Beaches in Africa

Overview

While Africa may not be the first place that comes to mind when you hear the word beaches, the world's second largest continent definitely has it's fair share of vacation-worthy hot spots.

Morroco :: by Lonely Planet Tangier, Casablanca, Marrakesh...just the names of these cities stir a hint of spice in the nostrils. Jostling crowds, the piquant tension of debate, space in perpetual motion - the minute you set foot in the country you know you've arrived somewhere very different.

Spend a weekend in a luxury riad in Marrakesh, Fès or Rabat, exorcise your shopping demons in some of the most colourful markets in the world, or indulge in some off-piste desert driving over sugar-soft dunes... And this fantastically varied destination is barely three hours flying time from Europe.

South Africa :: by Lonely Planet South Africa is an exhilarating and complex country. With its post-apartheid identity still in the process of definition, there is undoubtedly an abundance of energy and a sense of progress about the place. Travellers are returning to a remarkable land that has been off the trail for way too long.

The infrastructure is constantly improving, the climate is kind and there are few better places to see Africa's wildlife.

Other countries to check for their natural beauty and welcoming beaches include Madagascar, Réunion, Kenya, Gambia, and Mafia Island off the coast of Tanzania.

When To Go

On the northern coast the weather is tourist-friendly pretty much all year round, although winter can bring cool and wet conditions. Beaches further south are prone to fog in the summer months, a phenomenon caused when the heat of the desert meets the chill Atlantic current. In the lowlands, the cooler months from October to April are popular among visitors. This time of year is pleasantly warm to hot (around 30°C) during the day and cool to cold (around 15°C) at night. Winter in the higher regions demands some serious insulation. If you're heading into the hills, the ski season usually lasts from December to March. April to October is the main trekking season, when the mountain snows start to thaw. In high season (mid-June-mid-September) you'll need to book or you may find areas full.

The west and southwest get searingly hot during the summer (November to March), which can make moving around a struggle, particularly if you're travelling by taxi-brousse (bush taxi). By contrast, the winter months in these regions are pleasant, with blue skies, cooler temperatures and essentially no rain. In the east and northeast be prepared for rain and overcast skies at any time, although rain showers don't usually last long during the winter months. Between July and September the sea is too dangerous to travel by cargo boat.

For Travel Packages

* ResponsibleTravel
* GorpTravel 
* Eco Tropical Resorts

Helpful Resources:

Get the Lonely Planet Guide :: Africa. Nothing comes close to Africa in scale, variety, and pure, raw impact. This 30th anniversary edition of the Africa guide covers classic routes and roads less traveled, and has sustainable travel and volunteering opportunities galore.

* Lonely Planet Guide :: Africa
* Africa Beach Information
* Africa Travel Blogs
* Africa Interactive Map