Beach sights in Africa
-
A
Boulders Beach
Some 3km south of Simon’s Town is Boulders, a picturesque area with a number of large boulders and small sandy coves, within which you’ll find Boulders Beach, home to a colony of 3000 jackass (African) penguins. Delightful as they are, the penguins are also pretty stinky, which may put you off getting too close.
There are two entrances to the penguins’ protected area. The first, as you come along Queens Rd (the continuation of St George’s St) from Simon’s Town, is at the end of Seaforth Rd; the second is at Bellevue Rd, where you’ll also find accommodation and places to eat. You can observe the penguins from the boardwalk at Foxy Beach and at Boulders Beach.
reviewed
-
Parque Natural de Corralejo
The beach dunes of the protected Parque Natural de Corralejo stretch along the east coast for about 10km from Corralejo. It can get breezy here, hence the popularity with windsurfers and kite boarders. The locals have applied their ingenuity to the sand-sticking-to-the-suntan-lotion problem by erecting little fortresses of loose stones atop shrub-covered sandy knolls to protect sun-worshippers from the wind. The area is free to enter, and sun lounges and umbrellas are available for hire in front of the luxury hotels.
reviewed
-
Kommetjie Beaches
A focal point for surfing on the Cape, Kommetjie offers an assortment of reefs that hold a very big swell. Outer Kommetjie is a left point out from Slangkop Lighthouse at the southern end of the village. Inner Kommetjie is a more-protected, smaller left with lots of kelp (only at high tide). They both work best with a southeasterly or southwesterly wind. For breezy beach walks, it doesn't get much better than the aptly named Long Beach, accessed off Benning Dr.
reviewed
-
Watamu Turtle Watch
Several species of marine turtle lay their eggs on the beaches around Watamu and Watamu Turtle Watch, part of the Local Ocean Trust, has set up a series of initiatives with local people to protect these threatened animals. Female turtles lay thousands of eggs here between January and April. Contact the trust's Marine Information Centre if you're interested in seeing this incredible natural spectacle or volunteering with local projects.
reviewed
-
La Pleasure Beach
While most of Accra's oceanfront real estate is rocky and undeveloped, there are several sandy beaches. La Pleasure Beach, also known as Labadi Beach, is about 8km east of central Accra and easily reached by public transport. Unfortunately since the swimming area is so narrow it's a little claustrophobic on weekends.
reviewed
-
Cap Skiring
The beaches in the Cap Skiring area are among West Africa's finest. Unsuprisingly, a thriving tourist industry has developed around it, though it remains pleasantly low-key. And just a short drive away from the bustle of the Cap, the tourist bustle gives way to small villages, and the golden beaches are calmer.
reviewed
-
Grand Baie Beach
The beach at Grand Baie is nothing special and the bay here is congested with boats. Instead, you're better off heading for La Cuvette public beach beside the Veranda Hotel on the bay's north side. It's not huge, but the sand is good and the water clean.
reviewed
-
B
Boujaffar Beach
Sousse's Boujaffar Beach, with its multi-kilometre stretch of high-rise hotels, cafés and restaurants, is the city's landmark. Named somewhat incongruously after a local Muslim holy man, the soft, sandy strip is a playground where families picnic, children frolic, foreigners sunbathe and the warm, calm waters of the Mediterranean is everyone's bathtub.
Only a few small parts of the strip are claimed by beachfront hotels with chaise lounges and parasols. Though these are usually not roped off, they are 'protected' by staff that generally looks kindly on foreigners while tending to treat rudely any Tunisians who wander through. Access to these areas is generally open to…
reviewed
-
Bazaruto Archipelago National Park
This archipelago consists of five main islands: Bazaruto, Benguera, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and tiny Bangué. It's about as close to a tropical paradise as you'll find, and is one of Mozambique's highlights. Among its attractions: clear, turquoise waters; tranquil, white-sand beaches; a plethora of colourful birds; and rewarding diving and snorkelling.
The larger islands were originally connected to the mainland at Ponta São Sebastião. The small population of Nile crocodiles that laze in the sun in remote corners of both Bazaruto and Benguera islands is evidence of this earlier link.
Thanks to this protected status, and to the archipelago's relative isolation from…
reviewed
-
Ruvula
Most visitors head straight to the tiny village of Ruvula, which is about 7km beyond Msimbati village along a sandy track (or along the beach at low tide), and which boasts a fine stretch of sand, although the views have been marred in recent times by the rigs set up at one end in connection with exploitation of offshore gas fields found in Mnazi Bay.
