The very best beaches in Africa
Swimming in Africa. Think about it, there are endless places to swim on some of the very best beaches highlighting world class resorts on an extended and beautiful coastline. Africa’s southern seashore extends for miles from the tip of Somalia on the East Coast to Cape Town in the Deep South and then up to the untrodden west coast of Angola and beyond, north to the Ivory Coast.
In this blog, we focus on the best beaches in Africa and fancy coastal resorts from sensational Tanzania and Zanzibar Island to Namibia’s wild and rugged Skeleton coast in a huge u-shape of magic, bliss, remote wildness and scenic wonder for swimming in Africa.
Holidays in Africa offer all the thrills of pristine environmental beauty, outdoor activities, cultural enlightenment, and a wealth of fascinating history. We know there are hundreds of places to swim in clear waters in Africa, from coastline to coastline and inland in lakes and dams and rivers. Here are our best beaches in Africa and the top five countries and places for swimming in Africa.
Best beaches and places to swim in Kenya
Here we look at some spectacular spots along the Kenyan coast, Lake Victoria and one on the Laikipia Plateau. Go and discover some of the best African beaches along the Swahili Coast and the very best places to swim in Kenya.
Diani Beach
Diani Beach Kenya is located just south of Mombasa and stretches for 15km of white and powdery sand. Just offshore lies a coral reef that creates a lagoon for safe swimming. Diani beach is therefore protected and perfect for snorkelling, scuba diving, kitesurfing, paddle boarding and windsurfing. It is one of the greatest water and adventure sports destinations along the East Africa coast with a number of water sports centers dotted along the beach.
Diani Beach is adjacent to the Kenyan town of Ukunda. There are a number of great resorts to choose from and the Diani Airstrip located close by to the beach makes a visit to Diani Beach an easy add on to your Kenyan safari.
The coral reefs are exceptional and in a very good condition. You can also see black-and-white colobus monkeys along the coast and if you want visit, the Shimba Hills National Reserve nearby.
Diani is often referred to as the best beach in Africa!
Watamu
Watamu Beach is dotted with coconut palms and stretches for miles in each direction. The sand is soft and white and it is the perfect end to a Kenya safari. soft white sand, and soothing warm water, Watamu Beach is the perfect place to wind down after a safari adventure.
Watamu is a smallish Kenyan coastal town with a population of around 35,000 (2020). It is easily accessible from Malindi or Mobassa and is a melting pot of African and Arab influence. There is also a strong Italian expat community that rubs off in the great local Italian restaurants – you can great pizza and the ice cream is world class.
Stroll down to the beach and book yourself a sun lounger for the day at one of the local beach centers and restaurants. It is one of the most authentic things about Watamu – getting your fresh fish grilled on the coals and served to you on the beach with an ice-cold Tusker beer. If you are not staying a plush resort then the beach atmosphere is welcomely quite informal. Because of the reefs just offshore the swimming is safe and protected. Hire a local dingy for next to nothing and do a trip pout beyond the reef to see dolphins and whales aplenty.
The perfect place for swimming in Africa!
Segera Retreat
Clear water runs deep in central Kenya, between the glorious Mount Kenya to the east and the Great Rift Valley to the west. Swimming in rivers, waterfalls and crystal springs makes hearts sings and bodies come alive. Take a tip from us, when you go to Kenya again you should really head towards the Laikipia Plateau to a flawless retreat called Segera.
Because this is a stunningly diverse and seemingly magical environment where you will find woodlands, grasslands and fertile riverbeds. Clear water flows from the Aberdare Mountains down to the Segera River in the south. Stand beside the cascading waterfall flowing from the Segera River, then seek the natural Ivy Springs in the Valley of Kiseregai Creek which attracts herds of elephant, buffalo, giraffe, warthog and myriad other species throughout the year.
The water is clear at Segera Retreat thanks to the owners’ commitment to the ongoing conservation of this region and its natural resources. Wild game roams the 20,000 hectares of the nature reserve where travellers become part of sustainable tourism in action. So this is a little different vibe and place for swimming in Africa.
We love the enticing outdoor hot tubs on private decks of lavish eco villas – warm and inviting to swim in! What about the huge swimming pool and a pampering spa where water flows as treatment for all your aches and pains too?
