Africa's Idyllic Coast & Indian Ocean Islands
Africa’s eastern coastline is brimming with gorgeous beaches both on the mainland and on the Indian Ocean islands. Whether you want to dust off after a safari, grab some winter sun or simply relax with the one you love, there’s a huge choice. Here is a small selection of some of our favourites.
Desroches Island, Seychelles (above)
Fourteen kilometers of immaculate palm fringed beaches, just like a picture postcard, Desroches Island gets our vote for tranquility and romance.
Vamizi, Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique
Best for getting away from it all, in a few hours you can walk around the whole of Vamizi Island on the Quirimbas archipelago on its wild, untouched beaches, lapped by crystal clear waters.
Belle Mare Plage, Mauritius
Great for families, a big spacious beach where there’s room for everyone, with a ton of activities for all tastes.
Ponta Mamoli, Mozambique
A great spot for swimming with dolphins with excellent diving too. Easily accessed from South Africa, White Pearl Resort is the place to stay.
Beau Vallon, Mahé, Seychelles
Fringed by coconut palms, this 3 km beach is great if you like the buzz of local life, with ‘feet-in-the-sand’ restaurants, serving local Creole cuisine.
Bay of Memba, Mozambique
The ultimate diver’s paradise, the edge of the continental shelf is just off shore, so don your diving kit, walk across the beach and wade right in. Stay at Nuarro Lodge.
Anjajavy, Madagascar
Ibo Island, Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique
There’s no beach on Ibo Island but a pristine tidal sandbank appears at low tide and the lodge takes you out by boat and sets up camp with shade and refreshments, whilst you snorkel. We love it.
Pongwe, Zanzibar
Arguably the best beach in Zanzibar – soft white sand and clear blue water on a secluded bay – and the lodge offers terrific value.
