Africa's top 14 beaches

 
 
 
  • Take a look at these top 14 beaches as recommended by CNNgo - with a hefty lashing of local sand to add to the urge to sun-worship. Chitimba, Malawi Lakes have beaches too. There isn’t much to Chitimba besides a peaceful stretch of inland beach along one of the biggest lakes in Africa. But what more do you need? Ichthyologists say there could be up to 1 000 species of fish in Lake Malawi. Visit www.chitimba.com
  • Uvongo, South Africa. Situated at the mouth of the Ivungu River this shallow lagoon is the ideal, natural splash pool for kids. Make it a day of fun by hiring a pedallo to check out the base of the 23-meter-high waterfall that drops into the lagoon. Visit www.kznsouthcoast.co.za
  • Anse Soleil, Mahé, Seychelles. Found in the southwest of Mahé this is where peace and romantic inspiration can be found in abundance. It's recommended that you sample the scrumptious seafood at the simple café found on this beach. Visit www.seychelles.com (Shutterstock)
  • Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue, Seychelle. Labelled the world’s most photographed beach, there is natural beauty all around from the sparkling blue water to the granite boulders. Grab a bicycle and make a day of exploring its surrounds. Visit www.seychelles.com (Shutterstock)
  • Camps Bay, South Africa. Beach bliss on the edge of Cape Town. Pop into one of the cafes or bars found along its trendy main road. The nearby Clifton 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th beaches, next to Camps Bay, offer more seclusion but there are lots of stairs. Visit www.campsbayinfo.com (Shutterstock)
  • Coffee Bay on South Africa’s Wild Coast is beautifully wild. You can also take a walk to experience the Hole In The Wall close by. Visit www.wildcoasthikes.com (Shutterstock)
  • Diani Beach, Kenya Pristine and clear of seaweed thanks to the coral reef just offshore, this coastal paradise has become one of Kenya’s most popular beaches. Visit www.dianibeach.com (Shutterstock)
  • Ifaty, Madagascar. Found on the southwest coast of Madagascar, this is as far away from commercial as it gets. Lined in parts by fishermen’s houses built mostly from natural materials, it is also flanked by coral reefs that make for exceptional aquatic exploring. July or August are ideal for whale spotting. Visit www.madagascar-tourisme.com

    (Shutterstock)
  • Nungwi, Zanzibar, Tanzania. Said to be the best of Zanzibar, an island amok with fantastic beaches.Found in the north, this former fishing village and dhow-building center has become a holiday haven. Visit www.zanzibartourism.net (Shutterstock)
  • Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Turn bronze along the Red Sea. This beach is a swimming paradise along the reefs. Temperatures can soar but Sharm el Maya also offers good shade. Visit www.sharmelsheikh.com (Shutterstock)
  • Skeleton Coast, Namibia. There can be few beaches as hauntingly beautiful as Namibia’s Skeleton Coast. A rugged stretch between Swakop and Kunene rivers, it is often shrouded with fog caused by the cold air over the Atlantic meeting the warm air of the Namib Desert. The beach has become a graveyard for ships that have run aground in the shallow, rocky waters. Visit www.namibian.org
  • Swapkopmund Namibia. Considered to be one of the world's most active beaches. Swakompund in Namibia has reinvented itself as an adventure center, with fishing, surfing, kayaking, quad biking and sand boarding. Visit www.swakop.com
  • Watamu, Kenya. It forms part of the Malindi Marine Reserve Park, a marine protected area, and its snorkeling and diving experience is said to be the best in East Africa. Watamu is also an important breeding ground for green and hawksbill turtles.Visit www.watamu.biz (Shutterstock)
  • Tofo Beach, Mozambique. A sandy eight-kilometer stretch of beach with gorgeous, clear water is what you can expect from Tofo in Mozambique.This is where you can experience true escape from the daily slog. Visit www.tofotravel.com (Shutterstock)