The Best Beaches in Africa

Seychelles granite

Four of the African beaches are in the Seychelles, on the islands of La Digue and Praslin, and all four have large granite boulders on the sand or at both ends. On La Digue people get around by bicycle. Bikes are left near the entrance of L'Union Estate, where visitors pay about 150 SCR and walk a path to the coves of Anse Source d’Argent, and Grand Anse is a ride of 20 to 40 minutes over hills from the harbour. On Praslin, Anse Lazio has paid parking at the end of a steep, winding road. Anse Georgette is reached on foot across the Constance Lemuria golf course after registering with the hotel, or by a trail from Anse Lazio.

Tides and currents

Swimming depends on the tide and the surf. The shallow water at Anse Source d’Argent changes sharply with the tide, and at Diani Beach in Kenya people swim mainly at high tide, while low tide exposes a wide flat with a sandbar and pools. Grand Anse and Anse Georgette have strong waves and currents, and so does Praia de Santa Mónica on Boa Vista in Cabo Verde.

Boats and 4x4s

Praia de Santa Mónica is reached over rough off-road tracks by 4x4, quad bike or jeep tour. Nosy Iranja in Madagascar is a strip of white sand that joins two small wooded islands, about an hour by boat from Nosy Be, and day excursions cost around €65 per person.