Although beaches might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Africa, our continent has some of the best in the world. With powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and palm trees rustling in the wind, Africa is an R&R paradise! Some of the best gay-friendly beaches in Africa stretch from the wild Madagascar and the cerulean ocean of Mozambique to Cape Town's sunny shores and Insta-worthy Maldives.
Camps Bay, Cape Town
Camps Bay Beach is one of the hottest (in more ways than one!) places to be, especially when it's summer in Cape Town. Play volleyball in the sun, have a picnic lunch on the granite boulders, float carefree in a tidal pool, or watch the waves crash from the silky beach. Your Insta-snaps will be extra hot with the mountains behind you.
With pristine beaches lapped by clear water and lined by trendy cocktail bars and high-end restaurants, you can spend many days (and nights) here. This sunset strip is packed with Lamborghinis, palm trees, and Veuve Clicquot. It’s one of the best nightlife scenes in Cape Town. And the eye candy is not bad either!
Camps Bay Beach is a fabulously gay-friendly beach in Cape Town
Le Morne, Mauritius
Mauritius is an Indian Ocean archipelago with endless opportunities for beachfront relaxation and adrenaline-fueled adventure. Whether you prefer alfresco spa treatments or something a bit more wild like quad biking or watersports, there's just so much to write home about – and post on Instagram!
Le Morne is more to the southwestern tip of the island, which is well-known for its adventure activities, including hiking up the mountains, surfing, and snorkelling. The cherry on top is the ultra-luxe hotels dotted along the beach with stunning ocean and mountain views for days.
Mauritius is a watersports wonderland for the adventurous
Maldives
The Maldives is world-famous for its luxury overwater resorts and its long stretches of white beach, perfect for long romantic walks. Or for simply kicking back and reading a book! The weather is great 365 days a year (with some wetter than others), so your holiday is guaranteed to be filled with sunshine and happy memories.
The Maldives is a collection of rich-shaped coral reefs, islands, and islets. Spend the days soaking up the sun or discovering a colourful world under the sea amidst vibrant coral reefs.
Relaxing in a hammock is the ultimate way to spend your day on the beach, Image Credit: Innahura Maldives Resort
Robberg Nature Reserve, Pletternberg Bay
Robberg Nature Reserve is located on the Garden Route about eight kilometres south of Plettenberg Bay. It’s easy to spend the entire day in the reserve, with a number of delightful swimming spots to choose from.
Of course, the silky sand is super inviting to bronze yourself for that enviable summer glow! If you’re keen, Robberg Nature Reserve has a few trails and is ideal for immersing yourself in the beauty from every angle. Day visitor fees do apply. Visit CapeNature for more info.
Robberg Nature Reserve is worth a visit
Clifton, Cape Town
Cape Town's world-renowned Clifton beach is a favourite beach for the rich and famous, with its picture-perfect setting sheltered from the notorious south-easter wind. Clifton is a stretch of four smaller beaches, each with its own distinct allure.
First beach is best for surfing, while locals love playing volleyball on Clifton second. Third beach is more popular among the LGBTQ community, and Clifton fourth is perfect for lazy days in the sun.
Take note that parking is very limited, and you’ll have to climb steep stairs snaking between the multi-million rand holiday homes.
Clifton is a globetrotter’s paradise
Sava Dunes, Mozambique
Sava Dunes is one of the more remote areas of the Inhambane coastline of Mozambique. If you're looking for a proper digital detox and a chance to cosy up to nature, then you can't go wrong here.
Perched atop rolling sand dunes, this spot offers stunning views of ocean waves crashing onto the shore. Just a short stroll away, the beach invites you to dive into watersports or enjoy an ocean safari, where you might spot whale sharks, humpback whales, and bottlenose dolphins making a seasonal appearance.
Sava Dunes in tropical Mozambique is an off-the-beaten-track gem
Bazaruto Archipelago
Mozambique's Bazaruto archipelago is best known for its mesmerising and diverse ecologies, kaleidoscopic coral reefs, and marine life.
