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South Africa boasts some of the finest beaches in the world.
From the pristine coastal stretch of Kwa Zulu Natal's Cape Vidal to the Eastern
Cape's wildest Wild Coast, from the penguin colony of Boulders Beach in the
Western Cape to the sun-drenched shores of Camps Bay - when it comes to beaches,
South Africa win, hands down.
BLUE FLAG STATUS
The Blue Flag concept is an international campaign that has
been keenly adopted by South African tourism, environmental and
hospitality authorities. The Blue Flag award is a way of informing local
and foreign visitors that accredited beaches are clean, safe and most
importantly - environmentally safe.
It must be said that South African beaches are so much more
than a haven for sun-worshippers and surfers….. there is so much to see
and do along its dramatic coastline. Here are some of the choice beaches
in South Africa:
BEACHES IN CAPE TOWN
The beaches of
Camps Bay, Clifton and Llandudno that dot the Atlantic Seaboard are
white and sandy offering beautiful views and spectacular sunsets.
Although the
water is very chilly, on a hot summer day it does make for a refreshing
dip. These are generally the more 'trendy' beaches where many locals
spend their weekends.
Cape Town has some of
the best beaches in the world to offer, so if you're a sand-and-sea
lover be sure to take some time out to relax and soak up the sun.
From the family beaches
on the False Bay coastline to the trendy Clifton beaches on the Atlantic
Seaboard - you're sure to find a stretch of sand that suits your fancy.
EXPLORE
BEACH AND BUSH SAFARIS
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WESTERN
CAPE
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False Bay Beaches
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Hout Bay
GARDEN
ROUTE, WESTERN CAPE
The Garden Route is known for its natural scenic beauty. Not
only is the area a forest within a forest, the beaches are spectacular.
Noetzie
A little way from the arty town of Knysna, you will find the little
town of Noetzie, famous for the three romantic beach castles
situated on the beach, and keen photographer's can't help but snap
up the opportunity to take pictures. Not too far away you'll find
the pristine sands of Buffels Bay, definitely worth a visit for some
serious rest and relaxation.
Plettenberg Bay
`Plett' is one of South Africa's favourite holiday playgrounds, and
for good reason. The gorgeous bay is home to two incredible beaches,
namely Robberg and Lookout Beach. Robberg beach is a real winner
with visitors for it's whale watching success rate and Lookout Beach
offers incredible views of the Outeniqua Mountain range. Lookout,
predictably, is the perfect spot to catch a bright pink sunset…..as
it fades over the ocean's horizon.
EASTERN
CAPE
The Eastern Cape is home to some fine beaches. The beaches of
Port Elizabeth and East London are surfing hotspots and the Wild Coast
is famous for its craggy landscapes and extravagantly beautiful beaches
that go on as far as the eye can see.
Port St John's, Wild Coast
A favorite destination along the Wild Coast, Port St John's offers up
an incredible stretch of coastline. Second Beach at Port St John's is a
tropical paradise and nature lovers find it hard to leave this haven.
The beaches of Port St John's are fantastic for swimming and a nearby
lagoon is a great place to have fun in the sun.
Humewood Beach, Port Elizabeth
The friendly city of Port Elizabeth is known for its wonderful beaches,
protected gently by the curves of Algoa Bay. These sandy playgrounds are
superbly safe for swimming and surfing. King' Beach is a favourite, but
it's Humewood Beach that is hauling in the accolades. The beach recently
won Blue Flag status and for good reason. Not only does the beach offer
best environmental practice, there are also top-class facilities for
visitors. Don't forget to include a visit to the nearby Snake Park and
witness the playfulness of the dolphins at the Oceanarium.
East London's Best
A visit to the laid back city of East London would not be complete
without exploring the thriving beach culture. The beachfront area is a
wonderful combination of sand dunes, rock outcrops and wonderful views
of the ocean. Orient Beach is great for swimming, and the black rocks of
Eastern Beach are great for taking photographs and exploration. Nahoon
Beach and Gonubie Beach are spectacular for long walks.
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KWAZULU NATAL
The beaches of KZN are a veritable wonderland for any
outdoor-lover. The Natal coastline is blessed with fantastic weather all
year round and the beaches along both North and South Coasts are
absolutely sublime.
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Cape Vidal,
Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park
The beach at Cape Vidal has to be one of the finest in the country.
Here, long stretches of snow-white sand go on forever and ever….
This is a wonderful spot for a long, languid stroll followed by a
dip in the ocean to cool off. It is a real adventure to explore the
many rock pools along this beach, and the area is also known as an
excellent spot to sight humpback whales during October.
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Umhlanga Rocks,
KZN
Not too far away from the bustling city centre of Durban lies
Umhlanga Rocks. The beaches of Umhlanga come alive during the South
African school holidays, and offer a veritable feast of fun for the
whole family. Wonderful rock pools, excellent swimming areas, warm
tidal pools and a bona fide working lighthouse all make a visit to
Umhlanga a worthwhile experience. Of course the fact that the
beachfront restaurants and ice-cream parlors are just a stone's
throw from the ocean are also a major plus factor.
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South Beach, Durban
South Beach is known to some as the Miami of Durban. This fantastic
beach has achieved Blue Flag status because of its pristine
condition, and locals as well as our international visitors
absolutely adore the place. There is so much to do at this
beachfront - why not visit the Sea World aquarium and enjoy the
antics of performing dolphins and penguins, or visit the shark tank
and test your nerves. Alongside the beachfront there are local
hawkers selling authentic goods - Zulu beadwork and baskets,
beautiful woodwork and handicrafts - and you may even get to catch a
ride with the local rickshaw….!
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Margate, South
Coast
Margate
Beach lies along what is known as the Hibiscus Coast, and is the fun
capital of the Kwa Zulu Natal South Coast. A fantastic stretch of
beach draws the crowds during holiday season. This is hot chocolate
sundae and hamburger heaven…and that's just for starters. There is
lots to see and do in an around Margate's Main Beach, so don't
forget to visit the local restaurants, shop up a storm at the
village shops or lose your heart to the local artists and their
beautiful wares. Margate's Main beach has also been awarded Blue
Flag status for the quality experience it offers to visitors and for
the fact that the area is environmentally sound.
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