There’s nothing like standing on the edge of the ocean – and South Africa boasts two of them! With some 3000kms of coastline fronting the Atlantic and Indian Oceans – not to mention almost 1700kms of sandy beach - isn’t it odd that the country is not really considered a beach destination by international travellers.
It’s coastal diversity is represented by Cape Town’s urban beaches (considered among the best in the world) and tidal pools, beautiful secluded coves and wild, windswept, sweeping bays. There’s something for surfers, beach bums and walkers alike. If you hate the white sand then there are the designated cliff paths and wildlife-spotting options. In coastal towns, you can admire traditional fishing fleets alongside the fine yachts in the newer marinas. You can expect all the water-based activities you’d find in more well known seaside destinations – including snorkelling in its warmer waters up along the coast towards Mozambique. If you don’t fancy getting wet, there’s always horseback riding, a sunset cruise or a seafood restaurant for you to enjoy.
Photos – January, 2024 – Cape Town / Cape Peninsula / Garden Route
It’s true that I didn’t spend much time by the sea in South Africa, which was more often used for ports than beaches.
It’s a long, long way to travel to just sit on a beach isn’t it! Although we did get talking to an Irish couple one night who go every January for the sun (but they seemed to be loaded!!!)
You make a very good point!
I suppose it’s way down the list – after Cape Town, the wineries, safari…. And several visitors we met who were combining South Africa with beach were going elsewhere like Mauritius or Middle East..
So beautiful!
We didn’t expect so much sandy coast. The beaches were fab – and so underdeveloped… As for the food Lissy – you’d love it!!!
Marie, your vivid depiction and glowing photographs of South Africa’s expansive and diverse coastline truly captures the essence of its unmatched beauty and vast offerings. It’s a reminder of the hidden gems waiting to be recognized and appreciated by the global travel community. Your enthusiasm for the country’s beaches, from urban shores to secluded coves, invites us all to explore and cherish these natural wonders. Keep inspiring wanderlust with your eloquent tributes to the world’s less-trodden paths.
We were so impressed – in particular with those beaches close to Cape Town – hindsight is a wonderful thing of course but we came away wishing we’d allowed for a few extra days in the city just to do nothing but enjoy the sand and water… We had such a break further up the coast which was lovely of course but Cape Town was a surprise
It could be tempting to ignore the call of the rest of the country when you hit those beaches, but just say as we always did, “We’ll come back when we’re old and just want to sit”. Know what, that time never arrived. The other family saying we had was “We’ll buy it next time when we bring the car” and that’s why my house lacks large souvenirs of my travels! Glad to know it’s such a grand place for your holiday and now that you are walking again (you are, aren’t you?) it must be absolutely fantastic to be there, see that, and be able to photograph it. You are my window into that world now.
I loved those camping holidays on the continent because we’d the car – which was always jammed to the roof but we could manage to squish some stuff on the way home… And then for a few years we’d a caravan – so everything came home – garden pots, a gorgeous wooden deckchair, a lovely amphora I had until recently… It was hard to go from that to Ryanair!!!
I’m still hobbling Mari but managed to do most of what I wanted – the hardest surface to manage was actually on sand so I couldn’t enjoy any walks on those fab beaches….
You’re right, it’s surprising that with so much coastline it’s not known as the beach destination. Do you follow Wet and Dusty Roads? They do a great job of ‘selling’ some of South Africa’s beaches!
I will certainly check them out…. I know there’s great value to be had once you’re there but was talking to a pal today – she’s just back from Lanzarote – flights for €120… Hard to compete..
Yes, Gambia is probably a less economical choice than the Canaries and certainly Mandina isn’t cheap. Although we don’t usually do package holidays we made an exception for this trip and went with Gambia Experience as they have UK exclusivity on some of the hotels, including Ngala Lodge where we spent our first week, and here.
It’s not a common destination from here at all but it’s caught my eye a few times….
The beaches look magnificent.
They really are – so unspoilt with the whitest of sand and lovely clear water
It’s just so beautiful in every photo!
We’ve many beautiful beaches here at home of course – but the blue sky is usually missing!!!