Africa Beach Vacations
Help Me PlanRecommended Beach Vacation Packages
Relaxing with gorgeous weather, sunny days, and sandy beaches is one of the ultimate getaways. Southern Africa has some of the world’s most striking coastlines and beach resorts to match.
Savor a romantic exploration of South Africa’s finest safari area and a tropical beach vacation in Mozambique.
An easily accessible, malaria-free beach escape in South Africa—ideal for families.
Unwind on the pristine tropical beaches of southern Mozambique, washed by the azure Indian Ocean.
Top Beach Vacation Destinations
Mozambique beach holidays are primarily characterized by island leisure. In contrast, beach vacations in South Africa can extend to include safaris and city or town tours for a more comprehensive getaway.
Experiences to Savor
Sundowners in Camps Bay
The Camps Bay promenade looks directly over the suburb’s main beach. The lively strip offers a colorful selection of upmarket beachside cafés and eateries—ideal for sundowners or people-watching as the sun sinks beyond the Atlantic.
A Kaleidoscope of Corals
The Bazaruto and Quirimbas archipelagos host some of the world’s most pristine coral reefs, beautifully preserved and captivating to explore. Consider a scuba dive or a guided snorkeling excursion when visiting Mozambique.
Spotting Whales in Walker Bay
Between June and November, Southern Right whale congregations fill Walker Bay. This Western Cape stretch—known as the coastal Overberg—is among the world’s best locations for land-based whale watching.FAQ
Yes. While Cape Town and the Garden Route are pleasant in winter, they are not reliably beach-friendly. KwaZulu-Natal or Mozambique typically offer milder, less humid winter conditions and better beach weather than in summer.
The Plettenberg Bay area hosts many Blue Flag beaches, including Robberg 5, Keurbooms, Nature’s Valley, Lookout, and The Dunes. With several safe, scenic options, it remains the finest beach destination on the Garden Route.
The Atlantic around the Cape Peninsula is chilly, but a swim is still possible. December to March is the best time, with sea temperatures peaking around 20 °C (68 °F) in February.
Shark incidents are infrequent. Cape Town beaches are monitored by Shark Spotters, and on KwaZulu-Natal’s East Coast, shark nets and drumlines are used to reduce risk in popular bathing areas.
Blue Flag is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education for meeting strict water quality, safety, education, services, and management standards. For 2024/25, South Africa has 48 Blue Flag beaches and 18 pilot sites.
Yes. The ocean is unpredictable. Always swim where lifeguards are present and stay within the marked safety zone.
Yes—depending on the area. Mozambique offers snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and more. South Africa features whale watching, swimming with seals, shark cage diving, fishing, and surfing.
Umhlanga and Ballito are fantastic bases near Durban with warm water and a range of activities. For snorkeling or diving and wilder stretches, head farther north.
Pilot status is a stepping stone toward full Blue Flag status. For 2024/25, 18 South African sites hold pilot status.
It depends on your goals. Mozambique leans tropical and relaxed with exceptional snorkeling and diving. South Africa adds city tours, wine country, and safaris to your beach time.
Other Destinations
Greater St Lucia Wetland Park
The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park lies on South Africa’s northeastern coast. This wildlife sanctuary protects a unique coastal ecosystem bordering the warm Indian Ocean and offers spectacular beaches suited to swimming.
West Coast National Park
Beautiful sandy beaches are among the highlights of West Coast National Park. These shores face the cold Atlantic, and only the bravest will attempt a dip in the icy water.
Swakopmund
Swakopmund is Namibia’s premier coastal resort, a handsome town with a distinct German character. It offers sun-seekers fine sandy beaches washed by the cold Atlantic and plenty of sunny days.
