Although well known for its spectacular safaris, Kenya also has an exquisite coastline with seaside retreats worth visiting. Turquoise water lapping white sand beaches are the main attraction to this tropical paradise. Perfectly paired with a safari, the coastline of Kenya is one full of culture and character and is unlike any other beach holiday. Without further ado, here at the best beaches in Kenya!
A camel on a beach in KenyaAfroChic Diani Beach, Image credit: Elewana Collection
The Best Beaches in Kenya
1. Malindi & Watamu Beaches
We can’t talk about the best beaches in Kenya without staerting by Malindi & Watamu. North of Mombasa, a city on the south coast of Kenya, lies the tropical waters of Malindi and Watamu. Where soft sand hides turtle eggs, this coastline has some of Kenya’s finest tropical beaches and beach resorts. Not only boasting pristine and long beaches, this area is also known for deep-sea fishing, diving and snorkeling above its underwater sanctuaries of sea life. Turtle Bay is a 7km stretch of beach close to Malindi. This beach is known for its clear water, great swimming, surfing and local reefs. The Watamu Marine National Park is home to over 110 species of coral, leatherback turtles, whale sharks, and manta rays. The coastlines of Malindi and Watamu are scattered with resorts welcoming guests to this tropical treasure box.
Malindi Beach in Kenya.Watamu Beach, Image credit: L.M Spencer
2. Mombas Beach
On the outskirts of the hustle and bustle of Mombasa lies a coastline boasting pristine beaches with inviting, turquoise waters. Previously a trading port, this coastline holds historical significance and Arab, Asian, Portuguese, British and Swahili influences can be seen. The Mombasa Marine National Park, known for its spectacular snorkeling and diving, is not to be missed. A number of exquisite beaches are scattered along this coastline:
Mombasa Beach in Kenya during sunsetPalm trees on Nyali Beach in Kenya
Nyali Beach is 7km from the centre of Mombasa and offers a quiet and relaxing ambiance a short drive out of the city. This is a good location for surfing, boasts colourful coral reefs and is normally not overcrowded.
Bamburi Beach is 9km north of Mombasa. Palm fringed and soft, white sand beaches are welcomed by sun lovers and swimmers.
Kikambala Beach is located 30km north of Mombasa. Coconut palm groves, stretches of white beach, coral reefs and an array of resorts make this beach one of the best.
Shanzu Beach is only 16km from Mombasa. The beach has several bars and restaurants scattered along its shores boasting panoramic vistas of the ocean.
30km south of Mombasa isthe picturesque Diani Beach. This beach is renowned for coral reefs, underwater sandbars, water sports and palm vegatation.
Tiwi, neighbouring Diani Beach, is a genuine tropical paradise that is affordable. Under developed with great snorkeling opportunities, Tiwi is isolated and a spot for utter relaxation.
Situated in the north of Kenya is Lamu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This spot makes for an exotic beach holiday with centuries-old Swahili settlements, no vehicles or roads, and a few exclusive villas on its pristine beaches. Shela Beach is a 12km long beach on the island with beach-front guesthouses popular among travellers. Visitors can reach the island by boat from the mainland or fly into neighbouring Manda Island’s airport before crossing via ferry.
Lamu town on Lmau Island in KenyaDonkeys walking on the Lamu Island, a beach in KenyaResort on Kenya’s beaches and coastline
Ready to discover the best beaches in Kenya?
Our consultants at Rhino Africa have been to Kenya many times and are happy to answer questions or help tailor your trip.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve been champing at the bit to have the wind blow through your hair as you canter along one of Cape Town‘s exquisite beaches on horseback. I had the opportunity to enjoy this thrilling experience thanks to Imoff Equestrian Centre. My trusty steed, Puma, took me along the white sands of Noordhoek Beach which offered panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, so you’ll be getting a first-hand account of this incredible experience straight from the horses mouth.
Our gorgeous horses were saddled up for us at noon in the anticipation of an afternoon of horse play. Based on our riding experience we were paired with our horse for the day and we were quickly befriended by these gentle creatures. Puma, Echo, Rango and Charlie were some of their names and each of their unique, shiny coats and glistening eyes made us even more excited for the experience ahead.
Image credit: Imoff Equestrian Centre
We were ready and desperate to start our adventure down to the beach, but we really did need to hold our horses and listen to a few safety instructions first. Then we were off, making our way on a path with our two guides, winding through indigenous flora and wetlands with goats and peacocks surprising us along the way. Soon we were in sight of the dunes and we knew the beach was close.
Not a person was insight on Noordhoek Beach, it was just us and our furry friends. The walk of the horses became softer with the sand beneath their hooves and we welcomed the salty, sea air. This 8km stretch of beach is spectacular, with white sands and crashing waves. Wildlife is frequently spotted on this route, from an array of birdlife just metres from you to whales, seals and otters frolicking in the sea beyond. Look out for the Kakapo shipwreck which lies on Noordhoek Beach. On a stormy day in 1900, the captain of the steamship mistook Chapman’s Peak for Cape Point, ploughing the boat onto the beach whose remains can still be seen today.
What a therapeutic day this was! No matter what horse riding experience you might have, Imoff Equestrian Centre makes you feel at ease and safe with their professional and encouraging guides. The average guided beach ride is one hour and 45 minutes. Three rides are available daily at 9am, 12:30pm and 4pm/5pm depending on the season. They have a minimum age of 12 years old, and supply a helmet for every rider. For an unforgettable Cape Town adventure this summer, book your beach horse ride here.
