Beach holidays in Africa. Beach holidays in South Africa Beach Little Africa

How much do we know about Africa? What is this hot continent with unique nature and little-explored territory. Do you know about the beach resorts in Africa, of which there are a lot - Tunisia, Morocco and Seychelles are the most famous. Did you know that snow-white beaches Are Africa some of the best in the world? We invite you to virtual tour along the best African beaches.

The beach with snow-white sand, which is absolutely white without any inclusions, makes a truly fantastic impression: greenery and flowers are fragrant all around, and the coastal strip seems to be covered with snow. Paje Beach has one nuance - however, traditional for the entire coast Indian Ocean, at low tides you will have to walk quite a long time to get to deep water. But there is an abundance of entertainment on the shore - cafes, discos and so on.

Wild beaches of Africa - Trou d’Argent - ideal in the classical sense. It is uncrowded, spacious, safe, clean, surrounded from prying eyes by rocks, the entrance to the ocean is gentle. There is nothing stopping you from enjoying a truly unique landscape. For example, palm trees of the subspecies Geophorbe Verschaffelta grow only here, on the Mascarene Islands of the Indian Ocean.

Source D'Argent Beach is among the top 5 best beaches not only in Africa, but in the whole world according to BBC Travel. You can hardly find sand of such a pale pinkish hue. And the turquoise color of the ocean and granite boulders surrounding the beach create a magnificent landscape. It can also be classified as the wild beaches of Africa, since civilization will definitely not distract you from your vacation.

Grand Anse Beach is a popular beach on La Digue, also included in the BBC Travel rating. In beauty it is in no way inferior to the nearby Source D'Argent. And in the nearby island park L’Union Estate, scenes from the French film “Emmanuelle” were filmed, because all the surrounding nature contributes to a romantic mood.

Another beach on the Indian Ocean with sand of a specific white-pink hue is Nakupenda Beach. In addition to a relaxing beach holiday, swimming and sunbathing, this beach is just a godsend for those who want to snorkel. At the same time, you can admire the underwater inhabitants quite safely - they are non-aggressive and non-poisonous.

The island of Nosy Be is located in the north of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. This is a great combination beautiful nature and civilization - the island’s beach is fully equipped for a civilized holiday. At the same time, here you can see real lemurs, chameleons and turtles, and also touch them - the animals do not expect anything bad from people and do not run away. On the Internet it is easy to find an amateur video from this particular island, where you can see how close tropical animals come to humans.

No less beautiful beaches in Africa are located on Atlantic coast. The Moroccan resort city of Agadir on the Atlantic coast boasts luxurious, spacious beaches with specific reddish sand. These are quite civilized, well-equipped beaches with sun loungers, umbrellas and a warning system for approaching dust storms, which happen regularly in the desert. Here you can also catch a wave, which surfers and other lovers enjoy with pleasure. marine species sports

The island of Sal is located in the south of Cape Verde on the coast Atlantic Ocean. This is one of the most popular islands countries. And Santa Maria is the most famous city on the island among tourists. This is where the bulk of travelers stop when visiting neighboring islands with excursions. Santa Maria is a four-kilometer beach with clean, reddish sand depending on the light. All water activities are developed here: windsurfing, kitesurfing and diving.

Boulders Beach at Falls Bay is truly unique beach, where you can see real penguins. By nature's standards, the penguin colony was formed recently - in 1982. However, these animals liked it here so much that the colony grows every year. Boulders Beach is included within the boundaries of the National Park, including because of the habitat of penguins. People will also like it here: many neat coves protected from high waves, centuries-old huge boulders around the beach area. To make it easier to observe animals and take photos and videos, wooden platforms have been built.

These are perhaps the most beautiful beaches in Africa that are worth visiting. You will get a lot of impressions, and Africa itself will be remembered by you with bright colors that are not found on the European continent.

