The 7 Best Beaches In South Africa

If you’re planning a trip to South Africa just in time to enjoy summer, then you’re in luck. Both Cape Town and Johannesburg are slated to be super hot travel destinations in 2020, but there are so many other things to do in this beautiful country that you might not even make it to the cities.

South Africa is marked by several distinct ecosystems, one of them being the dramatic cliffs at the Cape of Good Hope. However, the country’s position at the southernmost tip of Africa means that it’s surrounded by both the South Atlantic Ocean in the west and the Indian Ocean in the east.

What’s this mean for you? That there are tons of great beaches to explore. Put on your swimsuits and later on the sunblock as you’re about to travel to the seven best beaches in South Africa.

Best Beaches In South AfricaHow do these rankings work?

1. Kraalbaai Beach, Langebaan

No, you’re not in the Maldives. You’re still in South Africa. But, heading to Kraalbaai Beach is definitely going to make you feel like you’re somewhere tropical and exclusive. There are many reasons why residents and travellers think that Kraalbaai Beach is one of the best beaches in South Africa, but we’ll let the photo speak for itself.

Best Beaches in South Africa
Image: The Travel Manuel

2. Camp’s Bay Beach, Cape Town

Located in one of the trendiest areas of Cape Town, it’s pretty easy to see why travellers consistently rank Camp’s Bay Beach as one of the best beaches in all of South Africa. This thriving beachside town is home to trendy nightclubs and cute cafes, but it’s the bright blue waves that make people fall in love with Camp’s Bay.

Best Beaches in Cape Town

3. Boulders Beach, Cape Town

If you’re not from South Africa, then chances are that you’re definitely here to visit the infamous penguins at Boulders Beach. However, aside from being home to cute creatures, Boulders Beach is actually a pretty stunning sight to see. 540 million-year-old boulders lay between sandy shores and bright blue water.

Penguins at Boulders Beach

4. North Beach, Durban

If you’re looking to do more than just swim or surf, then North Beach in Durban is definitely one of the best beaches in South Africa for you. Here, you’ll find a lively promenade with casual cafes and even a saltwater swimming pool. However, the surf here’s so good that you’ll definitely want to take a dip in the sea at least once.

North Beach Durban South Africa

5. Noetzie Beach, Knysna

Locals love to holiday at Noetzie Beach, and that’s really no a surprise, as it’s a wonderfully secluded beach serving up stunning views and a unique seaside castle. The lush green backdrop contrasts nicely against the coastline. Make sure you stop by to visit the castles.

6. Coffee Bay, Wild Coast

Coffee trees dot the shores of Coffee Bay, a quaint little town situated on the Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. This beach offers more secluded sights than other popular beaches in South Africa, with locals noting that it generally feels way less touristy than beaches in Cape Town.

Coffee Bay Best Beach in South Africa

7. Hobie Beach, Port Elizabeth

You’ll encounter plenty of things to do at Hobie Beach. It’s where they host the famous Splash Festival each year, and where you’ll find beach volleyball and world boardsailing championships taking place. Locals love this beach especially for the superb sunbathing and bodysurfing.

Elizabeth Thorn

Elizabeth has lived and worked in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia, all of which have contributed to her passion for travel writing. When she's not writing, you can find her exploring little hideouts in Colombia or watching photography tutorials on YouTube.

Contact: [email protected]

View stories