It’s wonderful to revel in the peculiarities nature has to offer. Africa is filled with them, however, Madagascar takes the lead in this regard. From magnificent mountains to idyllic islands, to triumphant trees, it’s an exotic sanctuary that is unparalleled to any other place in this world.
At 60 million years old, Madagascar is the oldest island in the world and seems other-worldly in how it has evolved and developed into the unique and mysterious place that it is today. In its isolation it has developed an astonishing array of landscapes and animals – 5% of all animal and plant species can be found here, and here alone. It’s like another planet and these are 5 things that make it so extraordinary…
1. It’s the world’s oldest island
Photo credit: Jeff Gibbs
As Sir David Attenborough says, “Madagascar is a curious wonderland. It’s an unrepeatable experiment, a set of animals and plants evolving in isolation for over 60 million years. We’re still trying to unravel its mysteries.” Be honest, you read it in his poignant and powerfully soft voice didn’t you? Feel free to read the rest in his voice too, the facts will somehow seem more accurate. My adoration for Mr. Attenborough aside, this unique land astounds the mind and invigorates the soul.
2. The wildlife
Lemurs, chameleons and fossas. Left in isolation Madagascar has developed its own cosmos of wonderful and peculiar creatures. It’s home to over 200,000 different wildlife species and more than 10,000 plant species, of which over 90% of these are found nowhere else on earth! Every unique animal adds to the charm of this wonderful island. The chameleons alone are infinitely fascinating, they range from the size of a fingernail to 68 cm with different colours and varieties. They are like the living formation of a rainbow. There are over 100 types of lemurs and these adorable creatures are the embodiment of this unique island. They have cheeky personalities and an animated appearance, with their long tails and their curious eyes, it’s hard not to love them.
3. The beaches
Madagascar is 2,000 km long and has almost 5,000 km of coastline. Many of its beaches are breathtakingly beautiful and surrounded by emerald forests. Turtles visit the beaches, dolphins and whales appear in its waters revelling in the crystal clear water of this wonderland. You can even take a kayak off to explore the neighboring islands. This paradise is truly picturesque and demands that you bask in its beauty. I recommend lying on a beach, sipping on some cocktails as you do this.
4. The unique scenery
One of the reasons Madagascar is a bucket-list destination is because it baffles the mind due to its diverse environment. Lush forests, towering mountain ranges, dry bleached salt pans and remarkably strange rock formations all found on this one incredible island. Tsingy de Bemaraha is a geologist’s dream. Here you find astonishing rock formations designed by nature through erosion. You can walk through this limestone forest creating an unusual visual and tactical experience.
Baobab Alley is a striking collection of baobabs that line a road in the west. Baobabs are utilised by humans for many purposes, including shelter, ceremonies, food, medicine, fibre, beer and more recently, with the Instagram health craze, smoothies #wellness. They’re captivating-looking trees, almost cartoon-like. They kind of look as if they should be in a Dr. Seuss book. “I will not climb the baobab, not even if your name’s Charles Macnab.” I hope for the sake of that last sentence you are still reading this in Sir David Attenborough’s voice.
5. The fascinating culture and history
Photo credit: Brice Blondel – HDPTCAR
Apart from the island’s amazing scenery and animal life, Madagascar is also a melting pot of diverse cultures and traditions. With more than 18 different ethnic groups, the Malagasy culture is a blended mix of African, Arab and Indian origin with some of the friendliest locals in all of Africa. They wear traditional dress called ‘lamba’. The combination of this blissful demeanour and their vivid attire makes for a jovial impression.
So if you like triumphant trees and lively lemurs,
And have an affinity for the bizarre,
This is a place made for the dreamers
Why not extend your travel repertoire to Madagascar?
The sun is warm on your face. As you stand up, a slight breeze moves the air around you. The baked white sand heats the bottom of your feet as they carry you towards the ocean. Water laps softly over your toes, and, as you wade deeper, the transparent sea surrounds you in its cool but refreshing embrace. You stroll back to your deck chair, book, and G&T… the stresses of life having long since exited your mind.
Although, Africa is renowned for its safari holidays, the continent and its surrounds hold some of the world’s most exquisite beaches. Here are some of our favourites. Warning: get ready to experience extreme levels of wanderlust.
1. Tsarabanjina beach:
This tiny idyllic island is located off the coast of Madagascar, near Nosy Be. Home to dreamy turquoise waters and powdery sand, the remote beach is also devoid of crowds as the island is only accessible via boat. This is perfect for an intimate beach getaway.
Image credit: Carlo Quadrini
2. Watamu beach:
In Kenya’s Watamu National Marine Park you’ll come across this quiet sandy paradise. A renowned snorkeling destination, this beach hides beauty beneath its ocean surface as well. In ideal weather conditions, try your hand at kite surfing.
Image credit: Make It Kenya
3. Anse Source d’Argent:
Surrounded by towering smooth boulders and cascading jungle, Anse Source d’Argent is one of the most photographed beaches in Seychelles. Finished by soft snow-coloured sand and dreamy cerulean ocean, this beach is nothing short of spectacular. Feel free to swim or enjoy the sun with picnic baskets at hand.
Image credit: Jean-Marie Hullot
4. Nungwi beach:
Home to a plethora of travel-brochure beaches, most of Zanzibar’s coastlines will leave you starry-eyed and drooling, including the picture-perfect Nungwi beach. With unimaginably turquoise water and practically untouched sand, it’s perfection personified.
