South Africa boasts natural wonders such as abundant wildlife, beautiful flora and fauna, stunning natural landscapes, and a diverse culture. After completing a fascinating safari in South Africa or a tour of different cities, there is only one way to unwind and relax: a beach vacation.
The South African coastlines as seen from the Table Mountain
Attracting people from all over the world, South Africa has some of the best beaches scattered throughout the country. The coastline of South Africa stretches 1,740 miles, or 2,800 kilometres. Its pristine blue waters, swaying palm trees, and glistening sands are too charming to ignore.
Whether you desire the perfect waves to surf, want some solitude, or need to spend time on a scenic bay, South Africa has it all.
Not limited to only Cape Town, here are the top 7 beaches in South Africa you need to visit at least once:
Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu Natal is a coastal South African province known for its mesmerising beaches, savannahs, and mountains. A favourite holiday destination of the locals is the beaches of Umhlanga.
A resort town situated north of Durban on the coast of Kwazulu-Natal, Umhlanga’s beaches have the perfect temperate climate. As a result, locals as well as tourists often visit the beaches and enjoy the warm Indian Ocean and golden sands.
A sunset observed at Umhlanga beach
Ideal for relaxation and safe for swimming, tourists can enjoy a quiet beach getaway at Umhlanga. Many restaurants, cafes, and bars, as well as an affluent shopping centre, line the beach. Umhlanga also offers a vibrant nightlife and a vast array of accommodations to choose from.
The Umhlanga Lighthouse, located in this vicinity, is one of the iconic attractions to visit.
Robberg Beach, Garden Route
The Garden Route is adorned with picturesque landscapes and beaches. However, Robberg Beach in this region is believed to be one of the finest.
Situated in Plettenberg Bay, you can walk many kilometres along the stunning white sands of Robberg, which seem to stretch forever. Due to its clear conditions and excellent facilities, Robberg Beach is a hit among tourists.
Waves clash with the rocks at Robberg Beach
You can swim in the calm waters, surf the waves, and stroll on the long sandy beach for hours. Wandering along the deck and boardwalk, you can take in the breathtaking views of the majestic mountains and the ocean laid before you.
Moreover, to add some excitement to your beach vacation, Robberg offers shore-based seals, dolphin, and whale watching, especially during the winter months.
Bloubergstrand Beach, Cape Town
Bloubergstrand literally translates to ‘blue mountain beach’ in Afrikaans. Situated in the city of Cape Town, Bloubergstrand is a pleasant seaside suburb. Bloubergstrand Beach has majestic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and nearby Robben Island.
The Table Mountain visible from Bloubergstrand Beach
The beach displays acrobatic surfers, windsurfers, and kite surfers. When you have the chance to avert your gaze from them, you can marvel at the panoramic views of Table Mountain across Table Bay. The beach offers monumental sightings of the Mother City’s rock face, which provides strong winds for colourful kites to soar.
Taking a leisurely walk along the coast can lead you towards the discovery of several white mussels, which the locals extract from the sand.
Coffee Bay, Wild Coast
Coffee Bay is a town located on the Wild Coast and is named after the hundreds of coffee trees in the region. As Coffee Bay is right in the heart of the Wild Coast, it offers easy accessibility to dramatic South African scenery.
Coffee Bay’s famous ‘Hole in the Wall’ mountain
The quaint coastal village of Coffee Bay has unspoiled beaches, breathtaking hiking points, rustic lodges, and fishing opportunities. The beautiful long beach is great for ultimate relaxation, such as strolling along its rugged coastline, feeling the wind on a horseback ride, or simply working on your tan.
If you feel a tad bit adventurous, swim through the Hole in the Wall, a unique structure with a massive detached cliff that has a giant opening. Once you come out of the structure, you’ll find yourself overlooking the phenomenal Indian Ocean.
Kraalbaai, West Coast National Park
Kraalbai is located on the Langebaan Lagoon in the Western Cape. Just before entering the restricted gates of the Postberg section, Kraalbaai is found while driving through the West Coast National Park into the lagoon.
The enchanting Kraalbaai
A hidden gem and the West Coast’s best-kept secret, Kraalbaai resembles the popular beaches of the Maldives. This magnificent beach has turquoise waters, an idyllic jetty, and a few floating houseboats in the bay.
There are endless activities to enjoy at Kraalbaai, such as fishing, angling, boating, skiing, and kayaking. Moreover, as it has fantastic surroundings, you can upgrade your beach expedition by going on a hike or a birding adventure in the nearby fynbos. The Postberg Nature Reserve and Langebaan Country Estate are neighbouring attractions in Kraalbaai.
Dolphin Beach, Jefferey’s Bay
Jeffery’s Bay, also known as JBay, is hailed as the surf capital of South Africa. Local and international surfers flock over to surf the best waves that South Africa has to offer.
A surfer glides smoothly along the waves in Dolphin Beach
Dolphin Beach is a beautiful, wide, sandy beach. It is also the location of the world’s most perfect waves, famously called supertubes. June to September are the ideal months to watch experienced surfers exhibit their skills. Aside from surfing, Dolphin Beach has an amazing reef that allows tourists to snorkel when the waters are calm.
Dolphin Beach’s beauty can be experienced all year. When you are not participating in the hive of activities, you can take a leisurely stroll on the beach, snap some iconic pictures of Table Mountain, or visit nearby sites such as Jeffery’s Bay Shell Museum and the Dolphin Park Entertainment Centre.
Sodwana Bay beach, KwaZulu Natal
Sodwana Bay Beach is a magnificent spot to appreciate a tropical holiday without venturing anywhere else. Perched idyllically on the Elephant Coast in KwaZulu Natal, the beach offers classic white sands, azure waters, and warm weather throughout the year.
A boy fishes as the sun sets in Sodwana Bay Beach
The long stretch of beach promises plenty of things to see and do for tourists. For starters, scuba diving is one of the major activities, as Sodwana Bay has clear water and rocky reefs. Dive boats run every day to take divers out to the outlying reefs surrounded by thriving coral and marine life.
Aside from this, other adrenaline-filled activities like quad biking, horseback riding to dunes, deep-sea fishing, snorkelling, and even hydrofoiling are available. Once you venture outside of the beach, you can explore Sodwana Bay’s coastal forests, which showcase rich vegetation and birdlife.
With numerous beaches spread all over South Africa, one cannot fail to miss the gorgeous coastlines of the country. For the perfect vacation, don’t forget to include the mentioned beaches the next time you visit South Africa.
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