World Travel

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22.05.16 11:08

What do you think about a beach holiday? We are dominated by stereotypes that say that in terms of comfort and services provided, there is nothing better than the good old Mediterranean. Of course, we shouldn’t discount distant Australia and Southeast Asia with her exotic islands. What about the beaches of Africa? Do you think that on this continent only a safari is worth the candle (and even studying ancient relics and structures in the north of the continent)? You are not right! Africa also includes many of the most beautiful islands, and its coasts are so beautiful – you can’t take your eyes off them! You will see this for yourself by looking at the illustrations in our rating of the most beautiful beaches in Africa.

The most beautiful beaches in Africa: where to go

For adventurers and lovers of solitude

Are you dreaming of a true pearl? wildlife? Craving adventure? Or just want to find a secluded place? One of best options– Port St. Johns. This quaint beach is located on the Indian Ocean coast - in the Wild Coast region (South Africa). You say that South Africa– is it too far and not safe? You are partly right. But, if there is a bit of adventurism in your soul, and there is enough money in your wallet for a flight, get ready for the trip!

Lost heaven

Another " lost heaven“(in the sense of secluded) is the tiny island of Bom Bom Island, belonging to the state of Sao Tome and Principe in Central Africa. The island's beach is the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by virgin forests (home to different types birds). Funny large turtles and whales splash in the waves, and if you go diving, beauty will open up before you underwater world- There are also a great many fish here.

Vasco de Gama came here

Another beautiful beach Africa, favored by divers, is the Quirimbas Archipelago, which belongs to Mozambique. This is a phenomenal place for divers! At the beginning of the 16th century, Vasco de Gama landed here, and since then, little has changed in the crystal waters and on the shore. The archipelago's collection of unique wildlife is still as rich (from angelfish, parrots to dolphins and hammerhead sharks), and the waves are just as turquoise. Newlyweds can spend an unforgettable honeymoon here.

Tanzanian miracle

In the northern part of the Zanzibar archipelago, in the waters of the Indian Ocean, the resort island of Mnemba basks, and its beaches are among the most beautiful beaches in Africa. This is a real Tanzanian miracle with fine white sand and emerald waves. Here you can sunbathe or relax under straw umbrellas, lazily sipping cocktails. Or you can swim and dive to your heart's content in the company of amazing dolphins.

Mauritian resort sunsets

The Mauritian resort of Trou aux Biches and its marvelous beach will please everyone. And for families with children (the water here is very calm, and the pearl-white sand is soft as feathers), and divers, and fans sailing, and those romantics who love to see off the sun in an embrace with their beloved. It has one of the most breathtaking sunset views in the world!

Swim with dolphins

Famous for its historical places And archaeological finds, Kenya's Lamu Archipelago is ideal for water adventures. The local beach provides opportunities for kayaking, swimming with dolphins, diving, and snorkeling. There are museums, bars, shopping centers, where you can buy local jewelry - they are original and elegant, and other souvenirs.

Visit the lemurs!

You will find beautiful African beaches when you go to Madagascar, namely to Sainte Marie Island. The sun never leaves the sky here all year round, and the pretty snow-white sand and clear sapphire waters beckon! Lounge in the shade of palm trees until the cool breeze invites you to swim. But nature has prepared a special gift for divers: unique coral gardens and a colony of humpback whales living nearby.

Island on the great lake

The wonderful, remote Likoma Island in the East African state of Malawi will rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit. It's so calm, peaceful and quiet here! At the same time, the island will provide you with excellent hotel conditions and allow you to enjoy scuba diving, kayaking, and boat trips to your heart's content. This is the only beach that is not on the ocean (or sea) coast, but on Lake Malawi (Nyasa).

Mecca for water extreme sports enthusiasts

Real fans aquatic species sports, including surfers and divers, would be delighted to discover the delights of the island of Boa Vista (Cape Verde). Curralinho Beach is a seemingly endless coastal strip of gentle sand. The waves, playing with all shades of turquoise, will gently hug you. And in local shops you will find excellent fresh food to refresh yourself after water fun.