Image credit: Moongateclimber
5. Camps Bay beach:
With prime views of the Twelve Aspostles Mountain Range, combined with sky blue water and powdery white sand, Camps Bay is certainly one of the Mother City’s most renowned beaches. Although the water is a little chilly, this is the place to be on a hot day — the views will never disappoint. Across the road, several excellent restaurants and ice cream shops serve up treats to match the view.
6. Anse Georgette:
One of the less frequented beaches of Praslin, Anse Georgette is no less beautiful. Often less crowded than other beaches and with unbelievably clear water, this beach is pure paradise for water babies in Seychelles. Be sure to pack picnic to complete the day of relaxation.
Image credit: Franck Collias
7. Diani beach:
You’ll find Diani Beach approximately 30km south of Mombasa along Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast. With dense verdant vegetation, platinum sand, turquoise-green sea, and magnificent sunsets, Diani beach definitely had to make it on to our list. You can enjoy a variety of activities from kite surfing to glass-bottom boat tours.
Image credit: Łukasz Ciesielski
8. Boulders Beach:
Home to idyllic scenery and a large colony of African penguins, Boulders is hidden in Simon’s Town, just outside of Cape Town. A visit to this renowned beach means you are likely to share a swim with these amazing flightless birds. Be sure to bring your camera with for scenic shots.
Image credit: Bas Leenders
9. Anse Intendance:
Found on Mahe Island, Anse Intendance is yet another picture-perfect Seychelles spot. With a luscious green-covered mountain backdrop and only one resort, this wild and unspoiled beach is also a favourite surfing location.
Image credit: Jean-Marie Hullot
10. Pemba Island:
Located off the coast of Tanzania near Zanzibar is the remote and unspoiled Pemba Island. Known as the “Green Island” in the past, Pemba is home to lush tropical greenery and is surrounded by lagoons, mangroves, and coral reefs. Snorkeling, anyone?
Image credit: Kerstin Erler
11. Flic en Flac beach:
Packed with picturesque sandy spots, Mauritius is one of the most popular Indian Ocean islands. Flic en Flac is everything you think of when you dream of Mauritius: silver sand, clear water, and lush greenery… African island paradise.
Image credit: Sandy Marie
12. Île aux Nattes:
You’ll find this teeny tropical island just off the southern tip of Sainte Marie, near Madagascar. Only 3km in diameter, this island is the real-life version of your tropical island dreams. Blue skies, cream-coloured sand, palm trees, and azure-gradient ocean… need I say more?
Image credit: Gloumouth1
13. Anse Lazio:
Located on Praslin Island of the Zanzibar Archipelago, this picturesque combination of sand and sea is flanked by mountain peaks on each side and sheltered by a thick collection of palm and takamaka trees. Whether you snorkel, swim or tan there’s no way of ignoring the dazzling scenery of this legendary beach.
Image credit: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen
14: Clifton:
Next to Camps Bay you’ll find Clifton’s four beaches. Smaller and more sheltered than their renowned neighbour, the white sand and blue waters are an ideal host on windier days or in the evening when the sun makes its daily descent.
“This cape is the most stately thing and the fairest cape we saw in the whole circumference of the earth” — Journal of Sir Francis Drake, 1580
4.45am: My alarm goes off and jolts me awake out of a deep sleep. I resist the temptation to bury myself under the covers and somehow force myself out of bed. A few minutes later I am on my way to Lion’s Head to start the day in the best way possible; with an increased heart rate, fresh air, and incredible views. I am surprised to find that the city is already awake; the trail, though quiet, is not entirely deserted during the wee hours on a weekday. Watching the sun rise over one of the world’s most exquisite cities makes the early wake up well worth it. The morning light reveals Table Mountain, the centrepiece and crowning glory of the only city bordered by two oceans — Cape Town. In most cities, the skyline is a jagged line of skyscrapers but in Cape Town, my eyes always travel higher to the flat peak of its iconic mountain.
8am: After descending Lion’s Head, I make my way to La Belle Bistro & Bakery in Camps Bay to grab an eggs benedict breakfast while revelling in the ocean views. Cape Town’s famous picturesque sunny days are always beach days. Although it’s early, eager beach-goers are already claiming their spots.
9.30am: The sun’s warm rays encourage me to head down to the beach. After a short walk, I find myself at the sandy shoreline of Clifton, adding my towel to the skew line forming. The beach is already clogged with visitors and locals alike; colourful umbrellas dot the white sand like sprinkles on a cake. Some beach-goers let the sun bake their skin a few shades darker, others busy themselves by reading or playing Frisbee, and the brave submerge themselves in the chilly but refreshing embrace of the Atlantic. After dozing in the sun the heat forces me to sprint into the sea. I dive under an icy wave and the sudden change in temperature takes my breath away. I scurry back to my towel and let the sun reheat my skin.
12pm: Clear days are not just beach days but also Table Mountain days, perfect for riding to the peak in the rotating cable car to enjoy unobscured views. The city unfolds below me, getting simultaneously bigger and smaller with each turn of the car. Nothing can prepare you for the beauty you experience when standing on top of this Wonder of Nature. Green mountain slopes blend into the offices, shops, and homes that form a solid line winding along the natural shape of the ocean. To see Table Mountain is to see something majestic and standing on top of it is almost dream-like. To spend time in Cape Town is to have this magnificent landmark overlook your day-to-day activities.
1.30pm: Can you say that you’ve eaten a meal on a table that is over 1,000 meters high? I can.
3pm: Afternoon brings a visit to the historic Company Gardens. I stroll slowly along the paths, letting the tame squirrels eat nuts from the palm of my hand. A large coffee at the vibrant restaurant goes down well after an early start.
