Far from the Madding Crowd

There are some beach retreats which are so far from the madding crowds - and so expansive in size - that you'll be surprised to share the beach with anyone else apart from a distant view of one of the other lodge guests.

Scroll for more

Overview

Tanzania-coast-Mafia-pole-pole-lodge

The holiday brochures and websites all show empty expanses of enticing golden sand and gently leaning palm trees. Yet we all fear that some of the charm will be gone. Or the reality will be different from the publicity. Regimented rows of towels and beach umbrellas stretching into the distance are not many people's beach ideal. It doesn't matter how beautiful the bay. Or how turquoise the water, if you can only find a matchbox-sized space to plonk down your towel and sun block.

The happy reality is that this is rarely the case for many of the beach destinations that we recommend. This is the beauty of the beaches of Africa's coasts and islands. It is almost surprising how empty even most of South Africa's beaches can be. (Outside of the peak Christmas season of course!)

But we can do even better than that. There are some beach retreats which are so far from the madding crowds - and so expansive in size - that you'd be surprised to share the beach with anyone else. Apart from a tiny 'pin figure' in the distance.

Mozambique beach retreats

Seychelles La Digue Grande Anse beachThe islands off the Mozambique mainland such as Benguerra, Bazaruto and the Quirimbas Archipelago operate as virtually private islands with only one or two beach lodges on the whole island.

The same goes for the Inner Islands of the Seychelles...

Malawi or Madagascar for anyone?

Madagascar beaches - Dry south IfatyAnother location which also has this utter sense of seclusion in spades is Lake Malawi. Indeed some of the Lake Malawi lodges are built on islands in this vast inland sea.

Finally why not consider the northern islands of Madagascar? Here you can have gorgeous unspoilt beaches and combine it with some of the most unique wildlife experiences in the world...

South Africa Beach Retreats

Jeffreys Bay surfer near Port ElizabethSurprisingly, this glorious isolation can even be found in the more populous South Africa. Here, some of the best beaches are backed by vegetation that's unsuitable for agriculture. So that means no settlements or villages. Yes, accessibility is more of an issue. But, personally, I'd prefer to drive an extra hour or two if that means I have a vast expanse of empty beach to enjoy for several days...

So check out our sample holidays and recommended beach retreats,  below. Most of them are small lodges. So that a even short walk along the beach will get you away from other guests.

Back to Main Safari & Beach pages

Download our Free Safari Planning Guide

20 pages of Useful Tips: Best time to Travel, Safari Costs, How to Get Around, Special Interests and more... Get our Free Guide
Find me the best in for
Great Recommendations
"I am into the details and ask lots of questions and I got all the info that I needed (and more) very quickly, which enabled my review all of Cedarberg’s recommendations and check for alternatives. I am very pleased to say that I changed none and all of the recommendations were 1st class. " - Mr Ian Crispin, UK
It was amazing
"Thanks Conrad for your help organizing all of this trip for us, it was amazing – and I’ll be sure to refer you to any future friends of mine wishing to come to Africa. " - Mr Ross, Melbourne
Wonderful adventure for us!!
"I want to Thank you for planning another Wonderful adventure for us!! " - S Family
The trip was a great success, Thanks Cedarberg
"Thanks again to Cedarberg Africa and you Tash for arranging the bookings and being able to respond when delays in transportation became apparent. Again I have appreciated the significant effort that Cederberg Travel has put into your web information and the extra material on attractions provided with the itinerary. " - Mr R Brandon, USA
"We had a fantastic trip and were so pleased with your suggestions. I’m sure we will return to SA at some point in the future and would love to do more Safari trips elsewhere in Africa once the pound/dollar exchange rate improves. We were delighted with Cedarburg and will recommend you to anyone thinking of travelling to Africa. " - Milandi
 
staff image

Leanne Koopman-Monk

AFRICAN TRAVEL SPECIALIST

Hi I'm Leanne, I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience GET IN TOUCH