Perfect in every way

An ideal place for a relaxing beach holiday is Anse Source D'Argent beach, located on the island of La Digue (East African state of the Seychelles). You will be amazed, and what is there - amazed by this crystal blue water ( entry into which is shallow, which will appeal to inexperienced swimmers and children), weird shape boulders and palm trees lining the beach. The sand here is a pale pink shade, slowly turning into snowy white. You will never want to return from this paradise, because Anse Source D'Argent is the most beautiful beach in Africa.

There is an authoritative opinion that it was from the Dark Continent that humanity began. Therefore, it is not surprising that sooner or later travelers turn their attention here, for whom simple package tours“all inclusive” is a long-past stage. There are mountains and waterfalls, lions and elephants, deserts and equatorial forests, and beach holidays surprise even seasoned tourists with their diversity.

Where to go to sunbathe?

When choosing where to spend a vacation by the sea, a traveler will certainly pay attention to several criteria. African beach resorts can be divided into conditional groups, united by common characteristics:

  • Economically accessible and closest to located are the countries of the Maghreb and North Africa. This picturesque company includes the popular, discreet and windswept.
  • The dream of the 90s “Holidays in the Canary Islands” is quite feasible today. The eternal summer archipelago is located just seven hours' flight from.
  • The islands lie a little further south and further afield and their wide sandy beaches are usually sparsely populated. Here you can find an all-inclusive hotel and enjoy a serene lazy rest or explore the coastal waters and wrecks while being a keen diver.
  • The Seychelles is often called paradise and this is hardly an exaggeration. Newlyweds and romantics bring perfect photos from here, and lovers of surfing, yachting and sea fishing bring vivid impressions from here. The only downside to a beach holiday in Africa is Seychelles– inhumane prices, but paradise should not be too affordable.
  • The island is a mini-continent with its own animals and plants that are not found anywhere else on the planet. Precious stones are mined here and relaxation on the beaches of local resorts can be combined with bargain purchase jewelry of your dreams.
  • Flying to the beaches of the Republic of South Africa, of course, is not a shortcut, but combining a vacation in national parks and enjoying the views from the Cape Good Hope, with sunbathing is quite possible.

Weather features of a beach holiday in Africa

The huge continent is located in two hemispheres at once and the calendar summer here begins in June and December, depending on geographical coordinates:

  • The weather is almost constant throughout the calendar year. The air usually warms up to +27°C, as does the water, but the hottest time is still considered to be the period from December to May. Monsoons arrive on the island in June and bring some coolness until November. Most precipitation falls in January.
  • Even 30-degree heat can be easily tolerated due to the dry air. Swim on local beaches it is possible already in May, and until the end of October thermometers in the water show about +25°C.
  • Summer starts in October and beach season here lasts until March. The air warms up to +30°C during the day, and at night it can be cool - up to +20°C and below, and therefore it is worth taking warm clothes for your vacation even in the midst of the South African summer.
  • The dry tropical climate of the Cape Verde Islands allows you to sunbathe comfortably almost throughout the year. In summer the air warms up to +32°C, and in winter the thermometers rarely drop below +25°C during the day. Largest mass precipitation falls in January and February, and the rest of the time, a beach holiday in Africa on the Cape Verde Islands is pure enjoyment of the sun and sea.

When going to African resorts, check to see if you need to get vaccinated. In many regions there is a risk of infections that are easier to prevent. It is equally important to observe household precautions: do not drink tap water, do not wander into unfamiliar areas, do not walk alone after dark. And on African beaches the sun is too active, and therefore you should protect your skin and eyes with special products with a high factor and high-quality glasses.