In addition to its beach - one of the few on the mainland offering sunset views - Ruvula is notable as the spot where British eccentric Latham Leslie-Moore built his house and lived until 1967 when he was deported after agitating for independence for the Msimbati Peninsula. Deportation seemed a better option to Leslie-Moore…
reviewed
Advertisement
-
beaches
The beaches of Tangier are decent for a seaside stroll or an afternoon aperitif, but not for swimming or surfing. The sand itself is clean enough for a city beach and still manages to attract beachcombers, football-playing kids and the odd courting couple. A stroll in the sea breeze is a good way to clear the air if Tangier's hustlers have been over-attentive. Football matches take place here at weekends and in the evening and the beach bars strung along the sand can be fun.
Besides bars, these places also have changing cabins, showers and deckchairs. The much-reduced European gay population still frequents certain bars; women will feel extremely exposed sunning…
reviewed
-
Beaches
The affluent suburb of Aïn Diab runs along the Atlantic beachfront west of the centre and is home to the happening Blvd de la Corniche. Lined with beach clubs, upmarket hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs it is the entertainment hub of Casablanca and the place for young, chic professionals to see and be seen.
However, the promenade packed with walkers and joggers is really a potholed pavement and in between the busy beach clubs, the view is spoiled by abandoned pleasure grounds and concrete swimming pools filled with construction rubbish. The beach is still extremely popular though, and the easiest way to find an empty strip of sand is to visit one of the beach clubs.…
reviewed
-
Bata
Capital of the mainland region of Rio Muni (and larger than Malabo), Bata is a clean, charming town with wide streets, colourful buildings and a bustling atmosphere. Lacking the spectacular volcanic views of Malabo, Bata is nonetheless quite lively, with busy markets and lots of restaurants, bars and hotels.
Bata has a dilapidated colonial charm that is appealing enough, though the city is used primarily as a base for day trips to the nearby islands. There are however a few attractions on the mainland, especially if you're searching for a secluded African beach experience. Just to the north and south of Bata are some of the most beautiful strips of sand on the continent,…
reviewed
-
Saga Beach
Although it's got nothing on nearby Kenya and Tanzania, Burundi's beaches along the coast of Lake Tanganyika are surprisingly attractive. The sand is white and powdery, and the waves should keep the Bilharzia at bay. Saga Beach, which is the most developed stretch of sand along the lake, lies about 5km (3mi) northwest of the capital.
Although it used to be known as Plage des Cocotiers (Coconut Beach), most locals now refer to the area as Saga Beach (pronounced Sagga) in honour of the Saga Beach Resort. This popular complex has several large restaurants and a brilliant beachfront bar that turns out cold Primus beers at bargain prices. It draws in huge crowds on the…
reviewed
-
Ilha de Bolama
Located just off the mainland, about 40km (25mi) south of Bissau, the island of Bolama was long home to the Portuguese capital. Deprived of its status in 1941, the once-grand town (also called Bolama) has been decaying ever since, with sagging colonnades and papaya trees sprouting from stately living rooms. The effect is one of eerie beauty.
The island is virtually devoid of a tourist infrastructure, though the NGO Prodepa, an international group devoted to preserving traditional fishing techniques, rents basic rooms and serves food. The closest beach is about 4km (2.5mi) south of Bolama town, but the best beaches are along the far southwest end of the island, about 20km…
reviewed
-
Mamoura Beach
There are plenty of public and private beaches along Alexandria's waterfront, but the ones between the Eastern Harbour and Montazah are often crowded and very grubby. Mamoura Beach , is slightly better - it even has a few small waves rolling in. The local authorities are trying to keep this beach suburb exclusive by charging everyone who enters the area around £E5; but then there's a further fee of around £E20 to get onto the sand.
Women should note that even here modesty prevails and we recommend covering up when swimming - wear a baggy T-shirt and shorts over your swimsuit. To get here jump in an Abu Qir-bound microbus at Midan al-Gomhuriyya - make sure that the…
reviewed
-
Cape Verga
Cape Verga, just a few hours from Conakry, has some of the best beaches in Guinea. Bel Air beach, once a great place to chill in beach huts is now dominated by President Conté's flash hotel. Thankfully, nearby Sobané beach has comfy bungalows and options for al fresco sleep outs.
