Kenya and Tanzania are legendary wildlife safari destinations but in recent years they have also become known for their beach holidays, offering warm water and excellent diving and fishing.
Arguably the best known beach destinations in Africa, apart from the large Indian Ocean Islands, are the islands of the Zanzibar archipelago off the coast of Tanzania. Rich in history and culture Zanzibar has long been an add-on for visitors to the iconic game areas of Tanzania such as Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
Today, however, the new ideal of a safari and beach vacation has opened up the islands like never before. Although the main island is still popular due to its history other islands such as Pemba and Mafia are providing beach holiday visitors with unforgettable scuba diving, snorkeling and big game fishing. Although there are many regions in regions in Africa that offer ideal beach holidays few have the variety offered by the islands and coastal resorts of Kenya.
The country has always relied on its incredible wildlife parks to attract visitors but recently the beaches have begun to attract attention. From tropical shores and bustling towns to remote islands and historical ruins the Kenya beaches offer far more than a paradise of white sands and turquoise waters - with great reefs the Kenya coast provides some of the best scuba diving and big game fishing on the African coast. From romantic secluded islands to great family resorts the coast of Kenya has it all for a great family beach holiday safari.
Some of Africa's most unusual - but no less inspiring - beaches are located far from the coast in the continents interior. Although fresh water experiences the great lakes of the Rift Valley provide beach holidays that rival any coastal beach holiday.
These great lakes beach holiday experiences can include a wildlife experience Lake Malawi - also known as the Lake of Stars - provides visitors with an intoxicating mix of white sands, crystal clear water, superb diving and snorkeling and achingly beautiful scenery. Many who have travelled the length of the African continent will wax lyrical at the lazy sun-filled days and warm starry nights on the shores of Lake Malawi.
Africa's deepest lake, Lake Tanganyika, caters for the most unusual beach holiday. The Mahale Mountains National Park is arguably the best place to view chimpanzees in the wild in Africa and this is the main reason visitors journey to the park.
Part of the Mahale experience however is relaxing on the shores of Lake Tanganyika between chimpanzee trekking where the white sands and inviting waters set against a backdrop of lush green indigenous forest are food for the soul.