Everything they say about Africa is true.
It's a highly sensorial travel destination and cultural melting pot, and one of the most varied and vibrant continents on Earth.
It's got bustling metropolises, vast landscapes and 30,000 kilometres of coastline – half of which is exposed to wave-generating ocean swells.
That said, you can easily get lost in the sheer amount of surf spots, which is why we've narrowed it down. Below are a mix of our favourite African surfing countries and awesome waves that are suitable for all skill levels and preferences.
Happy hunting!
Morocco - The land of endless rights (and tajine)
Morocco is a surfer's paradise where the shifting sands of the Sahara meet the might of the Atlantic.
It's a land of endless rights, where every wave could be the ride of your life.
Here you'll find not just world-class surf, but also a vibrant culture that is as warm and inviting as the golden Moroccan sun.
Oh… and tajine. Delicious, delicious tajine.
Here are our favourite surfing spots in Africa.
What to know before you go
- Morocco is better for intermediate and advanced surfers from October to April, but there are still fun, sheltered spots for beginners and first-timers too
- While the days can be warm, the air temperatures at night tend to drop. Remember to pack warm clothing no matter which time of year you visit
- The local currency is Moroccan dirham and most major credit cards are accepted in larger cities. However, it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand when exploring the less touristy areas
- Learn more about our Moroccan surf trips here
Essaouira
- Beginner to advanced
- Sand-bottom pointbreak
- Righthander
One of the longest and most user-friendly waves in the world, Essaouira gets a bad wrap for being busy, but the truth is that there are more than enough waves to go around. Plus, with Sidi Kaouki to the south there are definitely options if you’re not feeling Essaouira.
Anchor Point
- Intermediate to advanced
- Sand and rock bottom pointbreak
- Righthander
Love big walls, barrel sections and waves that can run for up to 500 metres? Anchor Point is the jewel in Taghazout's crown, and any surfer worth their salt will quickly fall in love with it.
Safi
- Advanced
- Sand-bottom pointbreak
- Righthander
Big. Ominous. Scary. Safi has battered the best surfers in the world, but it's also dished up waves that would never be believed unless they were caught on camera. For advanced surfers only.
Ghana - The next big surf destination?
Does the thought of colourful markets, friendly locals and golden beaches catch your attention?
Ghana is fast gaining recognition in the surfing world as the next place to visit. The water is warm, the people are warmer and there's no shortage of beach, reef and point breaks.
In our opinion, the best surfing spots in this part of West Africa are as follows.
What to know before you go
- There aren't many hazards in Ghana, and the country's political instability has long since been steadied. Just remember to show respect and not flash expensive electronics or cash while you're out and about
- The capital of Accra is somewhat of a travel hub. Keep that in mind if you're tossing up between different African surfing spots as this can be one of the cheaper airports to fly to from other countries
- Learn about our surf trip to Ghana here
Busua Beach
- Beginner to advanced
- Sand-bottom beachbreak
- Lefts and rights
This wave is great for beginners when it's small and excellent for experienced surfers during a big swell. Given its popularity though, it can get crowded.
Kokrobite
- Beginner to advanced
- Sand-bottom beachbreak
- Righthander
Located 45 minutes from the capital Accra, this wave is a good place for a day trip. It's not the longest wave, but it's a playful beachbreak nonetheless.
Black Mamba
- Beginner to advanced
- Sand-bottom pointbreak
- Righthander
A smooth, dreamy righthander that you can't miss while in Ghana. It's located on the western side of Busua Beach and is quite sheltered from the wind and big swells, making it a reliable option when everywhere else is maxing out.
Secret uncrowded pointbreaks?
Without blowing up specific spots, we can confirm there are heaps of uncrowded pointbreaks to the west of the capital of Accra. We won’t mention them here, but rest assured we’ll be rolling up with boards waxed come August.
Angola - The African Peru
Peru is known for having an almost endless array of lefthand point breaks... but Angola sure gives it a run for its money.
Not only is this country rich in history and culture, but it's also ripe for exploration.
Whether you like posting up right in front of a wave nicknamed quilométrica (kilometre in Portuguese) for its length or finding your own breaks, this legendary African surfing nation has something for everyone.
What to know before you go
- Luanda's beaches might get hyped, but trust us... they're mostly mushy and blown out
- You can surf in a bikini and boardshorts for most of the year, but the peak swell season sees a drop in water temperatures to about 20˚C, so a summer wetsuit or shortie is recommended
- For whatever reason, lodging is quite expensive (ranging up to $250 US per night). This means that package deals with transport and local guides are the way to go
Cabo Ledo
- Intermediate to advanced
- Sand-bottom pointbreak
- Lefthander
The beating heart of Angolan surfing. This sometimes pumping, always cruisy lefthander can be ridden for hundreds of metres on its best days. Safe to say, it's a must surf if you're visiting Angola.
Buraco
- Beginner to advanced
- Sand-bottom pointbreak
- Lefthander
Buraco is only 40 kilometres south of the capital Luana. It's a sand-bottom pointbreak that boasts amazing shape and length. It can get hollow, but most of the time it's quite mellow.
Ambriz Beach
- Beginner to advanced
- Sand-botton point and beachbreak
- Lefthander
Known by the locals as "paradise on earth", this lefthand pointbreak is perfect for all skill levels and has a beautiful, untouched landscape to take in while you wait for the next set.
South Africa - Home to the world's most famous righthander (and lions)
This is one African surfing nation that needs no introduction... but what the heck, we'll do it anyway!
Home to one of, if not, the most famous righthander on the planet, South Africa is the undisputed powerhouse when it comes to African surf spots.
Iconic wildlife, warm-hearted locals and frigid lineups are to be expected.
It's the type of surfing destination that leaves an imprint (or paw print) on your soul forever... if you're lucky enough to visit, that is.
What to know before you go
- The best time for surfing in South Africa is during winter (June to September) when groundswells are more frequent and winds are typically blowing offshore
- The water is quite fresh all year-round, ranging from 14˚C to 18˚C. A full 4/3mm wetsuit (plus booties and gloves in winter) are a must if you want to make the most of your surf sessions
- There are over 3,000 kilometres of coastline in South Africa, so be prepared to do some driving!
Jeffrey's Bay
- Intermediate to advanced
- Rock, sand and reef-bottom pointbreak
- Righthander
This legendary righthand point break offers a mix of barrels, open faces and steep takeoffs, and its reputation as a world-class wave is well deserved. Like, seriously… you can’t argue with that.
Durban
- Beginners to intermediate
- Beachbreak
- Left and right
Love fun, warm water and soft, peeling waves? Then Durban is for you. There are a variety of beach breaks along the Golden Mile so there's sure to be something for every level.
Muizenberg Beach
- Beginners to intermediate
- Beachbreak
- Left and right
The most popular beginner beach break in the country, Muizenberg has waves for all skill levels, but it's the perfect place for those just starting out.
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