India, March 6 -- Africa is home to 39 countries that claim a coastline, giving travelers plenty of beaches to choose from. You'll find everything from palm-studded postcard perfection in Mozambique to rugged cliffs that sank many a ship attempting to cross South African seas during early colonization expeditions. There are smaller ocean islands, too, ringed by soft, golden shores and graced with sparkling lagoons and top-tier resorts.

Whether you're in the mood for diving, surfing, sunbathing, or boogying in the glow of a beloved beach bar, there's an enchanting African seashore for you. Here are the best beaches in Africa for every kind of escape.

Camps Bay Beach, South Africa

Camps Bay Beach is known for its buzzy scene and celebrit...