Magical Zanzibar

The island, even whose name sounds like a magical African spell, until recently was a resort for wild tourists who preferred ordinary tents to the benefits of civilization. Today, chains of luxury hotels have been built along its coastline, and clean beaches favored by wealthy travelers, divers and fans of sport fishing - blue marlin and swordfish bite in the waters near Zanzibar.
Diving in the archipelago of the same name includes several sites with a variety of coral forests, shipwrecks and seamounts. The maximum diving depth is from 15 to 30 meters.
Other activities on the islands include excursions to spice plantations, trips to visit giant turtles and walks around the capital of the island, Stone Town. The city, founded by the Arabs in the 9th century, has retained its charm and its architecture resembles the setting oriental tales.

The spool is small... And expensive

This proverb applies to Mauritius in every sense. can be crossed on foot in less than a day, but it is considered one of the most expensive beach resorts Africa.
The local beaches can be called ideal in every sense. They are very beautiful and covered with snow-white fine sand, which, moreover, is thoroughly cleaned every morning.
Best surfing– in the area of ​​Tamarina Bay, where strong waves occur almost constantly. Calm water awaits fans of comfortable swimming in the east on Belle Mare Beach. Party-goers will be able to find a lot of entertainment in the southwest on Pereybere beach, where young people and fans of active sports prefer to stay. nightlife. Beach holidays in Africa are especially popular among those who dream of solid fishing - it is in this part of the Indian Ocean that the largest specimens of blue marlin, tuna and hammerheads are caught.
Hotels on the island are very comfortable and therefore not cheap. Even a simple bungalow on the beach will be equipped with all amenities, and often have its own pool and staff.

They are hardworking and caring; they have charming smiles and soulful eyes; they have a special understanding of beauty and home comfort. And despite the difficulties that accompany them almost all their lives, they know how to be happy. Today, July 31, is African Women's Day, which was established in Tanzania in 1962. TUT.BY invites you to look at representatives of the African continent: happy, smiling, loving, caring and strong.

A Massai woman with jewelry, Tanzania, July 7, 2007.
A woman with her child in the village of Taiba, Chad, July 9, 2008.
A woman walks on the street in Kadji, Mali, March 1, 2013.
A mother with a child in her arms walks along sand dunes in Nouakchott, Mauritania, June 22, 2014.
Somali women near the town of Harfo, Somalia, July 20, 2011.
A girl inside a church carved into a rock in the city of Lalibela, Ethiopia.
A woman wearing an earring depicting Pope Benedict XVI, Luanda, Angola, March 22, 2009.
A woman stands in front of a colonial-style building in Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau, on March 22, 2012.
A girl plays water volleyball on the beach in Tipasa, Algeria, August 3, 2010.
Ramatu Woori, beauty queen of Sierra Leone, during a photo shoot in the capital Freetown, August 22, 2008.
A carnival participant in Lagos, Nigeria, April 5, 2010.
A woman swims in the pool of her home, Dakar, Senegal, June 22, 2007.
Women from Western Sahara in a refugee camp near the city of Tindouf, Algeria, November 23, 2003.
A woman holds a child during celebrations of the Day of the African Child, Makumba, Malawi, June 16, 2009.
A Massai woman wearing traditional clothing and bracelets. Kenya, October 30, 2007.
Tuareg woman, Ingal, Niger, September 18, 2011.
A woman walks on the street in Asmara, Eritrea, May 12, 2008.
Mudahogora Ernestine, victim of the 1994 genocide, Kigali, Rwanda, April 3, 2014.
A mother feeds her baby during a break from collecting salt near the town of Saint-Louis, Senegal, April 9, 2007.
A woman prepares tea, Abyei, the border between North and South Sudan, October 29, 2013.
A young girl combs her hair, Mbabane, Swaziland, August 28, 2011.
Girls prepare for a performance, Dhaka, Morocco, February 28, 2008.
A woman attends a rally in support of Muammar Gaddafi, Tripoli, Libya, March 18, 2011.
Egyptian women celebrate signing a marriage contract, Cairo, Egypt, August 31, 2006.

