Relaxing African Beach Vacations

Recommended Packages

Relaxing in gorgeous weather, sunny days, and sandy beaches is one of the ultimate getaways. Southern Africa has some of the world's most stunning coastlines and beach resorts to match.

Beaches and Big Five Honeymoon

10 Days From: ZAR 69,270 pp Personal Code: H07

Savor a romantic exploration of South Africa's finest safari area and a tropical beach vacation in Mozambique.

East Cape Wild Coast

7 Days From: ZAR 69,270 pp Luxury Code: BP04

It is an easily accessible beach paradise in a malaria-free area of South Africa, ideal for families.

Southern Mozambique

7 Days From: ZAR 69,270 pp Luxury Code: BP05

Relax on the pristine tropical beaches of Southern Mozambique, washed by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean.

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Top Beach Vacation Destinations

Mozambique beach holidays are primarily characterized by island leisure. In contrast, beach vacations in South Africa can extend to incorporate other adventures like safaris and city or town tours for a more comprehensive getaway.

Cape Town

Garden Route

Overberg

KwaZulu-Natal

Bazaruto

Quirimbas

Why choose Africa for your Beach Vacation?

Incredible Settings

Southern Africa's signature diversity extends to the backdrops of its beaches. The islands and shores of Mozambique are indelibly tropical, while South Africa's north coast offers a wilder, more rugged subtropical milieu. Further south, the beaches of the Garden Route are akin to the scenery of the North Pacific, while Cape Town's Mediterranean climate makes for sublime summers.

Ample Space

You only need to worry about crowded beaches during the festive season (December / January) in South Africa. During the remainder of the time, you will enjoy ample elbow room wherever you venture. There is no need to reserve a lounger or wake up early to stretch your towel out on the sand - head down to the beach and indulge in your precious leisure time.

Water-based Activities

While an African beach vacation can undoubtedly amount to a lot of leisure and relaxation time, it would be amiss not to indulge in a few great activities. Enjoy some of Mozambique's best scuba diving and snorkeling environments, deep sea fishing, dhow sailing, and kayaking. South Africa offers fishing, surfing, shark cage diving, whale watching, and more.

Experiences to Savor

Sundowners in Camps Bay

The Camps Bay promenade looks directly over the suburb's main beach. The lively promenade sports a colorful collection of upmarket beachside cafes and eateries, ideal for 'sundowners' (cocktails or drinks at sunset) or people watching as the sun sinks beyond the Atlantic Ocean.

A Kaleidoscope of Corals

The Bazaruto and Quirimbas archipelagos boast some of the world's finest, most pristine coral reefs. The Bazaruto and Quirimbas archipelagos boast some of the world's most pristine coral reefs. These reefs are beautifully preserved and captivating to explore. We recommend you include a scuba diving excursion or even a snorkeling expedition when visiting Mozambique.

Spotting Whales in Walker Bay

Between June and November, Southern Right whales convene in the waters of Walker Bay in staggering numbers. This stretch of the Western Cape, known as the coastal Overberg, is the best location in the world to enjoy land-based whale watching as you unwind on the beach.

FAQ

Are there African beaches that I can enjoy during the wintertime?

Yes - While Cape Town and the Garden Route are still pleasant to visit in the winter, they do not enjoy 'beach-friendly' weather. Therefore, it is best to head to KwaZulu-Natal or Mozambique, where you can enjoy better weather (milder temperatures and less humidity) than you would in summer.

Which is the finest beach in Garden Route?

The Plettenberg Bay area hosts many Blue Flag beaches, including Robberg 5, Keurbooms, Nature's Valley, Lookout, and The Dunes. With various safe, stunning beaches, it remains the finest beach destination on the Garden Route.

What are the water temperatures like in Cape Town?

The waters of the Atlantic that caress the shores of the Cape Peninsula are notoriously frigid, but the brave can nevertheless endeavor an enjoyable swim. December to March is the best time for swimming, with temperatures peaking at 20°C (68°F) in February.

What about sharks?

Shark attacks in South Africa are sporadic, but shark spotters are nevertheless employed in the Cape Town area, mainly for the sake of surfers. On the East Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, shark nets protect the bays.

What does 'Blue Flag' status mean?

Blue Flag status is awarded to beaches by the Foundation for Environmental Education. These beaches meet stringent water quality standards, safety, environmental education and information, services provision, and general environmental management. When writing this article, South Africa boasts 45 official blue flag beaches.

Are there areas where it is not safe to swim?

Yes - the ocean is an unpredictable and enigmatic force to be respected. In South Africa, always swim where lifeguards are present and do so within the demarcated safety zone.

Besides swimming, are there other beach-based activities available?

Yes - depending on the area which you visit. A tropical beach destination like Mozambique offers snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, SUP, and more, while beach activities in South Africa lean more toward whale watching, swimming with seals, shark cage diving, and surfing.

What is the best beach location in KwaZulu-Natal?

Umhlanga and Ballito are fantastic beach destinations as they are not too far from Durban (easy access and a variety of activities), and the water is wonderfully warm. These beaches currently have pilot status - Head further north for scuba diving or snorkeling and something wilder.

What is a 'pilot status beach'?

Pilot status is a stepping stone toward full Blue Flag status. 22 South African beaches currently enjoy pilot status.

Is South Africa or Mozambique a better beach destination?

It depends on what you are after. Mozambique is your best bet for a tropical island-style beach holiday characterized by leisure and snorkeling/scuba diving activities. For a beach holiday that can include activities beyond the beach - like city tours in Cape Town or wildlife encounters in the Garden Route - South Africa is the superior choice.

Other Destinations

Greater St Lucia Wetland Park

The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park is located on South Africa's northeastern coast. The park is a wildlife sanctuary dedicated to preserving this area of unique ecology for posterity. It lines the shores of the Indian Ocean with its spectacular beaches and warm waters that are ideally suited for swimming.

West Coast National Park

Beautiful sandy beaches are one of the features visitors to the West Coast National Park can enjoy. These beaches border the cold Atlantic Ocean, and only the bravest will endeavor a dip in these icy waters.

Swakopmund

Swakopmund is the premier coastal resort in Namibia. It is a beautiful town with a distinctly German character. It offers worshipers of sun and sea, fine sandy beaches washed by the cold waters of the Atlantic. Days are almost always sunny.

Africa Beach Vacations