10 Great Places To Surf In Africa

Surfers are forever on the lookout for the next big challenge, and forever traveling the globe in search of the best waves. Luckily for them, there are dozens of beaches around Africa that provide the set up for the perfect barrel, or an intense point break that builds up a rush of adrenaline. Though there is no doubt that many worthy beaches have been left off this list, here is a roundup of the best places to surf in Africa, whether you’re heading north, south, east, or west.

This article originally appeared on AFKInsider.com.

Taghazout Beach, Morocco (Shutterstock)

Taghazout Beach, Morocco (Shutterstock)

Killer Point, Taghazout, Morocco

The Southern Moroccan village of Taghazout landed on the map in the 1960s, when hippies traveled there to set up beach communes. It stayed relevant for its incredible wave breaks. Named Killer Point after the many killer whales in the area, it has fantastic right-hands that surfers dream of, as well as several other nearby spots if you feel like exploring the area a bit. Anchor Point, known for its consistent waves and clean lines, and Boilers, one of the most challenging breaks in the region, are both accessible from Taghazout, and worth the trip.

Surfer at Jeffrey's Bay, South Africa (Shutterstock)

Surfer at Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa (Shutterstock)

Supertubes, Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa

For the surfers that prefer long and fast barrels, look no further than Jeffrey’s Bay in South Africa, one of the premier surf spots in the world. Supertubes is known for the most challenging waves that offer the greatest reward. Rides can be up to 300 meters long as surfers cruise through some of the most perfectly formed tubes in existence. “J-Bay” is also well-known for its breathtaking beauty in the Eastern Cape province in South Africa, just southwest of Port Elizabeth.

ngor beach

Ngor beach (Jeff Attaway / flickr)

Almadies and N’Gor Island, Senegal

The Almadies portion of the Cap-Vert Peninsula has 260 degrees worth of waves around the area. It’s got one of the best swell windows in the world, and well-placed reefs that allow for perfect point breaks. Surfers of all levels can appreciate this spot. More experience surfers can try their luck at N’gor Island, just 500 meters off the coast of Dakar. The righthander there is Senegal’s most famous wave. N’Gor was featured in the movie Endless Summer and remains one of the best surfing spots in the world. The area itself is charming, not too crowded and is known as an affordable but solid option for surfers.

namibia coast

Namibia coast (Laika ac / Flickr)

Skeleton Coast, Namibia

Namibia’s “skeleton coast” (so-called because of the large number of shipwreck carcasses that litter it) is one of the best-kept surfing secrets in Africa. The coast has six long, perfect, lefthand pointbreaks, including the one at Skeleton Bay, which is reputed to be the best in the world. Namibia’s remoteness and the near-inaccessibility of some spots (such as Ovahimba Point) will probably ensure it stays that way.

Robertsport, Liberia (by Sean Brody for The New York Times)

Robertsport, Liberia (by Sean Brody for The New York Times)

Robertsport, Liberia

Robertsport is one of the best surf spots in western Africa that you’ve never heard of. Swells from the south wrap around a peninsula to create enormous world-class waves up to six meters high, allowing surfers to ride 200 meters at a time. There are five points on the Robertsport coast, but the best are Cassava Point and Cotton Trees. Though they’re a bit farther from town, they’re worth the trek once you get out there.

Durban, South Africa (Shutterstock)

Durban, South Africa (Shutterstock)

Durban, South Africa

Durban is home to some of the most consistent waves in South Africa. Its regular swells and good wind conditions throughout most seasons create consistently good swells for surfers. It also doesn’t hurt that the waters of the Indian Ocean are warmer than other areas of the continent, making your ride a bit more pleasant. New Pier offers a right and left break for the more experienced, while beginners and intermediates might want to look at other places in the area, such as Cave Rock, Dairy Beach, Vetchies Reef, and dozens of others.

Tofo, Mozambique (Shutterstock)

Tofo, Mozambique (Shutterstock)

Tofinho Point, Tofo, Mozambique

With its world-famous right hand reef break, Tofinho Point is considered the best surf spot in Mozambique, and also has some of the most beautiful reefs around. With swells suitable for both beginners and advanced surfers, the warm waters and consistent waves make Tofinho a great spot to hit. The best time to visit is winter – June, July, and August – as the winds are most favorable during those times.

Hout Bay, South Africa (Shutterstock)

Hout Bay, South Africa (Shutterstock)

Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa

There’s a reason South Africa appears so often on this list, and it’s partly due to the wide variety of waves it offers. While beginners might appreciate the consistency at Durban, and experts like the tubes at Jeffrey’s, the more adventurous (some might say crazy) seek out Dungeons at Hout Bay, on the outskirts of Cape Town. Occurring only during winter storms, the 15-to-30-foot swells break over a shallow reef only accessible by boat, and experienced surfers make a point to get out there during prime times.

flameballs madagascar

Flameballs at Anakao, Madagascar (Photo by Gilles Calvet, courtesy of F-One)

Flameballs, Anakao, Madagascar

Those looking for a surf spot that’s off the beaten path head to the Anakao region in Madagascar to seek out the Flameballs wave. While it’s more fickle than others, needing ideal winds from the southeast, surfers dream about the moment that it breaks perfectly and they’re able to ride the tube for more 300 meters. Early to mid-afternoon are the best times to find it, and only experienced surfers should try out this area.

tamarin surf

Tamarin, Mauritius (Courtesy of Atrocitytransmission.blogspot.com)

Tamarin, Mauritius

Just a few hundred miles from Madagascar is the tiny Indian Ocean island of Mauritius, which is rightly known as a surfer’s paradise. Tamarin on the southwest coast is the marquee spot, which became famous in the surfing community after the release of the 1974 surf documentary “The Forgotten Island of Santosha.” The incomparable but inconsistent 8-10 foot swell only happens a few times each season. While you’re waiting for that, try one of the numerous other places on Mauritius to get your tube on, including Passe de l’Ambulent, One Eyes, and Souillac, all on the south and west coasts.

Related content on AFKTravel:

15 Favorite South African Surfing Spots
Surfing The Sahara, From Taghazout To Tarfaya
Epic Waves: 15 Great Places To Surf In Angola

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