations a plenty and we always go for the boutique properties – a handful even have roof-top swimming pools so you can always enjoy the beach view and creative vibe.
Images courtesy of Dave Southwood
Underwater African beach holiday
Dahab, Egypt
Situated on the Red Sea, Dahab is Egypt’s laid back beach town set away from the busy cities and harassing touts and closest to the world class dive sites like the Blue Hole. The vibe is so chilled out you may never want to leave.
Expect wide beaches with golden sand, spectacular coral reef spots for diving and snorkelling, kitesurfing and windsurfing – there really is something for everybody. Plus you’re surrounded by desert!
You can hike up to nearby St Catherine Monastery for sunrise, savour dinner under the stars with local Bedouins or go rock climbing! It’s the newest activity to hit Egypt and the popular spots are Wadi Qnai, Wadi Ki and Wadi Nassup.
There is a wide variety of accommodation from upscale resorts to affordable boutique hotels and guest houses.
Our latest favourites not featured here
We cannot complete the best African beach holidays for 2020 without mentioning two more…
Sao Tome & Principe are two islands that float off the West coast of Africa (near Gabon). They are unlike anything here in Australia because the islands boast impressive jungles, beaches, plantations and a truly fascinating and colourful history. Read more here.
Last and certainly not least is the Blue Safari, Seychelles. It’s an experience so hard to describe without going into a little detail with some visuals to back up the little beauty. Take a look here.
