There is no reason why Africa shouldn’t be your summer destination of choice. You just cannot go wrong as far as stunning weather, beautiful beaches and plenty of activities to make your holiday extra memorable – as well as affordable. People from all over the globe flock to Africa to enjoy the summer weather when the winter chill hits the Northern Hemisphere, but that’s not the only upside to visiting this magical continent. You will be spoiled for choice over the number of extraordinary experiences on offer – some of which probably feature on your travel bucket list!

The Best African destinations for a summer getaway

1. Mozambique

Mozambique should be one of the summer holiday getaways on your list of exciting places to visit in Africa. With kilometers of unspoilt beaches, tropical islands, fresh seafood and adventures that only dreams are made of, such as diving excursions, watersports and hikes. Water sports have become very popular and are offered at most accommodation sites along the coast, and on the Bazaruto Archipelago islands. There are ‘in water’ ‘on water’ and ‘out of water’ excursions as well as motorised and non motorised water sport activities. Just a few motorised water sports on offer, include: wake snakes, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, tubing and skiing and many more.

The ‘in water’ sports that are offered, include: snorkelling and scuba diving to shipwrecks and beautiful coral reefs, which are, of course, the most popular.

You can also look forward to parasailing, horse riding and fishing! The weather is great all year round in Mozambique, however, it does experience summer rainfall but it is known to be light showers and intermittent. The best time for sunshine, minus the rainfall is from May to November.

See our Mozambican tour offering, here.

2. Zanzibar

An island surrounded by ocean and large palm fronds that protect its beaches, Zanzibar is known to be one of the most magical places on earth – a pure paradise! Once you have been to Zanzibar, you never want to leave. The island is filled with bright colours, vibrant energy and the air is filled with mouthwatering aromas.

The summer season is between December and February when it is hot and dry.  Whether you are taking a stroll along the beautiful beaches, walking in the town and inhaling the gorgeous aromas of the spice tours; swimming in the warm ocean, basking under the African skies or scuba diving in the crystal clear waters, Zanzibar is a paradise one can escape to and leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind.

Visitors can explore every inch of this gem, as Zanzibar is more than just its beautiful beaches. It is made up of historical towns with winding cobblestone streets, spice farms and thick mangrove forests.

Explore paradise with us – explore Zanzibar!

3. Kenya

Imagine crystal clear blue water enveloping white sand – sounds inviting, doesn’t it? A large part of Kenya, specifically along the coast, one is able to lay on the white sand beaches and frolic in the warm, turquoise waters while soaking up the glorious African sunshine.

Kenya’s spectacular coast which includes Mombasa, Malindi and Diani Beach, to name a few, are ready to knock your socks off – literally and figuratively! It’s filled with life, coral reefs and warm tropical waters, and surprises most visitors who believe Kenya to only be suitable for wildlife safaris. Diani is widely known for its migrating whale sharks, and one is able to take a whale shark safari, giving you the opportunity to see these magnificent large ocean fish in an unspoilt natural environment. This excursion is offered during the months of October to April.

Mombasa is another breathtaking corner of Kenya, and is best known for great scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities. The world beneath the waves is a burst of colour that should not be missed! One thing is for certain; you can’t really go wrong with a summer beach getaway in Kenya, as each coastal locale is incredible and offers amazing activities, such as as sailing, swimming, scuba diving and snorkelling, as well as romantic sunset cruises. The only thing to consider is the weather – if you’d like to avoid the summer showers, then visit during October to February.

Be amazed by the natural beauty of Kenya on one of our overland tours.

Herd of antelopes Topi in the Masai Mara national park at sunset, Kenya

4. Cape Town

If it’s sun, memories or just a fantastic fun filled summer holiday you are in search of, look no further – Cape Town has so much to see and do, and the natural beauty of this cosmopolitan city will blow you away! Whether it’s peace and tranquility, action, adventure, or just the beach you are looking for, there are many breathtaking options to choose from.

The ‘Mother City’ as it’s fondly called, is surrounded by two oceans;  the Atlantic and Indian Ocean, so you may just get a taste of both! The best beaches listed in Cape Town, include: Camps Bay, Bakoven Beach, Llandudno, Clifton, Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, Melkbosstrand and many more. From beaches, to wine farms for lunch and wine tasting tours, and whether you are a wine connoisseur or just someone who enjoys a glass of wine over a lovely meal and good company, Cape Town will fulfill your every desire.

There are also lovely routes to walk up Table Mountain if you are thinking of going on a hike, and once you reach the top you can lunch at the lovely restaurant at the summit – and did we mention Table Mountain is one of the 7 wonders of the world! We’d also recommend you get extra adventurous, and book a scenic helicopter flight, or a dive at the Two Oceans Aquarium to feed the great white sharks!

Other activities of interest include: whale watching, shark cage diving, seal snorkelling, scuba diving, kiteboarding, snoek fishing, kayaking, the hop off hop on sightseeing bus, museums or Kirstenbosch Gardens. Just when you think you have seen and experienced everything that the Cape has to offer, consider these added sights to make your holiday unforgettable: Butterfly World, South African National Museum and Planetarium, Cape Point, Boulders Penguin Colony, World of Birds, Two Oceans Aquarium, V&A Waterfront, Greenmarket Square. Summer in Cape Town can reach over 30 degrees celsius, and does not experience summer rainfall, so don’t leave the sunblock at home!