Our favourite luxury beach vacations in Africa

Africa is not all about wildlife safari adventures. The continent is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From the incredible Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius and the Seychelles, to the exotic sands scattered across the coastline of South Africa, Kenya, and Zanzibar; from Mozambique’s Bazaruto & Quirimbas Archipelagos to the inland beaches off Lake Malawi, the options for an African beach vacation are endless.

Consisting of 115 islands dotted about in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles islands boast pristine beaches, sparkling turquoise waters, softly swaying palms and some of the finest luxury resorts on the planet. Here, go on diving adventures and swim with giant turtles, or yachting trips which hop from island to secluded island.

If you like marine life, make a beeline for Mozambique. You can swim with dolphins off the southern coasts, dive with dugongs and whale sharks off the Bazaruto Islands, and spot humpback whales off the Quirimbas Islands.