6pm: As the sun moves to the west and shadows lengthen, the city’s best lookout points begin to reel people in. Signal Hill is my chosen sundowner spot. As the magical dusk light spreads over the city, the yellow-gold lights begin to dot the landscape.
8pm: When evening dissolves into the night and the water-coloured sky fades to black, the city’s nightlife hubs come to life with a whoop and a roar. Although Capetonians are well known for being rather relaxed, this doesn’t mean that the city goes to sleep with the sun. On the contrary, certain areas are busiest at this time of day. Wining and dining is a big part of the Capetonian way of life; with such a large selection of top-class wines and restaurants, it’s not hard to see why. Kloof Street House, a well-known restaurant in the CBD, is my choice this evening. I sip white wine outside, while the warm summer air hangs around me like an invisible blanket; the best end to a day in the Mother City.
11pm: The taxi passes the dark gap in the city that is Table Mountain at night, but from this angle, I can see its majestic rocky walls are lit up with large white spotlights — Cape Town’s most famous resident never fails to impress.
Frenzied shouts of laughter and the low but steady thrum of activity emanate from every corner of Zanzibar’s Darajani Market. From the very start, a journey here is a pleasant assault on the senses. Against the backdrop of this chaotic cacophony of sounds and a heady collection of scents, I discovered a delightfully confusing array of wares can be bought and bartered for in this part of Stone Town.
Unguja’s capital seems to comprise an infinite maze of alleyways and narrow side streets. That is until you reach the open square and main hall where all manner of items are on display; from spices and seafood to clothing and souvenirs. It’s a bazaar, and not much has changed here since its inception over a hundred years ago. The original building in which the market once stood still stands, but today its merchants spill out onto the surrounding side streets, alleyways, and makeshift paths.
Image credit: Roman Boed
Just this morning, the sweet nectar coming from the sugarcane juice being sold was still firmly rooted in the soil while my new friend, the sea monger’s, ‘catch of the day’ was still cruising through cerulean ocean waters. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner here is warmed up right in front of you on open coals. I struggle to pick from the selection of sosaties and corn-on-the-cob and the option of picking my lunch from one of the tables lined with freshly-caught-and-waiting-to-be-cooked seafood.
Image credit: Mygola
I may be partaking in the island life, but I can’t go for too long without a caffeine fix. Thankfully, coffee is available in abundance here thanks to mainland Tanzania being renowned for its brew. I’ve spent many mornings getting repeatedly lost in Stone Town’s maze in search of my necessary kickstart, and today is no different.
Image credit: Richard Davies
I’m trusting my nose to take me to the fragrant porcelain cups of freshly-brewed coffee that I’ve bought from a merchant who heats his iron cast kettle over hot coals. I always find him in the same spot: in a piece of welcome shade offered by one of the many overhanging balconies that line these streets.
Image credit: Jonathan Stonehouse
It’s not all fresh food and fun in the sun, though—not if I don’t want it to be. I’ve even wandered through one of Unguja’s most defining pieces of architecture: its House of Wonders. Flanked by the Old Fort and Palace Museum, and overlooking the verdantly landscaped Forodhani Gardens, I was able to drink in the island’s varied history and the vibrant tapestries that have been woven together and stitched by the passage of time.
Image credit; Chen Hualin
Yesterday, I spent the day on the beach. When I closed my eyes I could hear the Indian Ocean’s tropical waters gently lapping against dhows that had been left beached on the sand. I can vividly recall the warmth of the sun and the shadows it painted across my eyelids as it bore down through the fronds of a waving palm tree above.
Image credit: Rod Waddington
The water here is so inviting, so warm, and has a translucent cerulean quality—the perfect aqua-tinted glasses through which to marvel at the darting fish and colourful coral reefs that I’ve been able to spot while snorkelling. But, for now, I’m simply looking forward to my evening cruise, gliding on warm waters in pursuit of the horizon and the setting sun – whichever one comes first.
Wish you were here.
Image credit: Amanda D.
Do you want to be here? Get in touch and we’ll make it happen.
Getting to Nosy Iranja is no mean feat, and will take you the better part of a day. That is if Air Madagascar is by some small miracle running on time, but this in itself is part of the charm of this island paradise. Nosy Be might be an island, but it is still a 30 minute transfer from the airport to the port, followed by a 90 minute boat transfer past tropical islands and along Madagascar’s unspoilt northeast coast, with no developments or settlements as far as the eye can see. The day’s travels however are soon forgotten on arrival to the warm azure waters and white sandy beaches of Nosy Iranja.
Nosy Iranja is made up of two Islands, linked by a 1.2 km sand bank, which can be crossed at low tide. The smaller island – Iranja Kely – is home to Nosy Iranja Lodge and really is like no place on earth. It is by no means your 5 star game lodge with fancy bathrooms and heated plunge pools; to which we have become accustomed. In fact, both your electricity and water will be rationed, but it is the barefoot luxury we all dream about in a tropical Island.
I have had the privilege over the past decade to stay in some exceptional properties across both Africa and the globe. However, never before have I been able to sit on a beach and marvel at three enormous Green Turtles coming up to nest, as each has done for over 25 years on the same beach, under a sky filled with stars from horizon to horizon, and not one light to be seen for 360 degrees.
Nosy Iranja or Turtle Island, is the only Indian Ocean Island that is a nesting ground for two of the eight turtle species found in our oceans, namely the Hawksbill and Green Turtle. To witness these incredible animals nest is one thing, to watch a turtle nest burst into life is something quite extraordinary. During our 5 night stay over Easter, we were witness to four nests hatching and watched in awe as over 250 baby turtles made their way to the sea.
