The Ultimate Guide to an East African Beach Safari

East Africa is known for its amazing wildlife safaris, but its beaches are also one of a kind.

Meandering along the Indian Ocean from Kenya to Mozambique, the Swahili Coast covers miles of tropical waterfront. Thanks to its centuries-long importance as a nexus of international trade, it has a singular culture influenced by Bantu and Arabic traditions.

Within the Indian Ocean itself, archipelagos off the coasts of Tanzania and Mozambique are notable for their beauty. Further to the east, the idyllic islands of Seychelles sparkle like jewels in the deep blue waters.

Read on to learn more about East Africa’s ultimate beach destinations and the refreshing escape they offer from the workaday world.

The Kenya coast features long stretches of white beaches fringed by coral headlands and broken by occasional deltas. Lounging on quiet, sunny Diani Beach in Mombasa, you would never guess you were near Kenya’s second largest city and one of the oldest settlements in East Africa.

Dhow sailboats dot the Swahili Coast.

Palatial Ottoman architecture, open-air lounges, and attentive service make a stay on the Mombasa coastline truly special. Take a camel ride on Diani Beach’s velvety sands, snorkel among the magnificent coral reefs of nearby Watamu National Marine Park, or travel with the monsoon winds on a picturesque dhow sailboat cruise.

Mombasa presents many points of interest for the culturally curious, including the traditional Old Harbor waterfront and fish market, as well as the imposing Fort Jesus, built by the Portuguese in 1593. Small shops and open-air markets are the perfect venue for purchasing the colorful woven fabric kikois and lighter kangas worn throughout much of East Africa.

Mafia Archipelago

Mafia Archipelago comprises six small islands off Tanzania’s coast. Far less populated than Zanzibar, its superb beaches are rich in comfort, relaxation, and privacy. If you are looking for a vacation spot that will get you far from the crowd, this is your answer.

The archipelago’s namesake, Mafia Island, and its little sister, Chole Island, are optimal locales for sunbathing and exploring nature. On land, explore vast coconut and cashew plantations that have flourished for centuries on this trading stop between continental Africa and Persia. The diving here is incomparable, immersing you in a world of vibrant corals, tropical fishes, inquisitive dolphins, and gentle whale sharks.

See the gentle whale shark while you snorkel when you visit Mafia Island.

Zanzibar Archipelago

Zanzibar’s history as a center of trade has created a culture that melds African, Turkish, Arabic, Indian, and European influences. While relaxing on its white-sand beaches is perhaps the most popular pastime here, diving and snorkeling in its spectacular coral reefs come in a close second.

The beaches here are world renowned, but Zanzibar’s culture and natural attractions are equally mesmerizing. Spend some time roaming the streets of Stone Town in search of distinctive artworks and fabric. Tour a spice plantation to sample cinnamon bark straight off the tree. Or visit Jozani Forest, the only place in the world where Kirk’s red colobus monkeys can be found in the wild.

Check out our quick guide to Zanzibar.

Mozambique’s North Coast

The northern coast of Mozambique is kissed by warm tropical waters year-round. It offers panoramic scuba dives for both beginning and experienced divers, as well as incredible whale watching each August through November. It is also perfect for windsurfing, sailing, and other water sports—or just resting on the beach.

On the Quirimbas Archipelago, you will be astounded by the beauty you encounter at every turn. Here, you can dive among seahorses and dugongs, kayak among biodiverse mangroves, or watch dolphins play in the waves.

Ilha de Moçambique (Mozambique Island) combines natural charm with cultural sites. With its majestic stone buildings dating back to the 1500s, it is the country’s former capital and an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Southern Mozambique

With its dramatic windswept dunes, the Bazaruto Archipelago in southern Mozambique is ideal for a more active beach safari. Snorkeling and diving are outstanding at the area’s marine reserves. You are likely to see extraordinary corals, jellyfish, sea turtles, rays, and more in waters that stay warm year-round. Kayaking, fishing, birding, horseback riding, and even game drives are all within reach.

Or simply indulge by the seashore with an evening cocktail or beach picnic featuring delicious delicacies prepared for you by skilled lodge chefs.

Further down the coast, near the South African border, the Machangulo Peninsula is synonymous with luxurious serenity. A variety of resorts cater to all tastes. Enjoy strolling on the waterfront, explore enormous pinnacle reefs, or ride the waves on a paddleboard or surfboard.

Located 900 miles east of Kenya in the Indian Ocean, the hundred-plus islands of Seychelles glint like a string of pearls across 150,000 square miles of turquoise seas.

The archipelago serves as a protected area for whales, dolphins, dugong (cousins of the manatee), and turtles, and coral thrives in the Aldabra Atoll—the world’s largest tropical lagoon. The Seychelles are also home to 950 recorded species of fish, with 200 of them co-existing in 1,000 square miles of coral reef.

One of our favorite places to explore the ocean is Sainte Anne Marine National Park near the main island of Mahé, where you can seek the corals while cruising in glass-bottomed boats. The park also offers unparalleled kayaking, swimming, windsurfing, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Divers in the Seychelles can encounter tortoises, barracuda, bigeye trevally, and batfish against a backdrop of fan coral.

On land, the islands of the Seychelles boast 17 unique species of birds and 81 endemic plants. This includes the impressive Coco de Mer Palm, a tree that can grow to an age of 800 years. Bonus: The islands are outside the cyclone belt, have no poisonous snakes, and are free of typhoid and malaria. Enjoy indulgent seclusion in this one-of-a-king tropical getaway.

Plan Your Ultimate Beach Safari

East Africa is home to some of the best beaches in the world. Silver sands, sapphire waters, and extensive coral reefs create serene coastlines that beckon you with their waving palms. Contact Ujuzi African Travel today to plan the beach getaway of your dreams.