The deserted stretch of sand between Bel Air and Sobané is ideal for exploration. Except for the fishing families who live here, Cape Verga is deserted for most of the week, but comes alive at weekends with expatriates from the capital and the bauxite mines inland. Getting there without your own wheels is difficult because few vehicles travel this way, even though it is one of the best roads in…
reviewed
-
Beachfront
You'll either love or hate the Durban beachfront and sandy beaches. If you dip into the city's summer surf and sun, you have a playground of more than 6km of warm-water beaches (protected by the requisite shark nets). The 'Golden Mile' Beaches run from Blue Lagoon (at the mouth of the Umgeni River) to uShaka Marine World on the Point. The 'private' beaches near the casino and uShaka Marine World are accessed through the venues themselves.
But Durban's beachfront ain't for everyone. To some, its smorgasbord of bars and restaurants and hectic holiday atmosphere are garish and tacky. If you do take the plunge, always swim in patrolled areas, which are indicated by flags.
reviewed
-
Mayumba
If you mention Mayumba to someone who has been there, you're likely to be met with a dreamy, faraway look. It's no wonder - with endless and uninhabited beaches, whales spouting in the distance, trees full of magical spirits, and nesting sea turtles on the beach, it's not too far from eco-traveller heaven.
Mayumba would be Gabon's premier beach resort if it weren't so hard to get to. Anyone who gets this far, though, will discover deserted beaches, fishing villages and friendly locals who will offer to take you on fishing trips or boat tours for a small price. It's a great place to spend a few lazy days enjoying the sun, the waves, fresh seafood, and peace and quiet.
reviewed
-
Llandudno & Sandy Bay Beaches
At Llandudno there's surfing on the beach breaks (mostly rights), best at high tide with a small swell and a southeasterly wind. You'll also need to head here if you want to get to Sandy Bay, Cape Town's nudist beach and gay stamping ground. It's a particularly beautiful stretch of sand and there's no pressure to take your clothes off if you don't want to.
Like many such beaches, Sandy Bay has no direct access roads. From the M6, turn towards Llandudno, keep to the left at the fork, and head towards the sea until you reach the Sunset Rocks parking area. The beach is roughly a 15-minute walk to the south. Waves here are best at low tide with a southeasterly wind.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
The Mole
In 1899, architect FW Ortloff's sea wall - better known as the Mole - was intended to enhance Swakopmund's poor harbour and create a mooring place for large cargo vessels. Unfortunately, Mr Ortloff was unfamiliar with the Benguela Current, which sweeps northwards along the coast, carrying with it a load of sand from the southern deserts.
Within less than five years, the harbour entrance was choked off by a sand bank and two years later, the harbour itself had been invaded by sand to create what is now called Palm Beach. The Mole is currently used as a mooring for pleasure boats.
reviewed
-
Ureca
During the dry season, turtles come ashore on the beaches at Ureca to lay their eggs. Since 1996, the Spanish conservation group Los Amigos de Donana has employed villagers as guards to patrol the beaches during nesting season, and the local market for both turtles and eggs has gradually decreased.
Although Ureca is undeservedly lacking in tourist infrastructure, there is a small guesthouse here that makes for a convenient base. When you're not sunning yourself on the beaches or watching the cycle of life unfold, there are excellent opportunities for hiking in the nearby jungle.
reviewed
-
Anse Lazio
The best beach on Praslin - in fact, one of the best in the country - is Anse Lazio, in the far north of the island. It’s picture-postcard everywhere you look. Here, the long, broad pale-sand beach has lapis lazuli waters on one side and a thick fringe of palm and takamaka trees on the other, and it’s framed by a series of granite boulders at each extremity. There's even a terrific restaurant right on the sand.
reviewed
-
Silver Beach
There are some beautiful beaches stretching south and north of Monrovia, which fill up with locals and foreign residents on weekends; Silver Beach is one of the most popular. There's a restaurant here, small volleyball court, craft vendors, shower and toilet, and chairs and umbrellas for hire.
About 2km further south is Thinkers Beach, also with a small restaurant, shower and toilets. St Martin's Beach, just beyond Thinkers Beach, is quiet and isolated, with no facilities, and is good for getting away from the crowds.
reviewed
-
Soumbédioune
Northwest of the centre, and well worth the trip, is the fishing beach and market of Soumbédioune, originally a village but now a suburb engulfed by the city. It's best in the late afternoon when the fishing boats are returning with their catch.
This is also a major centre of pirogue (canoe) building, and behind the fish market you'll see carpenters turning planks and tree trunks into large ocean-going canoes. The Village Artisanal nearby is full of craft stalls and large groups of tourists.
reviewed