It's home to rare species, with dugongs thriving in the protected waters. Inland, wetlands and forests shelter diverse birdlife, while Bazaruto’s towering sand dunes offer breathtaking views. As the sun sets, beachside dinners provide the perfect way to soak in the island’s beauty.
A dreamy setting for sundowners, Image Credit: andBeyond Benguerra Island Resort
Sunset Beach, Cape Town
Table Mountain in Cape Town needs no introduction, and we don’t blame photographers coming from all across the globe to get this iconic shot. There's a long stretch (around eight kilometres worth!) of uninterrupted beach from Milnerton to Blouberg.
Along the way, you'll find Sunset Beach. It’s relatively quiet, with more crowds closer to Milnerton and Blouberg, respectively. But there's plenty of space to get an iconic shot with the beach, waves, and mountain. If you prefer rock formations in the foreground, head over to Big Bay in Blouberg.
The iconic Table Mountain from Sunset Beach, Image Credit: Sergey Ryzhkov
Wilderness, Garden Route
Calling all adventurous spirits! If you want to spread your wings and feel like a bird, paragliding is a dream come true. Nothing makes you feel more alive than drifting over the vast ocean and beach, with everything and everyone looking tiny from above. And Wilderness Beach on the Garden Route in South Africa is one of the best and most scenic areas to do this.
Just around the bend from George, Wilderness Beach is a relatively quiet nine-kilometre stretch, giving you loads of space to be yourself.
Paragliding over Wilderness Beach on the Garden Route
Boulders Beach, Cape Town
How dapper are these adorable penguins? If you want to get close to African penguins in their natural habitat, Boulders Beach in South Africa is the best place to go. Whether you're six or sixty, a day with these penguins will have you smiling from ear to ear.
And no doubt that your Insta-snaps will make your followers jelly! With granite boulders, translucent blue water, and cute penguins, your selfies are sure to be one of a kind.
Visit sanparks.org for updated conservation fees.
Boulders Beach is home to a large colony of endangered African penguins
Santorini, Mozambique
Show off those biceps and drink in the views on a kayak excursion at Santorini, Mozambique.
Paddling out gives you a different perspective of the area and is quieter than a boat, so you get to soak up the sounds, and it gives you the chance to work off some of those cocktails.
Enjoy kayaking a little further out, Image Credit: Santorini Mozambique
Grootbos Nature Reserve, Garden Route
Grootbos Nature Reserve on the Garden Route in South Africa is the perfect place to step into Mother Nature's soothing embrace. With 3,500 hectares of pristine wilderness, never-ending beaches, three milkwood forests over 1,000 years old, and 907 plant species, it's a very special place.
Not only is the landscape something to behold, but it's home to more than 23 mammal species and a great place to see the marine Big 5.
A romantic space to reconnect, Image Credit: Grootbos Nature Reserve
Azura Benguera, Mozambique
With warm, clear water and blissful white beaches, you can spend a lifetime exploring both the ocean and land at Azura Benguerra Island in Mozambique. It's a castaway paradise! Just imagine waking up on these shores...
An aerial view of Azura Benguerra
Umhlanga Pier, KwaZulu-Natal
The Umhlanga Pier, also called Whalebone Pier, is found in Durban, South Africa. It's a great place to watch the sunset, and its spectacular design and stunning setting have led to it being voted the most beautiful pier in the world by CNN.
The designer of this distinctive "bridge to nowhere" was also awarded the South African National Award for Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement.
The Umhlanga Pier at sunrise, Image Credit: Marlin Clark
Madagascar
Many of the beaches in Madagascar are uninhabited and surrounded by endless emerald forests. It's also well-known for being home to adorable lemurs, made famous by the animated movie Madagascar.
Madagascar is like a mini continent with plenty to explore
Book Your Dream Gay-Friendly Beach Holiday to Africa Today
Pack your suitcases, it's piña colada time! If you're craving an island getaway, contact our LGBTQ+ Travel Experts, and let’s start planning today.
Featured Image Credit: Marlin Clark
