An African overland adventure is often a journey of epic landscapes—vast savannas, dramatic deserts, and dense bushveld. But what punctuates these long, dusty drives and makes the journey truly unforgettable? The moment you arrive at the coast.

It’s the feeling of kicking off your boots, digging your toes into warm sand, and washing off the dust in the turquoise waters of the Indian or Atlantic Ocean. Africa’s beaches are not just destinations; they are essential moments of rest, reflection, and pure fun that recharge you for the next leg of your adventure.

From iconic city beaches to remote, wild coastlines, these are the coastal gems that we build into our overland tours to give you the perfect balance of bush and beach. Here are our picks for the best beaches in Africa.

Camps Bay, Cape Town, South Africa

Just a short drive from Cape Town’s city centre, Camps Bay is arguably the Mother City’s most iconic beach. With its sugar-white sand, clear turquoise waters, and the impressive backdrop of the Twelve Apostles, this beach offers postcard-perfect views. It’s an ideal place to soak up the sun, enjoy a beachside cocktail, or simply watch the waves roll in.

Things to Do

• Laze on the beach: Soak up the sun with Table Mountain at your back and the Atlantic Ocean in front. For those brave enough, try a dip in the icy Atlantic.
• Go hiking: Nearby trails in Table Mountain National Park offer scenic views over the city and coast.
• Try paragliding: For thrill-seekers, launch from Lion’s Head and glide over Camps Bay with unforgettable aerial views.
• Enjoy sunset dining: The beachfront strip is lined with trendy cafés and fine-dining spots. Enjoy a scrumptious meal or a few cocktails while watching the sun melt into the sea.

Local Insight

Don’t skip Clifton 4th Beach. It’s a local favourite and offers a slightly more secluded atmosphere. While the summer sun warms the skin and the soul, taking along a light jacket is recommended, especially outside of high summer.

» Take your pick from our Cape Town tours and packages 

Tofo, Inhambane, Mozambique

Renowned as a laid-back beach town with a bohemian atmosphere, Tofo offers golden sands, warm Indian Ocean waters, and some of the best marine life experiences in Africa. Lively yet unspoiled, Tofo strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure — ideal for beach bums, divers, and surfers alike.

Things to Do

• Swim and sunbathe: The warm Indian Ocean is pure bliss, or simply chill with a drink in hand at a beachfront café with your feet in the sand.
• Swim with whale sharks: Best from October to March. It’s a true bucket-list experience.
• Take surf lessons: The mellow beach breaks are perfect for beginners.
• Go diving: Scuba dive with one of the local dive centres. If you haven’t dived before, not to worry, they offer courses too.
• Kayaking: A great way to explore the coastline at your own pace.

Local Insights

On market days, shop for crafts, cashew nuts, incredible bread called pão, and colourful capulanas (Mozambican sarongs).
If you haven’t been to Mozambique yet, be sure to try the Moz-famous R&R (rum and raspberry). Just a short drive away, the Barra Peninsula offers a quieter alternative for those seeking a more peaceful escape.

» Hang out in Tofo on our 22 Day Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique Tour

Cape Maclear, Malawi

Situated on the southern shore of Lake Malawi, Cape Maclear is a beach haven that blends natural beauty with a welcoming village vibe. This laid-back destination is known for its golden sand, warm freshwater, and a backdrop of green hills. Despite its popularity, Cape Maclear retains an authentic feel, with local fishing boats heading out each morning, kids playing soccer on the beach, and hammocks swaying between palm trees.

Things to Do

• Swim or snorkel: The crystal-clear waters teem with colourful cichlid fish.
• Kayak to Mumbo Island: Experience a peaceful, car-free island with just one eco-camp and incredible views.
• Explore Lake Malawi National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers scenic hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities.
• Join a boat tour: Enjoy sunset cruises or explore nearby islands.
• Try paddleboarding: A perfect way to explore the lake and soak up the sun while working up an appetite.

Local Insights

Cape Maclear’s charm lies in its blend of adventure and authenticity. Life here moves at a gentle pace, perfect for unplugging and connecting with both nature and the local community.

» Visit both Cape Maclear and Mumbo Island on our 10-day Malawi Rift Valley escape

Nungwi, Zanzibar

Set on the northwestern tip of Zanzibar, Nungwi is a standout among the island’s many stunning beaches. With palm-lined white sands and crystal-clear waters, it’s the kind of place that looks like it was made for postcards. Unlike much of Zanzibar’s coastline, Nungwi isn’t affected by extreme tides or coral reefs, which means you can swim at any time of day, a rarity on the island.

Things to Do

• Swim and sunbathe: The ocean here is calm and tide-free, ideal for all-day beach lovers.
• Row in a traditional dhow: The best way to view the spectacular sunsets.
• Snorkel or dive: Experience the colourful coral reefs and marine life at nearby Mnemba Atoll, a protected marine conservation area. (Mnemba Island is privately owned and favoured by many top celebrities.)
• Beachside relaxation: Get a massage or sip cocktails at a barefoot beach bar.
• Day trips: Explore other parts of the island, including Stone Town and the spice plantations.

Local Insights

Take time to explore the nearby village, where you can learn about traditional dhow building, meet local artisans, or watch fishermen bring in the day’s catch. For a quieter stay, consider nearby Kendwa Beach — just a short walk or boat ride away.

» Take your pick from our range of adventure tours, packages and budget safaris to visit Zanzibar

Coffee Bay, South Africa

Nestled along South Africa’s beautiful and undeveloped Wild Coast, Coffee Bay is one of the region’s most captivating and unspoiled beach destinations. The village itself is small and welcoming, and the surrounding cliffs and headlands create some of the most photogenic coastal scenery in the country. You might even run into the local cows, who love the beach just as much!

Things to Do

• Beach days: Relax on the beach and soak in the raw, natural beauty of the Wild Coast. The beach is the perfect vantage point for the Hole in the Wall, a dramatic rock formation carved by centuries of surf and spray.
• Learn to surf: Sign up for lessons at the lively and friendly Coffee Shack, a popular backpacker hangout and surf school.
• Hike: Trek along the coast to stunning viewpoints and secluded beaches.
• Horse trails: Ride through the lush surrounding hills and along the shoreline.

Local Insights

Coffee Bay is a gateway to Xhosa culture and rural village life. Visit nearby traditional Xhosa communities and learn about local customs, language, and food. Many lodges and tour guides offer cultural experiences that are respectful, insightful, and community-driven.
Because it’s off the beaten track, you’ll need to navigate a bumpy road to get there, but the journey is part of the adventure and well worth it.

Visit Coffee Bay and Hole in the Wall on our 17-day South Africa adventure tour 

From the Bush to the Beach, and Back Again

As you can see, Africa’s coastline offers so much more than just a pretty view. Each beach provides a unique experience, a different culture, and a new adventure.
The real magic happens when you weave these coastal escapes into a larger journey. Imagine tracking lions in the bush one week and swimming with whale sharks the next. That’s the incredible diversity an overland tour offers.

Planning a trip that combines these remote and varied destinations can be complex. That’s where we come in. Our team of experts specializes in crafting seamless itineraries that give you the perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, and relaxation. We handle all the logistics, so you can just focus on the experience.

Ready to find your perfect balance of bush and beach?