Swimming in Africa and Lake Victoria – the Rift Valley of Kenya
Have you ever dreamed of swimming in the clearest waters of Africa’s Lake Victoria? Kenya is renowned for several clear water lakes, brimming with fish, algae, frogs, and mind-boggling biodiversity. Dating back as long as 40 million years ago, Kenya’s Great Rift Valley is made up of some of the oldest and largest and deepest lakes in the world. Kenya is a fundamental part of the African Great Lakes region which run through Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda and Tanzania. These lakes are an integral part of the massive East African Rift that follows the Red Sea in the north down to Kenya, Uganda, and the fringes of South Sudan. The Great Rift runs along two separate branches that only join in Southern Tanzania along its border with Zambia. These are called the Western Rift and the Eastern Rift valleys.
You would have heard of the hugest African lakes, Lake Malawi (the world’s eighth-largest freshwater lake by area), Lake Victoria (the second largest freshwater lake in the world by area), and Lake Tanganyika (the world’s second-largest freshwater lake by volume and depth). It is unbelievable that Kenya has 64 lakes and 8 of these are linked in a chain in the Rift Valley
Get out there to see these water visions and then treat your kids to a Kenya island holiday at Mfangano Island Camp where joie de vivre awaits on Lake Victoria. One of our top 5 places to swim in clear fresh water, this is the perfect family holiday destination complete with plenty of watery lake activities – fishing, birding, sundowner cruises, water sports as well as rock art hikes.
Some of the best Beaches in Africa on Lake Malawi
Did you know that Lake Malawi is the 8th largest lake in the world and the third largest in Africa? It is also the second deepest lake in Africa and is filled with fresh clear water that runs through the East African Rift system, stretching more than 482km. It is hard to believe that Lake Malawi takes up more than a third of the country in water with a total surface area of about 30000km2!
How cool is it that this lake is famous for its white beaches, and its scuba diving and snorkelling and other water sports – so you may as well be on an island. Find luxury accommodation on the shores where you can settle in and spend every day in clear waters swimming, viewing incredible birds and the more than 1 000 Cichlid fish species endemic to the lake. Dive into the gorgeous clear sapphire waters of this natural phenomenon for some of the most rewarding adventures you will ever experience. It is one of the best places for fresh water swimming in Africa.
Why not book into the magnificent Sunbird Livingstonia Beach Hotel, once known as the Grand Beach Hotel and the epitome of all things elegant. It is a great base from which to explore the clear lake waters as it is centrally situated along Lake Malawi shores and boasts some of the best scenery around. Old colonial-style architecture with whitewashed walls and spacious airy rooms. This hotel in Salima is located within easy access to kayaking and boat tours, hiking, snorkelling, bird and lizard watching among other fun activities on nearby Namalenje and Heaven Islands.
Nkhata Bay – One of the Best Beaches in Africa
Nkatha Bay is way up north but definitely worth a visit as the vibe is friendly and the local people well adapted to low impact tourism. There are a couple of sandy bays and a peninsula with some intact coastal forest. The setting alone is truly magnificent but this place stands out for is vibe and engaging with the locals.
There are a number of activity centers for guided walks, scuba diving and snorkelling and kayaking adventures. The local bars and restaurants are legit, cheap and the best place to eat and meet other travelers.
Nkhata Bay is as far as Livingstone got and his most northerly point on his Lake Malawi expedition. The harbour focusses on the local fishing industry and a must for dinner is the local fish chambo with nsima – a stiff maize porridge found only in Malawi. Wash that down with a Carlsberg green, gold or brown and you will feel a part of the heart of Malawi. There are great markets, shops, restaurants and ATM’s but that aside – go to a beach in Nkatha Bay.
The famous Malawi ferry Ilala stops in Nkhata Bay as part of its weekly schedule up and down Lake Malawi. It’s a great place to get on board and head to Likoma Island as part of your Malawi adventure. There are also now, an increasing number of smaller local boats offering access to Likoma Island and all it has to offer.
Cape Maclear or Chembe – swimming in Africa
Cape Maclear has been a holiday favorite for hundreds of years and it is easy to understand why. It is part of Lake Malawi National Park, and the village called Chembe has a stunning location along a palm-lined beach that’s lapped by translucent green-blue water and faces an archipelago of impressive boulder-strewn islands.