West Africa extends south of the Sahara, from Mauritania onwards, along the Atlantic and Gulf of Guinea to the Nigerian border with Cameroon, where coastline The African continent makes a sharp bend, thanks to which Cameroon received the nickname “Armpit of Africa”. Today the Travel+Adventure TV channel tells you about the beaches West Africa, that part of the continent located between the Maghreb countries and the “African Armpit”.

There are a dozen countries along the coast of West Africa, which stretches for four and a half thousand kilometers. And almost throughout their entire length there is one long sand beach. It is interrupted only occasionally by river mouths and ports, and even in the territory major cities remains virtually unchanged.

The coast of West Africa, like Africa in general, is poorly indented. The coastal area is almost everywhere flat, there are few bays and islands, unlike the European Mediterranean or Indonesia and Thailand. Therefore, the beaches in West Africa are almost continuous and uniform and are composed of yellow sand. Beaches made of black volcanic sand, however, there are also in Afika - in the same Cameroon and Cape Verde. But Cape Verde is an island located quite far from the mainland, and Cameroon is already Central Africa.

By the way, it is interesting to note that the name of the capital of Cape Verde, the city of Praia, is translated from Portuguese as “Beach”.

On the beaches of West Africa there is open ocean everywhere. Even in the Gulf of Guinea, which is a gulf only in name, but in fact there are thousands of kilometers of open ocean all the way to Antarctica with famous island St. Helena is somewhere in the middle. Therefore, on the coast there is always ocean freshness and the water in the ocean is clean. Even in the huge twenty million Lagos, which dumps tons of garbage into the water every day. Garbage can accumulate in lagoons and along inland straits and rivers, but it hardly lingers in the ocean off the coast - too large masses of water move here. Perhaps a certain amount of garbage may wash ashore. But ocean water, being salty, perfectly disinfects any waste.

Because of the open ocean, the beaches of West Africa are always big waves, which is inconvenient and sometimes downright dangerous for swimming. Some beaches have warning signs that swimming is at your own risk. And, for example, on the popular Labadi beach in Accra, swimming is allowed only in the immediate vicinity of the lifeguard tower.

However, in local culture, the beach primarily serves as a place where people come to relax after the hot and humid climate of the African metropolis, to socialize and have fun. They swim little, except to splash around the shore, and do not sunbathe at all. Because they are not used to swimming, and Africans have no need to sunbathe. But our native Sochi residents don’t often go swimming in the sea. But on an African beach you can have a wonderful walk, sit in a bar, chat with friends, and kick a ball. Birthdays are often celebrated on the beaches, corporate events and parties are held, as well as discos and concerts of local musicians.

By the way, the Travel+Adventure TV channel, based on its experience, does not advise you to specifically sunbathe in Africa. The sun here is high and hot, and you can get sunburned quickly. It's better to just sit under an umbrella and tan yourself while you walk along the beach. It is in the north that people catch the sun at the first opportunity, but on the equator, on the contrary, they hide from it.

There are beaches in West Africa that are quite convenient for swimming, for example, such as Tarkwa Bay Beach in Lagos. Such places are located in natural bays and bays, as a result of which there are almost no waves in them. On such beaches, however, the water is usually somewhat dirtier than in the open ocean. And visitors are often predominantly foreigners: Europeans, Chinese, Indians, Lebanese. That is, those who are accustomed to swimming in the sea.

Since there are many beaches in Africa, and for local residents Since they are a completely ordinary thing, there are never crowds there. Well, unless suddenly today there is a concert of some Takun Ji.

Well, if you are a surfer, kite surfer, diver or a fan of any other extreme water sport, then you can easily find yourself having fun on the beaches of West Africa. All this is here, but you should keep in mind that the prices for such services and good hotels quite comparable with European ones.

