A little sand between your toes always takes away your woes—maybe that’s why beaches are such hot favourites, and Africa has a bevy of them. To help you in your search for paradise, here’s a list of the five best hidden beaches in Africa. By Kumar Shree
1. Lamu Archipelago, Kenya Coast
Apart from being the perfect example of a historical Swahili city, the slow pace of life in Lamu town is an appealing factor. There are no modern-world equipment and facilities in place, and if you want to move from one place to another, walking is the only option. The leisure, the slow lifestyle and the sheer ease of this place all put together make the locales magical. That potion of this hidden island , it helps you find yourself.
How to get there: Daily flights from Nairobi can take you to The Manda airstrip. The transfer from there to Lamu can be easily arranged via the resorts & villa rental agencies.
Best time to visit: September through March
2. Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique
The stunning colours and mesmerising sights, which include mangroves, that you get to witness here are nothing short of absolute magic. The water here is so clear that you can almost see the corals and turtles from the shore. It has all this and still remains a secret. One that you must explore.
How to get there: Travelling in a light aircraft can be the best highlight of your vacation. Other options are daily flights from Johannesburg to Pemba and regular flights from Dar-Es-Salaam and Nairobi.
Best time to visit: April to October. The most popular time is June to August.
3. Likoma Island, Malawi
This island has a very diverse coastline that consists of rocky slopes, sandy bays and swamps, while baobab and mango trees cover most of the interiors. Here, you can indulge in snorkelling, diving and a number of different water sports that will keep you occupied for days.
How to get there: There are several air and water transport options. The daily flights are scheduled from Likoma and you can take small boats as well.
Best time to visit: May to October
4. Curralinho Beach, Boa Vista, Cape Verde
The beach is almost untouched by humans and the sand here is the softest you’ll ever touch. Though there’s no dearth of beaches in Cape Verde, Curralinho Beach is the grandest of them all. It’s an ideal destination for all forms of water sports, or for that perfect chill-out vibe if that’s what appeals to you. You could also opt for some trekking if you’re an adventure seeker.
How to get there: Take a flight to the Boa Vista International Airport.
Best time to visit: July to November
5. Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
The real highlight here is the absolutely breathtaking scenery. What makes it one of the most picturesque beaches in the world is a mixture of shallow, clean, turquoise water, and golden sand. You can also take in the sights here via transparent kayaks that are available on rent. It really isn’t a surprise that it holds the title of the ‘most photographed beach in the world’.
How to get there: You need to take a flight to Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) and travel further via road.
Best time to visit: May to September
Related: South Africa Will Leave You Breathless
