With the plethora of beaches available, it can be a headache to choose where to go, especially when you’re in Africa. To make it easier for you, we made a list of the top ten beaches in the continent that are as pretty as postcards.

They have white sands, clear waters and amazing views – your IG feed will be teeming with iconic shots too! So, without further ado, let’s learn more about them here.

What are the prettiest beaches in Africa?

1. Bazaruto Archipelago (Mozambique)

Ready for a luxurious sea escapade? Then exploring the Bazaruto Archipelago is the perfect choice for you.

It has everything we need: white sand beaches, turquoise clear waters and abundant marine life. So what more could we possibly ask for?

It has five different islands, namely Bazaruto (our top pick), Benguerra, Magaraque, Banque and Santa Carolina. You can even go island hopping while you’re at it.

By the way, you shouldn’t miss the chance to go scuba diving to discover over 2,000 fish species and beautiful coral reefs.

2. Anse Source D’Argent (Seychelles)

We know Seychelles is a popular tourist destination around the world, but the experience is only complete once you’ve visited Anse Source d’Argent.

Believe it or not (but you probably will), this is actually one of the most photographed beaches in the globe. And it’s not just because of their white sand and turquoise waters – they also have interesting granite boulders that add character to every shot.

Pro tip: visit around April to May or October to November for the best sunny weather and blue skies.

3. iSimangaliso Wetland Park (South Africa)

Of course, we can’t miss the chance to feature our own! Spanning 136 miles, South Africa’s Simangaliso Wetland Park is one of the prettiest beaches in Africa and also one of the richest in marine life.

You can’t miss the chance to go scuba diving here because there’s a treasure trove of coral reefs and sea creatures to uncover – you’ll miss half of your life for not trying!

And the best part? It’s not usually crowded! You can lounge in the sun and soak in the crystal clear waters without any worries about being disturbed.

4. Île Sainte-Marie (Madagascar)

Speaking of best-kept secrets, Madagascar’s another underrated country in Africa that people should know about for beach destinations. It’s home to the unspoilt beach of Île Sainte-Marie – or St. Mary’s Island in English.

More than its long stretch of porcelain white sand, the experience gives you solace like no other since it’s tucked far away from civilisation – you can even have the place to yourself if you want. 

The water’s warm and clear so you’ll love taking a dip at any time of the day. But the best time to visit is around July to September for a chance to see humpback whales off the coastline.

5. Shela Beach (Kenya)

Found on Lamu Island, Shela Beach is another pretty beach that boasts aquamarine waters and white sand. It’s the ideal destination if you’re up for some snorkelling and diving.

Plus, it’s a budget-friendly location, so it’s a bit more accessible than other beaches.

By the way, you can go to Lamu Town which is near the beach. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest settlements in Kenya – around 700 years old already!

6. Troux-aux-Biches (Mauritius)

Popular for its powdery white sand spanning a mile, the Troux-aux-Biches is a must-visit in Mauritius. It’s easier to come here than to Seychelles, in terms of budget.

We love its calm waters, which is ideal for swimming. But, you can still kick the excitement up a notch by going jetskiing or kayaking while you’re here.

Of course, you can’t miss the chance to take tonnes of photos here from the tall palm trees to the long coastline.

FYI, there are lots of accommodations in the area from affordable to luxurious options so go with the one which suits your budget best.

7. Curralinho Beach (Cape Verde)

Cape Verde has 10 volcanic islands and lots of untamed beaches for you to explore. Our favourite is Curralinho Beach, found on Boa Vista Island.

It’s a great spot that’s perfect for both families and solo travellers to visit. You can do lots of things while you’re here, even surfing.

The current isn’t as strong here, but it’s still good enough to keep your adrenaline pumping. 

8. Ponta do Ouro (Mozambique)

Located on the southern border of Mozambique, Ponta do Ouro is a small coastal village that has a pretty beach area with clear blue waters. 

Although its sand is not as white as others, it has an amazing selection of marine life to uncover like dolphins and turtles. Sharks can be found here, too!

For a chance to see the sharks, visit around September and April because it’s the best time for diving. You can get close to them if you want – it sounds scary, but trust us, we tried it and overcame our fear!

9. Camps Bay Beach (South Africa)

We’re aware Cape Town (is it safe to walk around Cape Town?) is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but did you know it also has an amazing beach? 

At Camps Bay Beach, you can enjoy a peaceful beach trip with all-around great views. You can even spot the imposing Table Mountain (What is south africas famous landmarks: Top # Most Famous Landmarks in South Africa) while taking a dip in the warm aquamarine waters.

10. Nungwi Beach (Tanzania)

You can find Nungwi Beach at the northern tip of Zanzibar Island off the Tanzanian Coast. Its turquoise water is so clear that you can get an empty water bottle and fill it up to see that it’s as transparent as any distilled water – and we’re not exaggerating!

You’ll find a jungle’s worth of palm trees in the area, which provides perfect shade while you’re out in the sun. Or, better yet, a great spot to take photos for the ‘gram!