Beaches in Africa
You might not believe it, but Morocco is actually home to some world-class surfing. Most surfers head to the coast north of Agadir, where the small village of Taghazout has become the epicenter. Around are numerous spots, generally breaking right over flat rock and sand. And all are easily accessible from the coastal road. The most prominent points include Anchor Point, Killers, and Panoramas. Most accommodation is clustered in Taghazout, where surf shops, rentals, and repairs are literally on every corner. The season runs from mid-September to mid-April – the beginning and end of the season will be ideal for any potential surfers who want to try out smaller waves. The village is set over a small sandy beach, which will make it an enjoyable stop, even for the non-surfing crowd.
Imagine a tropical island paradise, and chances are pretty good that what you have in mind is something akin to Mozambique's Bazaruto Archipelago. These six islands were formed by sand deposited by the Save River, and the archipelago boasts an array of incredibly pristine beaches, azure water, coral reefs, tropical fish, giant turtles and, in the right season, whales. It is also home to the very rare dugong (a marine mammal similar to the manatee) although you would have to be extremely lucky to see one. Add lots of lush, tropical fruit and seafood galore to the mix, and the result is pretty incredible. If lounging on the beach is not your thing there are plenty of other things to do here. The snorkelling and diving is excellent, dhow trips are a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or three, surfing is possible, whale watching trips can be arranged from the mainland. It is also much less busy than some of the more accessible mainland beaches farther south, although popular snorkelling spots can fill up with visitors from Vilanculos.
The area around Memba Bay is a hidden gem. The beaches are pristine and white, and there are plenty of little bays without a single other person in sight. Quaint fishing villages line the coast, and beyond the beach the land is dotted with baobabs and mango trees, lots of mango trees. In season, the mangos are literally everywhere. The coast is lined by coral reefs, so the diving and snorkelling is great, and humpback whales make their way into the bay during the winter half of the year. This is a wonderful place to simply sit back and let the time pass, or to explore the underwater world. It is also a good place to interact with the locals, or just to watch them go about their business - grilling cashew nuts, catching fish, collecting water and playing on the beach. It is surely only a matter of time until this part of Mozambique becomes more developed, so do yourself a favour and spend some time here as soon as you get the chance.
The Quirimbas is a string of 32 idyllic islands along Mozambique's northern coast. This archipelago contains a bit of everything: pristine beaches, ancient settlements, luscious mangroves, amazing dive sites, beautiful coral reefs, pods of dolphins, warm water, a huge variety of tropical fish, an abundance of fruit and as much seafood as you can eat. Although dotted with important settlements in the past, the Quirimbas Archipelago is now virtually unknown to the outside world, and only visit by few tourists. The days are hot, and life is slow - much as it was a hundred years ago. So take a dhow trip around the islands, lounge on one of the endless white beaches and go for a swim in the azure Indian Ocean - you probably deserve it.
Tofo beach is THE beach for backpackers, overlanders and whoever likes a bit of party and cool beach vibe in Mozambique. The sea is azure and the crescent shaped beach is long - though not palm fringed. Tall sand dunes stretch right to the edge of the sea in the north end, while the middle and south sections have most of the accommodations. Diving is popular and the surfing can apparently also be good, but else there isn't much more to do besides eating seafood, chilling and maybe a football match with the beach boys in the afternoon. The adorable town of Inhambane is just a chapa (minibus) ride away, making it a perfect day trip from Tofo.
The white beach at Vilankulo seems almost never ending and slides into the clear turquoise sea with views of the gorgeous Bazaruto Islands. Dhows are anchored up in the shallow water before they sweep out to sea for fishing, only to return in the afternoon to unload their catch to the waiting fishmongers. At low tide, the beach becomes so wide, it gives you the impression that you could wade right out to the islands, but don't try. Instead go on a dhow safari for some chilling and snorkeling at the islands, which otherwise are reserved for luxury resorts. Accommodations in Vilankulo are spread out along the shore and lie among the small huts and houses that make up the town. This means there is a lot local life, both on the beach and in the sandy back alleys, giving Vilankulo lots of local flavour, but also at times a rough vibe.
Central Mozambique doesn't usually get much attention from travellers, as most of the top attractions are either in the north or south. Zalala is right in the middle of Mozambique's very long coastline. It has a few things going for it; mainly that it boasts an absolutely enormous, flat beach. It cannot compare to the pristine white sands of the Bazaruto or Quirimbas, but here is the second advantage of Zalala: there is nothing else to attract travellers for hundreds of kilometres to either side of it. So when driving along the length of Mozambique, Zalala is probably your best bet for breaking up the trip. Aside from the beach (and activities like sea kayaking), the main attraction here is people watching, both on and off the beach. Skipping Zalala won't ruin your trip to Mozambique, but stopping here will break up a very long journey and might add some interesting insights into life in Mozambique.
Swakopmund is Namibia's main seaside resort. Its centre is colourful, and quaint enough by African standards - its German and Afrikaner heritage apparent. The seafood is excellent, and the shores around the city are famous for the fishing. Swakopmund (or Swakop, as it is known locally) is located right at the edge of the Namib desert, and is - together with Walvis Bay - an ideal place for desert adventures: scenic flights, skydives, quad biking, dune boarding and much else besides can be organised here. If such is your desire, it is wise to allow for more than one day, as Swakop frequently gets inundated in fog. The dunes beyond the city host many relics from the First World War, and occasionally play host to Hollywood productions.
The road north of Pointe-Noire runs partly along the coast, where there are several nice natural beaches. Some have places to park among the bushes and a bit of shade under the trees, others are totally unspoiled and left to nature (unfortunately ocean trash get here too).
Pointe-Noire is Congo's second largest city and the main seaport. It's a low-rise city which is very spread out. There are some bleak industrial areas, but else the city has a very chilled vibe with friendly, easy going locals. However, the city's crown jewel is the low key waterfront with its long sandy beach. Here you find makeshift beach bars along with proper restaurants. As Pointe-Noire is fueled by oil money and has a fair amount of expats, the restaurant scene is surprisingly diverse.