5 African Coastal Jewels that Surely Stir Your Emotions

Along the vast African coastline, there are multiple African coastal jewels that surely stir your deepest emotions. In recent years, these have also emerged as icons of sustainable tourism. Gone are the days when Africa was regarded as being synonymous with conflict – these coastal getaways prove that it is indeed possible to accept the past and make peace with it while moving on.

While considering African coastal jewels for your next holiday, bear in mind factors such as climate, infrastructure and personal preferences. These bustling seaside locales offer a deep insight into the culture and background along with the unique marine diversity that characterizes the fragile eco-system. To make the most of your trip to any of the following African coastal jewels, prepare yourself to embrace the stark facts that accompany the amazingly scenic landscape, and open up to accept multiple surprises along the way. 

Zanzibar

Lying off Tanzania along the east African coastline, Zanzibar, like most archipelagos in the Indian Ocean, supports a diverse habitat both on land and in its waters. Islands that come under this jurisdiction qualify as revered African coastal jewels owing to several reasons, like being safe for swimming, and showcasing the local culture at its ethnic best.

Nungwi remains undoubtedly one of the safest beaches among the African coastal jewels for water activities owing to being relatively unaffected by tidal fluctuations. The moment you step on to the long stretch of white sand, you inevitably get drawn into the lively vibe and feel motivated to try everything possible. At the end of the day, you will have swum, snorkeled, jet-skied, interacted with turtles, and tried the local seafood delights. A short distance away is Kendwa, which is just as comfortable for swimming, but more private and ideal for admiring the setting sun.

To connect with nature, venture beyond the coastline to Mnemba, a haven of coral reefs and diverse marine life. Yet another option is the historic Prison Island, which has been a home to the Aldabra tortoises for decades and provides an opportunity to interact with them at close quarters. When you take some time-out from the beaches and the sea, visit one of the several spice gardens and try identifying the various types in their unprocessed form.

Diani

Travel south along Kenya’s coastline, and you would soon find yourself facing a seemingly endless beach, which is Diani. Among the African coastal jewels, this one ranks towards the top of the ladder owing to being a paradise for all creatures. Protectionism and sustainability remain the two steadfast mantras that define Diani, which explains the presence of teeming natural habitats both on and off the land.

Regardless of where you camp along the 10-km stretch of white sand, it would be virtually impossible to not notice the drastic impact of tides, which may not be the case at the other African coastal jewels. Visit the beach at low tide, and you would be amazed at the coral reefs that lay exposed to the world. When the tide rushes in, the water level rises to the point of facilitating all water related activities with ease. Courtesy of the protective environment, the clear blue ocean has evolved into a safe zone for numerous marine species, including different types of dolphins.

Sustainability becomes evident when you visit the Kaya Kinondo, which is home to the sacred forest of the ethnic inhabitants named the Digo. While the natural green sanctuary is easy to navigate, Flipside Leisure would advise you to hire a local guide who can point out the various plant species and explain the local rituals that define African coastal jewels.

Take a break from all the rigorous physical activity by relaxing on a canoe while it threads its way through mangrove forests along the Kongo River.

Dakar

Cross the vast sandy Sahara and travel all the way to the west coast to arrive at the African coastal jewel of Dakar, which also serves as Senegal’s capital. Unlike the other African coastal jewels, Dakar has established its significance in the region not just as an important port but also as a lively cultural hub. Being in this city implies that you have reached the westernmost point of the huge African continent, and beyond lies the Atlantic Ocean, the next landmass being North America.

Did you know that Dakar boasts of its own version of the Dead Sea? Saline content of Lake Retba easily matches that of the Dead Sea, with the result that you can float on the surface without anything or anyone to aid you. The pink hue lends a magical touch to an otherwise calm and salty water-body that facilitates large-scale salt harvesting. Those who wish to observe the pink waters at this African coastal jewel up close can canoe across the lake, while others can explore the sandy shores on camels or quad bikes.

Experience the surge of deep-seated emotions when the history of slavery comes to life at Goree, one of the African coastal jewels that served as the last departure point for those headed for the American continent. Despite several attempts to tone down the imprint of barbaric activities, the island still carries a palpable feeling of having witnessed some of the most heinous crimes against humanity.