The turtles of Nosy Iranja are reason enough to visit this tropical paradise, and while no true wildlife experience can be guaranteed, if you would like to be one of the few individuals on this earth to witness this spectacle, be sure to plan your holiday around either the Green or Hawksbill Turtle nesting and hatching seasons.
If the turtles are not enough to keep you entertained, there are plenty more activities on offer. On the adjacent island is a small community, take a scenic walk up to a lookout point where you will find the local school and a lighthouse designed by none other than Mr Eiffel himself.
There is an array of free non-motorised activities to enjoy, from kayaking to pedal boats, windsurfing or even taking out the hobby cat. My favourite was without a doubt the snorkeling. While there are organised snorkeling trips to the lighthouse and shark tooth rock, both of which are fantastic, the snorkeling right outside the rooms is equally spectacular. While the corals aren’t plentiful, they are healthy, as is the variety, number and size of the fish. I have never seen so many large Unicorn and Parrot fish in all my years of diving and snorkeling. As someone that has been everywhere from Mozambique to Zanzibar, Mauritius and the Seychelles, I can confidently say the snorkeling at Nosy Iranja is truly superb.
Added to the snorkeling, Nosy Iranja has no less than 16 different dive sites, but much to our disappointment diving was unavailable during our stay. If the snorkeling experience was anything to go by, the diving can only be exceptional.
The non-motorised activities on offer at the lodge are fantastic. To kayak around the island or enjoy the pedal boats was amazing. Stop en-route for a swim at the beautiful south point or enjoy a snorkel along any of the reefs that surround the island. The kids that were on holiday at Nosy Iranja were certainly having the time of the life without any of the normal risks of speedboat activity.
You will also find a number of other excursions at the activities centre, including a day trip to Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely. At a cost of €550 if you are less than four people, or €138 per person for four or more people, the experience simply does not warrant the cost, and certainly does not complement the exclusivity that Nosy Iranja offers. But should you elect to go, you firstly need to prepare yourself for a two hour boat transfer both there and back. Depending on the boat used, you might be exposed to full sun, and thus if not prepared you may come back very burnt and bruised from the experience.
Having traveled two hours, essentially back past Nosy Be, you will arrive at Nosy Komba, which is basically another curio market with the same trinkets you can get in either Nosy Be or Antananarivo. Your primary reason for visiting Nosy Komba would be to see the few Black Lemurs at a local park, so unless you are desperate for some Lemur interaction, where you will spend no more than 20 minutes with the few Lemurs, together with every other visitor to Nosy Be, the experience really is not worthwhile.
From Nosy Komba, you will head to Nosy Tanikely, should you have booked to snorkel in this marine reserve. From my experience, I would caution you against it, because as a Nosy Iranja guest, the snorkeling doesn’t compare to that around Nosy Iranja itself.
Nosy Tanikely might be a marine reserve, and the corals are pretty, but the seabed is littered with damaged, broken and dying coral. As Nosy Tanikely is just a short boat trip from Nosy Be – and is Nosy Be’s primary snorkeling spot, you will inevitably share the small beach with the rest of Nosy Be’s visitors that didn’t opt for the excursion to Nosy Komba. The water quality is very poor, and visibility is not good due to the vast amounts of diesel pollutants released by the numerous yachts and boats that frequent this reserve.
The rooms at Nosy Iranja are great, although the bathroom amenities are not very comprehensive, so be sure to pack everything you might need. While the rooms might not win any design awards, they are well laid out, neat, clean, and with one of the most comfortable beds I have ever slept in. You will quickly make yourself at home in one of the 29 rooms at Nosy Iranja that are dotted around the island, providing both sunrise or sunset views, with both family and standard options available.
The food and service were wonderful. The staff are very friendly and helpful, although it is somewhat difficult to get by in English, so meals often resulted in a point-and-see lottery, which was always great fun and full of surprises. The food was however excellent, with a strong French influence, but a perfect combination of natural fruits, seafood and meats.
Nosy Iranja truly is a magical destination, suitable for everyone from honeymooners to families alike. Whether you chose to add Nosy Iranja to your African safari experience, or make it part of a great Madagascar itinerary, Nosy Iranja is not only a destination in itself, but a truly unique experience. There are two direct flights between Johannesburg and Nosy Be a week – Tuesday and Saturday
Contact Us to start planning your tailor-made holiday to Nosy Iranja and be one of the first to still experience this forgotten land, it’s mystical people, magical wildlife and unspoilt islands.
Rhino’s Nosy Iranja Tips
Try and book your stay to coincide with Turtle season.
Leave your shoes at home – all you will need is your sunblock and bathing costume.
Pack a head torch with a red light setting if you’re planning to go during Turtle season.
Pack aqua shoes with good grip for snorkeling and swimming.
Pack two prong adapters for French plugs to charge your camera equipment.
What are the best beaches in South Africa to bask in the African sun? Summer is returning to Cape Town and the beach is all that’s on our minds. As we slip from the chilly clutches of winter into the ample bosom of the South African summer… and as you slip from your not-so Indian summer into the dark of a Northern Hemisphere winter, we thought it might be a good time to remind you of some of the best beaches in South Africa.
The 10 Best Beaches in South Africa
1. Clifton
With the Twelve Apostles Mountain as a backdrop, Clifton, like Camps Bay, is one of the most fashionable beaches in the city and is great for sunbathing (it’s well-protected from wind), a game of beach bats or the like on the pure white sand, swimming if you can stand the icy temperature of the Atlantic Ocean, sunset picnics and people-watching among the cool crowd.