It is generally accepted that in Africa many girls and women go topless, and men are also not very burdened with clothes. And, probably, such people are expected to be met just on the beach. But in fact, it's just the opposite. The number of nationalities and tribes in Africa that allow themselves such liberties in clothing is vanishingly small. And they usually live in the interior of the mainland. And on many beaches in West Africa, even in non-Muslim countries, women's swimsuits that are too revealing are considered indecent. And men, in general, are supposed to wear shorts, not short swimming trunks. However, the more Europeans there are on the beach, the more democratic the dress code is, as a rule.

In general, beaches in West Africa are for every taste and budget. There are also beaches here expensive hotels or private villas with freshwater swimming pools, bungalows, inexpensive public or private beaches and “wild” beaches, and the latter can be located almost in the city center. In Accra, as soon as you step out into the backyard of Independence Square, you immediately find yourself on a semi-deserted beach, where usually only a few people kick a ball around. On “wild” or cheap public beaches, however, you should not forget about the usual vigilance; you should not just throw things away - theft in Africa has not yet been abolished.

The best beaches in terms of price/quality ratio are usually located in the suburbs: away from the bustle of the city, but not too far to get to. Like, for example, Lekki Beach in Lagos.

Previously, on some “wild” beaches in West Africa, it was not uncommon to see heaps of garbage and sewage. Usually near slum areas. But in last years the situation has improved significantly. The authorities are taking measures to maintain cleanliness: installing garbage containers and building free public toilets for slum residents. And in Monrovia, for example, special beach guards have appeared to monitor order and cleanliness.

On African beaches you can often see vendors selling various goods and musicians. Therefore, here you can very well get acquainted with the local culture without leaving your sun lounger by the ocean. Almost all local handicrafts will be brought to you and offered to buy. Wooden crafts, various decorations, paintings and drawings, even drums. On the beaches of Lagos, for example, you can buy interesting wooden figurines representing scenes local life. And on the beaches of Accra there are crafts with traditional graphic symbols of the Ashanti culture, called “adinkra”. Or a set (board and pebbles) for a traditional board game, called here “ovare”, also known as “mancala”. It looks like backgammon, but the rules have nothing in common with backgammon.

Here you can also taste the famous African palm wine. It is usually not very strong and quenches thirst in the heat much better than beer and soda. And it tastes like our well-known drinking mushroom.

And when you leave the official beach for the “wild” one, you may well meet local fishermen who go to sea on beautifully painted boats, and usually don’t mind talking to a white stranger. And, most likely, you will be able to take the same beautiful photographs of their boats as in the program “Travel with a Photographer to the Edge of Geography” on the Travel+Adventures channel.

Some African beaches are transforming and gaining new life. For example, the former public beach Bar Beach, located in the heart of Lagos. It was closed a couple of years ago and expanded, creating a large artificial peninsula in the ocean. Now a new elite business district called “Eco Atlantic City” is being built on it, almost like the Nigerian Dubai. They say, however, that this changed the local coastal currents, and Lekki Beach began to erode. But there is hope that this process will not go far.

The best time on the coast of West Africa is our winter. Because the temperature here is stable, around +30°C all year round, but in summer there is a rainy season, and in winter there is a dry season.

Every year more and more Europeans go on holiday to resorts in West Africa, some have even moved permanently. Countries that are more stable and closer to Europe, such as Senegal and Sierra Leone, are especially popular.

I would like to express the hope that Russian tourists will become frequent guests on the beaches of West Africa. Especially considering that best season It falls here during our harsh Russian winter, and flying here is no further than Thailand and Bali.

1. Local jewelry seller on the beach. Lagos, Nigeria.


2. Labadi Beach. Accra. Ghana.


3. Musician on Labadi Beach. Accra.


4. Boy by the boat. Monrovia. Liberia.


5. Boat. Monrovia. Liberia.


6. Girl with fish. Monrovia. Liberia.


7. Beach. Monrovia. Liberia.


8. Beach. Monrovia. Liberia.


9. Beach. Monrovia. Liberia.


10. Beach. Monrovia. Liberia.


11. Crowd at a concert on the beach “At Bernard's”. Monrovia. Liberia.

 

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