Beach getaways
Africa is best known for its fabulous safaris. But for a lot of people it is not known that the best beach getaways can be found on this facinating continent. From the very high end beach lodges to very simple bandas on far away beaches, beach holidays will cater for every budget.
Gabon
Do you know a place on earth where you can see elephants on the beach, surfing hippo's and whales in one day! Gabon is probably the only place that offers true relaxation and beach adventure. Gabon is not a sole beach destination but it does have lovely beach bandas for a nice safari exension. Sainte Catherine is a nice low profile beachcamp, right on Gabon finest beach. It will probably the only time in your life to be truly alone on a pristine beach, having elephants snooping around on the beach.
Kenya
Kenyas coast has much to offer to beach lovers. Kenya is a true beach destination and offers the finest safari add-ons. Kenyas Mombassa coast or the lovely and very romantic island of Lamu caters for all budgets and for any length of stay. Not many people do know the well hidden getaway but Lamu island is probably one of the last places on earth where you dont have motorized traffic. The endless palm fringed beaches and the possibility to swim with dolphins makes Kenya your next beach destination.
Mozambique
Mozambique has 2500 km of white beaches, vast areas of untouched bush land and large mangrove forests along the Indian ocean coastline. There is the magnificent Quirimbas Archipelago in Cabo Delgado Province, Northern Mozambique. It is a captivating chain of 32 coral islands, an area that has never been developed and remains an unexplored tourist paradise. The Bazaruto Archipelago is a protected National Park - the islands are pristine and undeveloped are of an unbelievable natural beauty!
Sao Tome & Principe
Together with the island of Príncipe, São Tomé forms one of the smallest independent nations in the world. São Tomé is a paradise for beach and bird lovers. The tropical island of Príncipe is a virtually undiscovered paradise in the Atlantic Ocean, north-east of São Tomé. It’s a place where dense rainforests teem with exotic birds, where whales sport playfully off unspoiled, deserted beaches, where crystal-clear waterfalls cascade into the azure blue ocean. Príncipe is a sensational place to relax, dive, fish or to turn adventurous.
South Africa
South Africa boasts some of the finest beaches in the world. From the pristine coastal stretch of Cape Vidal in KwaZulu-Natal to the Eastern Cape's famous Wild Coast, from the penguin colony of Boulders Beach to sun-drenched Camps Bay in the Western Cape. The beaches are much more than a haven for sun-worshippers and surfers. South Africa's south coast has great hotels and private villas, catered and non catered, on exclusive beaches that can be rented directly from the owners.
Tanzania
Even though Tanzania is one of the best safari destinations in the world, it has spectacular beaches and is a fantastic retreat. Tanzania has fabulous wildlife lodges right on the beach or beach lodges where the beach is yours entirely. Ras Kutani can be found south from Dar es Salaam. White sandy beaches, spacious cottages and tropical forest behind the lodges will give you the feeling you are at a deserted island. The best possible service and great cuisine will give you an unforgettable beach holiday.
Zanzibar
For many couples Zanzibar and/or its many Indian Ocean islands is an ideal honeymoon destination. Many elegant & small vacation lodges offer a private & personal feeling well away from other tourists and it's the easiest destinations in Africa where you can combine a safari with beach. With rose-colored sunsets and a palm fringed untouched beach, Zanzibar is the perfect romantic getaway to celebrate your special occasion. Zanzibar offers a great variety of lodges, hotels and retreats for all budgets.