Chembe is the perfect place to go, and chill. It is not a two-night destination. You need to find some suitable budget related accommodation and then kick back and suck up the vibes. There are loads of local bars, restaurants and activity centers that offer kayaking, snorkelling and dive courses. The best thing about Cape Maclear is that it is one of the few places you can watch the sun set over Lake Malawi as you sip on a Carlsberg at one of the local bars.
If you feeling brave take the long swim out to Thumbi Island offshore from Cape Maclear. Only suitable for brave and strong swimmers, but I did it myself once and that’s a promise!
Likoma Island – best African Beaches
Likoma Island is one of those places in all your travels you will remember as special. If you are looking for an offbeat …best beaches in Africa location – this, is it. You can get there two ways – as a five-star traveler going to Kaya Mawa or another barefoot luxury lodge on an air charter. OR on the Ilala ferry which I took personally from Cape Maclear in 1988. I am not a paid copywriter churning out blogs to drive traffic. I prefer to write real stories on real places I have been to. And inspire other travelers to visit these special places and experience what I have.
Likoma is actually in Mozambique territorial waters but remains part of Malawi, because of the historical anti-slaving Anglican mission that was set up there in the 1860s.
The island boasts a beautiful setting and you can see the mountainous Mozambican shore on the western horizon. When I visited in 1988 every night, we heard the incessant clatter of AK 47s on the shore as the battles raged in Mozambique. The beaches are lovely indeed with scattered giant baobabs watching over you as you enjoy some of the best beaches in Africa without the hustle and bustle of tourism frenzy.
When you can’t take the heat or sun on the Likoma beaches anymore, venture into town on a time warped atmosphere amplified experience highlighted by the island’s remoteness. Visit the most important historical landmark of the immense Anglican Cathedral of St Peter, which was built in 1911 and remains an important part of the island’s legacy to this day.
Best beaches for swimming in Africa – Mozambique
Swimming in Africa in the Bazaruto Archipelago
The gateway to the world famous Bazaruto Archipelago remains the Bazaruto and Benguerra Islands. They are fast becoming a top diving and water sports tourist destination of note in Mozambique. We love the fact that there are only a select few awesome hotels in the archipelago on the very best beaches where you can swim and enjoy Africa’s clearest waters.
Diving in Bazaruto takes the cake: Look out for the rare, huge Sunfish, large Potato bass, Napoleon wrasses, dolphins, whales and turtles in the protective bay. Go diving or grab a camera and stock up on unique memories. The sea temperature in Bazaruto remains an average balmy 25 degrees all year. We have some great Mozambique dive packages if you are interested to explore Bazaruto and go and find the elusive dugongs that reside there!
The beaches of Bazaruto offer incredible swimming in clear blue Indian Ocean waters and rate as some of the best African beaches around. Take a boat out at sunset and come across dolphins and whales frolicking in between the islands.
The beaches at Azura Benguerra- best beaches in Africa
And then there is our favorite lodge on Benguerra Island, a stunning hotel boasting clear waters that are accessible directly from your beach villa. Sit here at the fantastic beach bar or Peri Peric Club and choose one of 2 world class restaurants serving international dishes for all tastes and ages with a big emphasis on fresh seafood. Linked to the clear water swimming experience are spas and marine activities. Relax into an enclave of African landscape imagery and aura as you savor a unique and precious pampering experience.
When you are in Bazaruto enjoying the ocean waters and swimming day in and day out on some of the best African beaches, think about the sailing and fishing you can do in the clear waters! Fishing charters in Bazaruto will reward avid anglers with opportunities to hook kingfish, dogtooth tuna, and wahoo. Go sail in a dhow with local traditional fishing folk to see how the real thing is done.
The best African beaches at Tofo Mozambique
On the Ponta da Barra peninsula in southeastern Mozambique lies the idyllic Tofo. It was once a small traditional fishing village but is has now grown to an exceptionally popular tourist destination. It is the perfect swimming and surfing beach lined with a number of lively local beach bars, restaurants and accommodation options as well as a small local market. There are also a heap of activity centers, notably Liquid Adventures which offer dive charters and scuba courses.
