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Best sailing destinations in Africa

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Cape Town
Mountains, Beaches and a Vibrant Culture
7.6
Royal Cape Yacht Club, founded in 1905, hosts races such as Cape to Rio, which began in 1971. That race covers nearly 4,000 miles of the South Atlantic. Table Mountain towers over the bay. Strong southeast summer winds, known locally as the Cape Doctor, suit experienced sailors best.
Highlights:
  • 🍽️ Explore the V&A Waterfront and dine by the sea
  • 🚡 Ride the cable car for breathtaking city views
  • 🥾 Hike to the top of Table Mountain
Mauritius
Tropical Bliss in the Indian Ocean
8.6
From May to November southeast trade winds blow steadily and cyclone risk is low. A coral reef rings most of the island and shelters calm lagoons. Catamaran trips from Grand Baie reach Coin de Mire and Flat Island. Sunset cruises are popular with locals as well.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Snorkel among coral reefs in Blue Bay Marine Park
  • 🥾 Hike to the summit of Le Morne Brabant
  • 🏝️ Relax on the turquoise shores of Trou-aux-Biches Beach
Seychelles
Tropical paradise with pristine beaches
7.7
The coco de mer palm of Praslin has the heaviest seed of any plant at up to about 55 pounds. The country has 115 islands that make island hopping by boat natural. Skippered catamarans link Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. Granite boulders and white sand line many beaches.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike the scenic Copolia Trail on Mahe Island
  • 🐢 Encounter giant tortoises on Curieuse Island
  • 🏖️ Visit Anse Source d'Argent, famed pink sand beach
Mahé
Tropical Paradise with a Wild Side
8.6
In the western Indian Ocean this granite island is the starting point for most Seychelles charters. Skippers head to Praslin and La Digue in a day sail or less. April, May, October and November bring lighter winds and calmer seas. Yachts can drop the hook off beaches lined with granite boulders.
Highlights:
  • 🏞️ Hike to the summit of Morne Seychellois for panoramic views
  • 🤿 Snorkel in Sainte Anne Marine National Park’s coral reefs
  • 🏖️ Relax on the powdery white sands of Beau Vallon Beach
Cape Verde
Islands of eternal summer
7.5
Portuguese navigators found the uninhabited islands in the 1450s and later used them as a stop on Atlantic routes. Sailors still do the same today. Mindelo on São Vicente has a marina that welcomes yachts crossing the Atlantic. Steady trade winds blow through much of the winter.
Highlights:
  • ⛵ Sail between the islands and enjoy ocean breezes
  • ⛰️ Hike to the volcanic summit of Pico do Fogo
  • 🏖️ Relax on the golden beaches of Santa Maria, Sal Island
Zanzibar
Turquoise Waters and Spice Perfume
7.4
Nakupenda sandbank appears at low tide off Stone Town and dhows carry visitors there. Boatbuilders in Nungwi still build wooden dhows by hand. Sunset sails glide past Prison Island. Stone Town earned UNESCO status in 2000 and its harbour still fills with traditional sailing boats.
Highlights:
  • 🐒 Visit Jozani Forest to see rare red colobus monkeys
  • 🤿 Snorkel in the clear waters of Mnemba Atoll and spot vibrant marine life
  • 🏰 Explore Stone Town's narrow streets and historic sites
Madagascar
Unique biodiversity meets diverse landscapes
6.5
Ylang-ylang and vanilla scent the air around Nosy Be, the starting point for cruises to the Radama and Mitsio islands. Calm bays there suit quiet overnight stops and the water is warm. Sailing is best from May to November. Cyclones can strike between December and March.
Highlights:
  • 🤿 Dive the coral reefs of Nosy Be Island
  • 🦎 Spot lemurs and chameleons in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
  • 🌳 Walk the Avenue of the Baobabs at sunset
Mozambique
Pristine beaches meet vibrant culture
5.7
Fishers around Vilanculos still sail wooden dhows with triangular sails. Visitors join them for day trips to the Bazaruto Archipelago, a national park created in 1971. Dugongs and dolphins live in its warm waters. A lunch of fresh seafood is often served on a sandbar.
Highlights:
  • ⛵ Sail on a traditional dhow along Mozambique Island
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine white sands of Tofo Beach
  • 🐠 Dive among vibrant coral reefs in the Bazaruto Archipelago
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