Cliton’s beaches really are a marvel. Discover this jewel of nature in the heart of Cape Town.
10 minutes from the city centre, Clifton has 4 main beaches, each separated by granite boulders.
1st beach – the smallest beach; draws a mixed crowd of locals and surfers
2nd – popular with students playing beach volleyball and beach bats
3rd – a popular venue for gay culture
4th – the most populated and glamorous of the beaches; popular with families; awarded the Blue Flag award in recognition of its environmental, safety and tourist standards
What’s a Blue Flag Beach? The Blue Flag is a certification by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) that a beach or marina meets its stringent standards.
2. Camps Bay
A little piece of Miami in the heart of the Mother City, Cape Town. Trendy wine bars, chic hotels and gourmet restaurants line the palm-fronded boardwalk. What better spot to sup on a Castle lager as the red sun plunges into the Atlantic beyond the white sands and the bladers roll on by…
Camps Bay Beach in Cape Town, South Africa.
This is a popular beach for not only sun-bathing, but beach games like volleyball and sand castle building competitions.
Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town is a breeding colony for the endangered African Penguin. It’s a great family-friendly spot to visit on your Cape Town holiday, situated in False Bay, a bay fringed by 30 kilometres of white sandy beach, 40 kms from the city centre. You can observe penguins up close, as they swarm into the bay from sea, hop atop the boulders or waddle onto the sand and to their nests.
Penguins on picturesque Boulders Beach near Cape Town, Photo Credit: Dana Zambonini
Discover the beautiful settings and accommodations of False Bay, close to Cape Town. Photo Credit: Yann Macherez
4. Llandudno
Twenty kilometres south of Cape Town city centre, Llandudno is a local favourite and a more relaxed (aka less glamourous) beach than the Clifton and Camps Bay offerings. It’s great for picnics, surfing, body boarding, beach games, doggie outings, photography enthusiasts… you name it.
One of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Town, Photo Credit: Brent Birch
Parking is somewhat limited but once you’ve managed to find a spot, grab your towel and sunscreen and follow the path down to the soft white sand beach. Take an umbrella as well as snacks and drinks, as there are fewer hawkers out selling ice-lollies and cold Cokes.
The landscapes that await you before you reach your destination. Credit: Tintswalo Atlantic
5. Paternoster
This stunning hamlet on the West Coast has a wonderful fisher-village ambiance from yesteryear. Once you visit, you’ll be hooked by the long beach littered with colourful boats and gregarious seagulls. There are a number of good eateries either on the beach or in the village.
The view from Abalone House on Paternoster while enjoying fine dinner is truly a marvel.
6. Plettenberg Bay
This is as close to paradise as you’re likely to get in this lifetime. Miles of long beaches, great hotels and restaurants and more places to stay than you can shake a stick at. Plettenberg is the playground of South Africa’s well healed and home of the Kurland International Polo Test series from December to April.
The idyllic view of Plettenberg’s Bay beaches.
Located in Beachy Head Drive, the Blue Flag Robberg 5 Beach in Plettenberg Bay is a favourite of ours. It has a long stretch of sand that’s great for runners, swimmers, surfers and families to enjoy. The water is warm and calm, the waves gentle and great for swimming. Dolphins seem to enjoy Robberg 5 too, and can often be spotted frolicking in the waves. whale spotting in the winter months when the southern right whales visit
The outside terrace is perfect to bask in the sun during breakfast, Photo credit: The Plettenberg Hotel
7. Wilderness
Always a romantic spot with wild waves pounding a beach stretching almost to infinity, this has long been a favourite with lovers. Once the honeymoon is over, the tranquil lagoon will keep the kiddies fascinated.
An aerial view of Wilderness Beaches.
There are some great day hikes, boating on Island Lake and a range of eateries to choose from in the village.
The Penthouse Suite deck view on the magnificent Wilderness beaches.
8. Sodwana Bay
Explore a different side to South Africa at Sodwana, on the east coast between St. Lucia and Lake Sibhayi. Sodwana Bay is in the cultural heartland of KwaZulu Natal‘s Elephant Coast and is globally renowned for its biodiversity on land and below the ocean’s surface.
Sodwana Bay beaches view at sunset.
There’s plenty to do here for visitors – kick back and soak up the sun on the beach or play beach bats or frisbee, or if you’re up for something more unique, there’s scuba diving, horse back trails, boat trips and turtle tours, to name a few. It can get a bit crowded in peak season but it’s worth a visit.
Phinda / Munyawana / Zuka Game Reserve. KwaZulu Natal. South Africa. Photo Credit: Camp&BeyondPhinda
9. Longbeach, Noordhoek
It’s away from the maddening crowd and you’re likely to only bump into a few horses trotting along the beachfront and long-haired locals taking a stroll with their pooches or kids. If you want some peace and quiet while you ‘beach’, Longbeach is a great option. It’s long and flat, and picturesque with Chapman’s Peak towering in the background and the Kommetjie Lighthouse peaking out in the south.
Umhlanga is fast becoming the hub of Durban on the East Coast– the promenade has been re-laid and there are luxury hotels aplenty to choose from, including the fabulous Beverly Hills and the new and spangly Oyster Box Hotel. This beach is great for sun bathing and light swimming. There are great restaurants and a relaxed seaside vibe, but our recommendation is a smaller, more intimate place just down the road…
Teremok Marine Lodge – view from the deck of a suite.
