Why Choose Africa for a Beach Vacation

When you think of an African vacation, chances are that images of game drives, lions, and elephants pop into your mind. A safari in Africa is truly a memorable experience, but that’s not where vacation options end on the continent. Africa is home to islands and beaches that will take your breath away! Even better, there are luxury African vacation resorts that cater to couples, honeymooners, as well as travelling multi-generational families.

Let’s explore some of the most luxurious resorts along coastlines in Africa. But first, what makes an African beach vacation special?

Why Book a Beach Vacation in Africa?

The allure of Africa is unique. The pristine natural beauty, thrilling adventures available, and rich cultural experiences all add up to create a unique and exclusive vacation that will stay with you forever.

Beautiful Beaches

Unlike more commercial holiday destinations, many of Africa’s beaches are still relatively untouched, creating an experience that makes you feel as if you’re one of the lucky few who get to be there.

The tranquillity at African vacation resorts is unmatched – if you’re looking to disconnect and get away from mass tourism crowds, Africa is the place to be.

Incredible Marine Life

In the water, the marine biodiversity you can witness is spectacular. From snorkelling above colourful coral reefs teeming with fish in Zanzibar to swimming with whale sharks in Mozambique, your water adventures will be numerous and memorable.

Cultural Richness and Diversity

The cultural richness of Africa adds another level of uniqueness to your trip. For example, Zanzibar’s Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site; when visiting, you’ll be enchanted by the winding alleys and colourful markets.

The island of Mauritius is a melting pot of cultures; traces of African, Indian, European, and Chinese influences can be seen, tasted, and experienced while here.

Luxury Accommodation

Resorts in Africa are small, concentrated paradises set in a larger paradise. Tranquillity reigns supreme with world-class dining (which you can often enjoy with your feet in the sand), wellness centres, private pools, and butler services.

Many of our resort partners are award-winning and offer the highest level of service. While there, the only thing you need to focus on is your own relaxation.

Top Luxury Resorts in Africa

Fundu Lagoon, Pemba Island

Pemba Island forms part of the Zanzibar Archipelago off the coast of Tanzania. Where the jungle meets the ocean in a secluded setting lies Fundu Lagoon, a true sanctuary for those seeking peace and barefoot luxury.

As the island is largely underdeveloped, you’ll have an exclusive beach vacation here accompanied by the bush babies, flying foxes, and vervet monkeys that call Pemba home. While gazing out on the ocean, you may even be able to spot dolphins jumping in the distance.

Pemba is a diving paradise. The water is warm, the coral reefs are colourful, and the marine life is spectacular. Sea turtles, barracudas, and reef sharks are known to frequent the waters around this island.

The rooms and suites are in close proximity to the ocean, so you’ll hear the crashing waves as you lay in bed and drift off to sleep.

andBeyond Mnemba Island, Zanzibar

Featuring only 12 beachside bandas, including one family banda, this island paradise can only accommodate 26 guests, ensuring an exclusive vacation experience perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway and families wanting uninterrupted beach access.

The calm turquoise waters are just a few steps away from the resort. In the water, you’re able to explore the island’s coral nursery and artificial coral reef restoration project.

andBeyond is dedicated to conservation efforts – the island is recognised as a significant breeding site for green turtles, and there are daily beach patrols to monitor and document turtle activity. Mnemba Island has also become a sanctuary for two antelope species, Ader’s duiker and suni antelope, through their successful protection project.

Other activities include serene dhow cruises, kayaking, birdwatching, fishing, and yoga.

Imagine lying back on a lounger while gazing out at the ocean. Your favourite cocktail is on its way, you have a massage booked in a few hours, and your dinner will be served later al fresco under the stars.

Bawe Island, Zanzibar

Life at Bawe Island is all about exclusivity and privacy. Every villa (overwater options available) has its own private pool and a butler on call to ensure all needs are taken care of.

The island boasts five restaurants for travellers to explore. From the elegant atmosphere of The Sand with its live cooking stations and the traditional Japanese cuisine at Rising Sun to the pizzas expertly crafted at Sinfonia, you’ll certainly never be bored with the dining options. There is also an adults-only beach club as well as a bar where you can sip expertly crafted cocktails while watching the sunset.

Bawe Island offers a range of activities, both relaxing and adrenaline-inducing. Jet skiing, wakeboarding, and windsurfing are all on offer. Calmer activities include catamaran cruises and glass-bottom canoeing. The spa features a range of signature treatments to help guests unwind; there’s also a Zen Garden and Beach Pavilion where yoga, tai chi, and meditation can be practiced.

Kisawa Sanctuary, Mozambique

Located on Benguerra Island, Kisawa Sanctuary is the perfect escape for couples looking for ultimate privacy and pampering. Each residence has its own private beach, an open-air deck, an infinity pool, and an outdoor day area.

The attention to detail in the interior design elements of the resort is superb – the Natural Wellness Centre was even awarded ‘Best Spa’ by Elle Decor Italia.⁠ Kisawa was also named one of the 50 best hotels in the world in The Telegraph Hotel Awards.

When it comes to dining, the focus here is on fresh local ingredients. The Kisawa team works with farmers and fishermen in the Inhambane Province, and as much as possible is cooked, smoked, grilled, and baked in Kisawa’s kitchen. Visit the permaculture garden, where you can indulge in a freshly picked and mixed cocktail, or head to the Wine Room for tastes of old- and new-world vintages. There is even a tuk-tuk serving up oven-fresh pizzas.

The seascape surrounding Benguerra Island is a sight to behold, especially when you get to see one of the different species of dolphins that call this location home, including bottlenose, common, Fraser’s, humpback, and striped.

Gwe Gwe Beach Lodge, South Africa

Gwe Gwe Beach Lodge is located in Mkambati Nature Reserve along the West Coast of South Africa. The activities at this lodge are off the charts, making it perfect for adventurers and families wanting to keep busy. Guests can swim, hike, cycle, snorkel, kayak, SUP, visit the spa, and even go see wildlife – it’s one of the few places on earth where you can see zebras, dolphins, and whales at the same time.

There’s also a dedicated kids’ area complete with games, entertainment, and childminders where parents can drop their kids off.

The nine en-suite rooms each feature a bathtub, both indoor and outdoor showers, a fireplace, a lounge area, a small garden, a private deck, and a pool with exquisite ocean views.

There are many reasons why Africa should be considered when deciding where to go on a beach vacation. From the pristine natural landscapes and the focus on exclusive slow tourism to the world-class resorts, an African beach holiday is an experience that will revitalise you, mind, body, and soul.