Best of Africa’s Beach Resorts

From the idyllic white sand beaches of Mauritius to the always-popular beach resorts of the Sinai Peninsula, there’s no arguing that Africa contains some of the best beach locations in the world. Africa offers something to suit every taste whether you are looking for pristine deserted beaches or a beach resort with a party atmosphere.

Africa’s idyllic islands

Africa offers some of the most desirable island beach locations in the world and they don’t come much better than the Seychelles. The Seychelles is a group of islands off mainland Africa and most of the 115 islands are lined with pure white sands lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. It’s no surprise that islands such as Mahe, St Anne and Cerf have been named as some of the best beach destinations in the world. Island hopping here is a joy and it’s easy to find your very own Robinson Crusoe deserted beach far from the many luxury hotels.

Party on the beach

If you are looking for a more vibrant beach atmosphere then Sharm el Sheikh holidays should suit your taste. Located at the southern point of the Sinai Peninsula along the Red Sea coastline this is Egypt’s beach resort capital. Sharm el-Sheik boasts the best Red Sea diving spots, camel rides into the Sharm Desert and of course stunning beaches such as those found at Naama Bay and Sharks Bay. The white sand beaches that gently shelve into the warm lagoon waters are the place to relax after experiencing some of Egypt’s best nightlife options.

Cabo Verde beaches

Cabo Verde is an archipelago of 10 islands and this destination is the place to come for year-round sunshine and some magnificent deserted beaches. The beaches here are truly stunning and examples include the 55Km long powder soft, white sands at Boa Vista or the four-mile long stretch of white sand paradise at Santa Maria beach on the island of Sal. Tourism is on the rise in Cabo Verde as witnessed by the increasing number of hotels and resorts on the islands. However, with the size of the beaches in Cabo Verde there is no problem finding your own deserted stretch of pristine beach to relax on for weeks on end.

The Gambia coastline

Gambia may be a small country but its coastline is mainly all beach and if you are looking for an African destination with miles of untouched white sand and warm sea waters then Gambia will be ideal. Beaches such as Cape Point in northern Kombo offer soft white sands, swaying palm trees and activities such as diving, jet-skiing and sailing. For some spectacular African sunsets head to the beaches of Fajara and pick a spot on the red rock cliffs, just don’t forget your camera. Make your way to Bakau beach if you are looking for a fun, colourful beach where locals work their fishing boats and you can eat the catch of the day at the many beach smokehouses.

Writer Piers Constable enjoys travelling around Africa whenever his job allows it

Images by plityp and Rambler99 used under creative commons licence