Other great beaches in the region include Bronze Beach and Ushaka Beach, which is popular as the waters are calm. For surfing, North Beach or Battery Beach on the Suncoast are good options.
Fly to the best beaches in South Africa!
If the wild shores of South Africa’s 3000kms of uninterrupted coastline tickle your fancy, contact one of our travel experts and we’ll help you book the beach holiday of a lifetime. Outside of South Africa, the continent is host to several other extraordinary beaches you’ve only ever dreamed of as well – such as in Mozambique for starters, with the Quirimbas Archipelago.
“The downside of being better than everyone else is that people tend to assume you’re pretentious” Larry Kersten
A leopard has changed its spots. Or rather a cougar. The Grand Café is officially the sexy Grand Dame of the Cape Town restaurant scene.
If you’re looking for the ultimate spot for a beach sundowner, your search ends here. The Grand Café and Beach, Granger Bay is hidden off a slip road between the V&A Waterfront and the Raddison Hotel in Mouille Point. It reminded me instantly of Cinquante-Cinq in St Tropez. Rather like that comment, it’s a bit pretentious – but a little pretension and style every now and again can be just what the Doctor ordered.
Set on the lip of the Atlantic, The Grand is elegant and breathtaking. Relax on a white sofa on the equally white sand while a dapper waiter trudges along the beach with an ice-bucket. He’ll set up your umbrella and keep you brimful of bubbly until your credit card is declined.
The main restaurant itself is in a large converted warehouse with wooden, palm fronded walkways across the sand. Inside there’s a 15m long pure white bar with cherub detail, backed by an exhibition kitchen centred on a brick pizza oven. The decor is eclectic and romantic with enticing champagne bottles aplenty. Oversized chandeliers, antique Indian rugs, Parisian café chairs, open windows to the deck and exposed timber beams complete the picture – a great, natural setting for the lifestyle gallery and private VIP dining room. There’s a chic, bistro-styled menu for both lunch and dinner – it’s billed as beach café cuisine.
On a blustery evening (heaters and blankets included), we braved the 46m deck to watch the campari coloured sun plunge below the horizon. There’s a very cool outside beach bar where sun-worshippers can laze on Indian day beds or just kick back on the rocks.
We’ve heard reports of terrible service, but credit where it’s due – Richard was slick and professional and he knew the menu backwards with some great recommendations – it was though a quiet evening. The pricing on the menu is terrifying. R200 for a fairly nondescript pizza, R500 for a seafood one. What you don’t realise however, is that one pizza is easily enough for three people.
I had the tempura prawns to start – served with a teriyaki sauce. They were perfect – light, juicy and crisp and the teriyaki sauce was deliciously moreish – bursting with soy, ginger and chilli flavours. Now Tubby number Two and I are never ones to shy away from a generous helping. But these portions are bordering on the absurd. There were at least 10 large prawns in my starter portion, while the fishcakes were also substantial (watch out for the fiery kick in the fishcake dipping sauce).
A main of kingclip tagliatta was delicious, albeit with the same teriyaki sauce as the tempura prawns (so don’t order both of these). I had the crayfish pasta which had a generous helping of crayfish and a couple of rogue clams. It was really good – hearty and decadent comfort food.
Puddings were a little disappointing. I had a chocolate mousse cake and Tubby Deux had a cheesecake. Gargantuan slices enough for three. For the record, I finished all of mine. Why they don’t make the portions smaller, served with a little more finesse and more reasonably priced is slightly beyond me, but perhaps that’s what beach café cuisine is all about.
It’s not cheap at all – our bill for a three course meal with coffees and wine came to R1,400. But I really don’t mind paying a premium for a location like this – the food was good and we most definitely didn’t go hungry. Order wisely and your bill needn’t be extortionate. If money is an object however, there’s actually no reason to eat here – just come for drinks. It’s certainly come a long way from when it first opened and it’s worth giving another try if you were one of those left disappointed.
So if you’re after a little slice of beach front glamour and a healthy dose of style and pretention, then don your pradas and your panamas – the Grand Café and Beach is just the ticket.
THE GRAND CAFÉ& BEACH Haul Road, off Beach Road, Granger Bay,
Cape Town, South Africa
+27 (0)21 425 0551
Email: beach@thegrand.co.za
“I don’t suffer from insanity but enjoy every minute of it” Edgar Allan Poe
It wasn’t a difficult decision to lunch at Elements on a perfect summer’s Saturday afternoon at the magnificent Beverly Hills Hotel. Durban is strangely lacking in decent beach front bars and restaurants although with the fantastic new promenade hopefully this will soon change. We were particularly smug about our decision to dine al fresco and allowed ourselves a moment to gloat and take in our picture perfect surroundings.
The venue is elegant and sophisticated, modern, bold and light to rival any trendy Miami beach bar. I have eaten at Elements many times over the years and while the food has improved and the venue is sublime, the service is usually pretty ordinary. On this occasion, as sure as Dolly Parton sleeps on her back, the service did not impress. I’m not sure whether it’s the sea air or the humidity, but the waiting staff seem to me to be rather like a plague of muted zombies dressed in disconcerting white overalls who you half expect to see wheeling a muzzled and straight-jacketed Hannibal Lecter around the room while administering tranquilizers to unsuspecting holiday makers. The food though arrived in good time and pretty soon we were well on our way to an indulgent and lazy lunch. In this stunning setting, the indifferent service seems to dwindle in importance as you gaze out to sea with a drink in your hand and a smile on your face.