Amidst all the attractions, Dakar is one of the African coastal jewels which emanates a strong cultural vibe through mediums such as artistry, cuisine and music. Try as you might, it is virtually impossible to remain aloof from mbalax, a contemporary Wolof dance music that combines traditional beats with global styles like jazz or salsa.

Alexandria

Mediterranean Sea separates Europe and Africa, and Alexandria lies along the African coast, having been established by King Alexander centuries ago. Currently a cosmopolitan hub, the city maintains its presence in the list of African coastal jewels courtesy of its rich, diverse and interesting heritage. In addition to its Egyptian lineage, Alexandria carries an equally deep Roman imprint, and both continue to influence the city’s unique culture and lifestyle.

In sharp contrast to other African coastal jewels, Alexandria boasts of historic and cultural attractions in addition to beaches. Cleopatra’s splendid palace, which now lies submerged in the Mediterranean, and requires you to undertake a diving excursion for exploring it, remains one of the most sought-after attractions at this African coastal destination. Also underwater is the ancient lighthouse which withstood multiple conflicts and served as the first point of defense along the African coast with Fort Qaitbey. Ultimately, it was an earthquake that almost completely destroyed the fort, and sent the lighthouse to its watery grave.

Another priceless treasure that the city lost to engulfing flames was the huge literary collection, apparently the largest in the world, consisting of thousands of scrolls and manuscripts. To make up for the loss, there is a vast well-lit contemporary library that serves as a haven for every book lover.

Few African coastal jewels feature a seamless confluence of more than one culture. In Alexandria, while the amphitheater and Pompey’s pillar firmly underline a strong Roman presence in the past, it is the catacomb complex that stands testimony to the merging of three or more lineages, namely Egyptian, Roman and Christian. Mystical and intriguing, these served as burial chambers in the past, and now showcase ancient carvings and statues across three expansive floors with crisscrossing passageways.

Cape Town

Visit the southwestern tip of the mammoth African peninsula and you would i tumble on to Cape Town, one of the most stunning and engaging African coastal jewels. Being in close proximity to the Cape of Good Hope, this African coastal city represents a melting pot of natural variety, each preserving its own identity. A lighthouse located a short distance away at Cape Agulhas marks the point at which two of the largest oceans, namely Indian and Atlantic, meet. Showcasing the biodiversity of both is the aquarium at the V&A, one of the prettiest waterfronts along the African coast, which houses various one-of-a-kind exhibits.

Multiple beaches dot the coastline at this African coastal jewel, and while you can relax and kayak at some of them, visit the Boulders Beach just to watch the colony of penguins. Trudge along the Cape and in addition to inviting beaches you would also meet ostriches and tortoises. Discover a sandy beach at the most unlikely location, namely in the midst of rock formations, when you hike up the Skeleton Gorge. Choose one of the many hiking trails that weave through the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain and observe the unique vegetation that changes as you proceed.

Cape Town also featured prominently in the country’s anti-apartheid movement, a fact that is still evident in the town’s social fabric. A trip to Robben Island reveals the isolation that prisoners faced for having raised their voices against authority. But while in the city, you can actually interact with people who survived the harsh regime to tell the tale. Lighten the mood after a deep and serious conversation by exploring the local culinary creations and swaying to the diverse musical beats and tunes that add rhythm to daily life in the African coastal jewels. .

Final Thoughts

Overall, African coastal jewels offer a lot more than just the sea-fronts and water sports. They carry the deep imprint of the long and harsh history that is synonymous with the continent, and provide an exposure that permeates your senses. Every jewel along the African coast narrates a unique story of its own, one that is rooted in centuries of struggle in a bid to survive. So, grab this opportunity to experience the culture, cuisine and stark dynamics that define the will to move on while honoring the past.

Deviate off the beaten track to explore one or more of the African coastal jewels, and seek help from Flipside Leisure to plan a smooth, comfortable and unique vacation. Specify your preferences, and we will plan a seaside vacation that would stir your deepest emotions.