The majestic beauty of African beaches
Blue Flag scheme could benefit other countries, writes Melville Saayman
AFRICA has some wonderful beaches. A serious traveller or beachgoer should certainly visit at least one of them once in a lifetime. The list below is not in order of preference, but offers would-be travellers different opportunities and experiences.
Most of South Africa ’ s Blue Flag beaches are in the Western Cape followed by KwaZulu-Natal and then the Eastern Cape. Blue Flag award beaches have to comply with 33 criteria, including safety, cleanliness, environmental management and water quality. The award can be revoked if a beach does not comply.
The longest-running Blue Flag beaches in South Africa and a mustvisit are Grotto Beach in the Western Cape, Humewood Beach in the Eastern Cape, and Ramsgate and Marina beaches KwaZuluNatal.
From a more subjective standpoint I would recommend Tofo Beach at Inhambane in Mozambique. This is an 8km stretch of beach that also offers diving and great sea life. Added benefits are facilities for rest and relaxation, as well as excellent prawns.
Namibia also offers tourists beautiful beaches. One of my favourites is the Skeleton Coast. It offers space and great marine life as well as ship wrecks. A crowded beach won ’ t be a problem. There might, in fact, be nobody around depending on when you visit.
Another country that offers wonderful beach experiences is Kenya. The beach I propose is Shela
Blue Flag award beaches need to comply with 33 criteria
Beach in Lamu. It is also a UNESCO Heritage Site and is generally accepted as the country ’ s top beach.
I also have to include Angola. This is the new kid on the block and I propose Mussulo Bay peninsula. This is for the adventure traveller, offering a wonderful beach as well as fishing.
One of my ultimate favourites is Zanzibar in Tanzania. It offers great diving, snorkelling and swimming. This is a little piece of heaven on earth. Enjoying locally produced gin is a treat as well.
In Madagascar, Sainte-Marie offers beautiful sandy beaches with palm trees. Once again, diving and great sea life are on offer as well as good food.
It would be unfair if I didn ’ t include Malawi. My choice falls on Likoma Island, which is part of Lake Malawi. This is one of Africa ’ s jewels. Clear clean water, great for swimming, diving or snorkelling, and friendly communities.
And then there is the Seychelles ’ Anse Source d ’ Argent, La Digue. It is regarded as one of the world ’ s greatest beaches, truly something out of this world.
I could add more beaches in the west and north of the continent. But this list at least provides a taste of what Africa can offer. Hopefully, the Blue Flag award scheme will be implemented in other African countries so that the continent can get its lion ’ s share of beachgoers, one of the biggest generators of revenue globally.