As a hotel, the menu attempts to reflect the local flavours while maintaining the Mediterranean theme. There are a couple of mezze platters ideal for sharing with a Tokara, Walker Bay sauvignon blanc. The limited menu delights in its simplicity with something to suit most moods. There are pasta dishes and open sandwiches as well as selection of fuller mains – a delicious biltong and avocado salad seems to have disappeared from the menu. The food here is good and well presented. There’s usually a well priced daily special written on the chalk board, which is probably a welcome relief to the insouciant waiting staff who do well to remember the linefish of the day. A perfectly grilled East Coast sole was top notch. Served with flavoursome grilled Mediterranean vegetables and a slightly gelatinous potato fondant. My companion enjoyed what must be the most up-market lamb curry Bunny Chow in town served with some nicely crisp potato wedges and timbales. A vanilla crème brulee with shortbread was well presented with an unripe strawberry. It was tasty, and the brulee was just right, but the custard was way too thick.
In response to competition from the neighbouring Oyster Box, Elements have started a 527 daily special – basically a prolonged and rather upmarket happy hour between 5 and 7 every day (see what they’ve done there), where you can enjoy a limited selection of wines from between R40 and R100 (for a bottle) as well as a few delicious snack platters (you must try the crumbed prawns). This is one of my favourite things to do in Durban and I hope they keep it running after the World Cup.
All in all, if you can block out the crew from the Shining this really is one of the best seaside venues around. Ideal for lunch but also perfect for sundowners or just an indulgent bottle of wine. Perhaps Durban is the new Miami after all.
Elements at the Beverly Hills Hotel Beverly Hills Hotel
Lighthouse Road
Umhlanga Rocks
4320
Like the A-Team, the Rhino Africans set off in the two black Mercedes Rhino Tripping vehicles for a Saturday evening to remember with the ebullient team from The Last Word and the Mantis Collection. The Last Word collection comprises five fantastic properties – Franschhoek, Sea Five, Bishop’s Court, Constantia and The Long Beach.
On yet another perfect Saturday afternoon, our first port of call was The Long Beach. The ideal beach house if ever there was. You’ll find a lot of ‘beach houses’ in SA that aren’t actually right on the beach but at the Long Beach you’ll enjoy true luxury and pampering right on the white sands of the Atlantic where the sun plunges into the Ocean, bathing the Cape Peninsula mountain ranges in glorious, pink hues. This is an intimate boutique guest house – the six magnificent suites all have dazzling sea views in the charming lobster fishing village of Kommetjie. As you might expect, there is a very long beach – 8kms of uninterrupted white sands. It is an unspoilt paradise in which to walk, ride horses, surf or simply laze in the sun. Watch whales frolic a hundred meters off shore and in season, you can catch your own lobster and get it cooked for dinner. Now that’s Ayoba.
After a couple of cheeky sangrias on the viewing deck and a detailed tour of the rooms, we set off for our next stop, The Bishops’s Court. Half our team were staying here and the other half at The Constantia. The Bishop’s Court is smaller and more intimate with an infinitely peaceful atmosphere under the towering backdrop of Table Mountain. It’s in the quiet and leafy suburb of Bishop’s Court but it’s still only ten minutes from the buzzing city centre. Tessa is in charge and she exudes such a sense of calm, despite the marauding Rhino Africans clearly sent to traumatise the poor woman. Shortly before Kyle decided to kidnap her pashmina for the evening (I’m still not sure whether he thought it was his or whether it was just too fabulous to resist) Tessa was leaning out over the balcony and musing about how peaceful it was at Bishop’s Court. Just as a flock of irate Hadedas trumpeted into life from the immaculate gardens below. Impeccable timing. We then pulled off some Austin Powers-like antics in the driveway, awkwardly manoeuvring the two enormous Rhino Africa SUVs around her anxious car.
Thankfully the trauma ended there as we remained on best behaviour for the rest of the evening and enjoyed a delicious, traditional Cape Malay dinner at the Constantia before returning to Bishop’s Court for a nightcap and an early night (Kyle even returned the pashmina).
What sets the Last Word apart is the attention to detail and the doting staff – everything has been thought of. The Eggs Benedict for breakfast was delicious and instead of a chocolate on my pillow at bed time, I found a meticulously placed mini crème brulee on the bed with a sheath of lavender – how very decadent. Over at The Constantia it was chocolate brownies – a different petite dessert every night.
The rooms are huge and decadent incorporating soft autumnal and cream colours – huge baths and showers with room for all of Jacob Zuma’s wives. Kyle and I were sharing a room with an enormous open-plan bathroom, slightly awkward come shower time but no doubt ideal for honeymooners.
The Constantia is slightly bigger but still very intimate – set among tranquil gardens in Cape Town’s oldest wine valley, you’ll be spoilt for choice with some of SA’s finest vineyards and restaurants right on your doorstep.
But I think I’ve rather saved the best for last. My favourite of The Last Word collection is the newest edition – Sea Five in Camps Bay. Just 300 metres from South Africa’s most glamorous beach, the boutique hotel offers six exclusive en-suite rooms with clear, sweeping mountain and sea views.
This is a ‘beach house’ with a difference. Every room has been individually styled through the creative collaboration of top South African interior designer, Francois Du Plessis and the Sea Five’s Italian Director Nicolò Pudel. The result is a stunning connection of the Mediterranean and southern African colour palette, an eclectic blend of the spaciousness of nature and refined luxury. The Penthouse really is quite a sight to behold, incorporating the whole of the top floor, with a huge roof terrace and balconies on every side, you won’t go wrong booking this. For me Sea Five is the jewel in the very splendid Last Word Crown.
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