Highlights of South Africa’s Coastline

With a coastline that stretches over 2,500km from the border with Namibia, down to the southern tip of Africa and then back up to the border with Mozambique, South Africa is home to spectacular beaches fronting both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Whether you are seeking pristine white sand shores, vibrant coral reefs or rugged cliffs dropping down towards crashing waves, South Africa’s beaches have it all.

With such diversity, selecting the right beach destination becomes crucial, as each spot offers something unique. Whether you are on a family holiday, honeymoon or in search of adventure, there is a perfect option for you. Here, we highlight some of the most unforgettable beach destinations in South Africa and suggest what kind of traveller each is best suited to.

Cape Town boasts the lion’s share of South Africa’s 54 Blue Flag beaches, renowned for their high environmental and sustainability standards. Among them, Clifton and Camps Bay stand out with their fine white sands and proximity to the city centre. Ideal for sunbathing and people-watching, these beaches also offer an array of dining and entertainment options nearby, with the only caveat being that the waters tend to be icy, so swimming is for the brave.

For those seeking seclusion, then you cannot go wrong with beautiful Llandudno Beach – a firm favourite with locals and the perfect place to watch the sunset over the ocean. This kind of beach holiday is perfect for anyone looking to combine the joys of days spent soaking up the sun with wonderful restaurants and shopping opportunities. It is also ideal for those looking for a luxury holiday.

Just outside of Cape Town, as you travel along False Bay towards the Whale Coast you will discover a treasure trove of beaches, each more picturesque than the last: Hermanus, Betty’s Bay, Pringle Bay and Bikini Beach are well worth a visit – and if you are lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a whale breaching in the distance.

A little further along the route, you can explore expansive natural reserves that encompass the coastline along with the indigenous fynbos biosphere - Grootbos Forest Lodge in the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve and Morukuru Ocean House at De Hoop Nature Reserve are two of our favourites, with the former great for a romantic getaway and the latter better for families.

Where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge, you will find The Garden Route - a laid-back part of the South African coast characterised by charming towns, uncrowded beaches, mountains and pristine forest. From Plettenberg Bay, to Knysna, Sedgefield, Wilderness and Mossel Bay, you will find endless miles of coastline, perfect to explore on a family rewilding road trip. Tranquil lagoons provide safe waters for children to wade in while more confident swimmers can enjoy splashing around in the waves – here you can expect warmer waters but still refreshing enough to cool you down after a day in the sun.

Heading eastwards along the Indian Ocean, the Wild Coast lives up to its name in offering huge stretches of undeveloped, rural coastline, where green grassy hills dotted with occasional traditional Xhosa dwellings lead towards rugged cliffs that descend into secluded beaches and hidden coves. Hike the ocean-side trail from Coffee Bay to Hole in the Wall, without another soul in sight, with a good probability of seeing pods of dolphins leaping amongst the waves.

The Wild Coast’s beaches are ideal for those seeking adventure with a preference to get off the beaten track, as well as those who want to soak up Xhosa culture while learning more about the rural communities that live in this remote part of South Africa. Accommodation here tends to be more rustic, perfect for those seeking a digital detox away from the distractions of busy urban life.

Up north, not far from the border of Mozambique, you will find iSimangaliso Wetland Park on the east coast of KwaZulu Natal. The park spans 280km of coastline, as well as the St Lucia estuary and is one of the few parks in the world where you can see elephants, leopards, lions, flamingos and hippos along with whales, dolphins and turtles all on the same day.

Sodwana Bay is part of the reserve and is widely regarded to be the best scuba diving location in all of South Africa – and indeed one of the best diving spots in Africa - with reefs ranging from 12 to over 40 metres in depth. This part of the country is suited for families, couples or even solo travellers seeking a diverse experience, filled with adventure and opportunities to encounter untouched wildlife and nature.

If you are looking to explore South Africa’s beaches, we would love to help. Our team of Travel Researchers has long-standing relationships with the best beach lodges and hotels in South Africa and are ready to start crafting your dream coastal adventure today, so get in touch with our team on +44 (0) 20 3821 5994 (UK), +1 (833) 215 9353 (US), or at explore@niarratravel.com and we will get the ball rolling on the journey of a lifetime.