To call the very small and intimate Tofo a town feels like a big order. There are half a dozen sandy “roads”, and a tiny local market, plus a few restaurants and great bars, four or five dive shops, and a handful of accommodation establishments. The nearest ATM is a 30-minute walk away and power cuts are frequent. And by the way, it totally is pronounced tofu.
Then there is also the smaller Tofinho Beach which is quieter and one of the
best breaks for surfing in Mozambique. The shore-based fishing is excellent and there are miles of beach to explore further south. The vibe is relaxed and the locals are friendly.
Best remote wildlife and beach in Africa – Ponta Membene Maputo National Park
In the heart of Maputo National Park on a beautiful stretch of coastal forest, behind the sand dunes lies the amazing Ponta Membene Lodge. It’s a rare find in Africa where you have a National Park behind you to explore on game drives and one of the best beaches in Africa a few meters away from your chalet or the restaurant. You can choose a self-catering option or full board and enjoy what can only be described as some of the most remote and radical coastline in southern Mozambique.
Go north or south for as long as you can walk, and you will discover rare gems of beaches that few have swum on before. The Ponta Membene Dune Chalets are ideally positioned on the lowest part of the coastal dune and from the west you get the African sunset through the forest over the wetland. The equally cool Forest Chalets are deep in the undisturbed dune forest on the edge of the wetland with game coming in to drink each afternoon. There is a choice of one- or two-bedroom forest or dune chalets, all well equipped with their own self-catering kitchen, outdoor and indoor dining and living area, private bathrooms with an outdoor shower, and a firepit or braai area just off your verandah.
Theres a small shore break at Ponta Membene but at low tide it’s a really safe swimming beach and you will be swimming in Africa. As one of the coolest and newest places to visit in Mozambique for a safari and beach experience in one. Easy to get to on a self-drive holiday from South Africa or access via the numerous daily flights into Maputo.
Best beaches in Africa and the Maldives
The Maldives are a beautiful chain of islands in the Indian Ocean, and a favorite place for beach and island lovers worldwide. The beaches are simply spectacular and some of the best African beaches across the continent.
If you are a beach lover looking for the most perfect destination to travel to in Africa, consider our advice on the most famous beaches and places to swim in the Maldives.
The best part about a holiday in the Maldives is the clear turquoise water where you spend hours swimming and diving, windsurfing and kite surfing, boating and relaxing. Spend carefree days on sun-drenched beaches and soak up the tropical sunshine in this fascinating archipelago that boasts. In this magical place everything slows down and nothing else matters – enjoy beach picnics as you swim and gaze over the clear waters. It almost seems unreal. When you dive, you will gasp at the sea gardens under the waters – the islands are blessed with unspoiled reefs teeming with unusual aquatic species.
Stay at the 5-star Ayada Maldives Private Island Resort and snorkel with dolphins in the crystal-clear waters. Big game fishing, fly-fishing, traditional Maldivian fishing at sunset, tour in glass-bottomed boat, venture over the equator, island hopping and picnics, dolphin spotting and snorkelling.
Cocoa Island, South Male Atoll
COMO Cocoa Island in the Maldives epitomizes barefoot luxury. It is small and private and is easily reached by a 40-minute speed boat from Male International Airport.
The rooms have a minimalist style and are all reached from wooden jetties over the lagoon’s crystal clear waters. So, when it comes to swimming you can access the sea from the steps leading down off your deck. The waters are aquamarine and perfect, and you can swim for miles in any direction. Snorkel around the protected corals or venture further to the house reefs for a scuba adventure.
The scuba diving around Cocoa Island is surreal with exceptional marine life and reefs just are just a short boat ride away. The private beach picnics are a magical way to end off your day.
Hulhumale Beach, North Male Atoll
This rates as one of the best beaches in the Maldives with white sands, crystal clear waters and amazing reefs. It is south of the North Male Atoll and the island covers almost 200 hectares. The beach is located on the sunrise end of the island and the view from there is worth an early morning start to catch the dawn.
The island is a gem to explore with markets, roadside cafes and restaurants.
Our top 5 best places to swim in Africa’s clearest waters prove that there are so many destinations in Africa offering swimming in idyllic situations. Beaches, oceans, lakes, rivers and waterfalls, Africa has it all. All you need to know about the very best beaches and resorts along Africa’s beautiful coastline.