Who needs the Caribbean when you can bask in the delights of Africa’s tropical islands? If you’re looking for a tropical island beach destination for a honeymoon that’s far from the mainstream maddening crowd, then Africa should be your first choice. These destinations we’ve rounded up are unmarred by development and have not yet sold their soul to tourism. So, without further ado, here are my top 3 unique beach destinations in Africa for a honeymoon.
1. Lamu Archipelago, Kenya
This is as authentic as it gets. Lamu Archipelago is home to the oldest Swahili settlement and has kept its historical charm. Lamu has no cars and no formal roads, but there are plenty of donkeys if you need to get from point A to point B!
Located off the coast of Kenya, Lamu remains an untouched island paradise home to scatterlings of heavy stone cottages and villas boasting balconies with colourful hammocks. There’s a slight Moroccan feel to Lamu. Ancient fishing boats (called dhows) sail slowly around the island unaware of their picture perfect essence. Lamu is lazy, untouched and makes for an incredible snorkelling destination.
2. Lake Malawi, Malawi
Malawi is a landlocked country so it hardly seems fitting that I’ve nominated it for one of my top 3 beach destinations. However, Malawi is home to one of the largest inland lakes in the world. The pristine, warm waters of Lake Malawi are flanked by granite boulders and soft beach sand. It’s a prime freshwater diving destination and fantastic for kayaking. There are a number of luxury villas overlooking the lake, making it a romantic and unique slice of paradise.
3. Paternoster, the West Coast of Cape Town
Paternoster is a quaint fishing village peppered with white-washed cottages surrounding a tranquil bay. Situated along the West Coast of Cape Town, it’s a secret hideaway frequented by locals. The seafood in Paternoster is fantastic and locals can often be seen buying crayfish on the beach to cook over a fire during the evening time. Watch the locals reel in the catch of the day from their colourful old wooden fishing boats and enjoy the tranquility of the West Coast’s prettiest town.
