The 10 Best Beaches in Africa for Snorkeling, Surfing and Remote Relaxation

Africa has more than 30,000 km of coastline, from the coral reefs of the Red Sea to the Atlantic surf of Angola and the islands of the Indian Ocean. Many of its best beaches are remote, wild and almost empty – perfect for snorkeling, surfing or simply switching off. These are ten of the best, chosen for their nature, water and sense of escape, plus an easy-to-reach bonus on the Red Sea.

East Africa and the Indian Ocean

1. Mafia Island, Tanzania

South of Zanzibar, Mafia Island is far quieter, with a marine park protecting coral reefs, turtles and – between roughly October and March – whale sharks that gather offshore. Snorkeling and diving are excellent, and the small lodges and guesthouses keep the island peaceful. Fly in from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar.

2. Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

Off the coast near Vilankulo, the Bazaruto Archipelago is a national park of white dunes, turquoise channels and coral reefs, home to dugongs, dolphins, turtles and manta rays. Stay in an island lodge or take a dhow trip from the mainland for snorkeling over the reefs at Two Mile Reef.

3. iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa

This UNESCO site in KwaZulu-Natal combines beaches, lakes, wetlands and coral reefs. Sodwana Bay is South Africa's top diving spot, and in summer turtles nest on the beaches. Inland, you can see hippos, crocodiles and wildlife in the same trip – a rare beach-and-safari combination.

4. Cape Maclear, Lake Malawi

Not every great African beach is on the sea. On the shores of Lake Malawi, Cape Maclear has sandy beaches and clear freshwater teeming with hundreds of species of colourful cichlid fish – some of the best freshwater snorkeling in the world. Kayak to nearby islands and enjoy the laid-back village atmosphere.

West and Central Africa

5. Príncipe, São Tomé and Príncipe

The smaller island of this nation in the Gulf of Guinea is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with rainforest running down to golden beaches such as Banana Beach and Praia Macaco. Turtles nest here, humpback whales pass offshore in season, and only a handful of lodges welcome visitors.

6. Loango National Park, Gabon

Famous for "surfing hippos", Loango is where rainforest, savannah and lagoons meet the Atlantic. Elephants, buffalo and hippos sometimes walk on the beach, and humpback whales and dolphins can be seen offshore. It's a wildlife destination first, but the wild beaches are unforgettable. Visits are best arranged through a lodge.

7. Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau

This group of 88 islands and islets is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with mangroves, empty beaches, saltwater hippos and nesting green turtles. Traditional island cultures remain strong, and some islands are sacred. Fishing lodges and a few eco-lodges are the main places to stay.

8. Cabo Ledo, Angola

South of Luanda, Cabo Ledo has long, consistent left-hand point breaks and is one of Africa's best-kept surfing secrets. Away from the waves, the coast has dramatic cliffs and empty beaches. A small number of surf camps and lodges cater to visitors.

9. Grand-Popo, Benin

Near the border with Togo, Grand-Popo is a laid-back beach town with palm-fringed sands, a lagoon and fishing villages. It's a good base for exploring Ouidah and its history, including the Door of No Return. Note that Atlantic currents here can be strong, so swim with care.

10. Elmina, Ghana

Ghana's coast mixes beaches with powerful history. In Elmina, St George's Castle is one of the oldest European buildings in sub-Saharan Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site linked to the transatlantic slave trade. Nearby beaches and beach resorts, such as Brenu, offer quieter stays. Busua and Kokrobite are popular with surfers.

Bonus: the Red Sea coast, Egypt

For travellers from Europe, Egypt's Red Sea is the easiest African beach escape: a four- to five-hour flight, warm water all year and coral reefs right off the beach. Marsa Alam has dugongs, turtles and some of the best house reefs in the world, while Hurghada and El Gouna offer resorts, boat trips and family-friendly beaches. See our Marsa Alam guide, our Hurghada guide and our guide to Red Sea liveaboard diving.

Tips for visiting Africa's remote beaches

• Check travel advice for each country before booking, and buy travel insurance that covers remote areas.
• Health: some regions need vaccinations or malaria prevention – speak to a travel clinic well before you go.
• Book through lodges or local operators for the most remote spots; transport can be limited.
• Respect wildlife and local culture: keep your distance from nesting turtles, follow marine-park rules and dress modestly in villages.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen and never touch or stand on coral.