Your top 10 South African beaches

Posted by Adel Groenewald on 26 November 2012

Summer holidays and beach outings go hand-in-hand in South Africa, especially since we have so many beautiful beaches to choose from. And since we always tell your where to go and what to do, we thought we’d turn the tables around a bit and let you give your opinion. So, we asked you via Facebook, Twitter and an online survey what your favourite beaches around South Africa are.

So in a very specific order, here are your top 10 South African beaches.

1. Clifton, Western Cape

‘The reason I love Clifton Beach is because it’s not only such a beautiful stretch of beach, but there’s almost always such an awesome vibe there’ says Kirsty Nelson of Port Elizabeth.

*Photo courtesy of Charlie Dave

Book accommodation in Clifton

2. Umhlanga Rocks, KwaZulu-Natal

‘This beach gets my vote – it has warm sea, great year-round weather and a lovely boardwalk. Along with the relaxed town atmosphere makes it hard to beat anywhere in South Africa’ says Philip Orolowitz of Cape Town.

*Photo courtesy of Ethekwini Girl

Book accommodation in Umhlanga Rocks

3. Llandudno, Western Cape

‘Llandudno is the best sundowner beach in world. With the sun setting over the sea and the golden mountains behind you, what more could you ask for?’ says Gregg Mandy of Johannesburg.

*Photo courtesy of James Wight

Book accommodation in Llandudno

4. Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal

‘Ballito offers a promenade for long relaxing walks and great swimming beaches. It’s also child and animal friendly’ says Inge Olivier of Klerksdorp.

Book accommodation in Ballito

5. Camps Bay, Western Cape

‘Every time I start the descent to Camps Bay, the view makes my breath catch in my throat. Just before sunset, the sky lights up in bursts of colour that couldn’t be captured realistically by the most talented artist. Camps Bay holds its breath all day, waiting in anticipation for the night, as the sun retreats languidly into its ocean bed, as the party-goers creep out into the shadows, the cocktails start flowing, the music intensifies and laughter echoes from bars and restaurants, spilling out onto the sidewalk. It’s alive at night, there’s a happening on every corner and never a dull moment’ says Celine Fjeldheim of Cape Town.

*Photo courtesy of Bittlelit

Book accommodation in Camps Bay

6. Durban North Beach, KwaZulu-Natal

‘Durban North Beach boasts a beautiful sunrise that captures your heart. You always have fun in the sun with the warmest waters in Southern Africa and it plays host to the cultural diversity of Durban,’ says Durbs local Shakira Kahn.

*Photo courtesy of Clive Reid

Book accommodation in Durban’s northern region

7. Cape Vidal, KwaZulu-Natal

‘Cape Vidal is a place where kids will discover an imaginary real world: from snorkeling at low tide in the natural tidal pool, to being mesmerized by the rich marine life. It’s a place where nature and people weave together, a magic carpet of memories’ says Riana Mostert of Pretoria.

*Photo courtesy of Craig Sefton.

8. Margate, KwaZulu-Natal

‘I just love Margate beach as it is the best of both worlds. The south side of the beach caters for kids and then for the more mature folk there is the north side’ says Dieter Behrendt, of Krugersdorp.

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9. Blouberg, Western Cape

‘Blouberg has best views and the best sunsets in the world’ says Blaire Milne of Oudtshoorn.

Book accommodation in Bloubergstrand

10. Longbeach, Noordhoek, Western Cape

‘Longbeach is vast and flat, sometimes almost desolate – with Chapman’s Peak towering in the background and the Kommetjie Lighthouse to the south, it’s the perfect spot to take in fresh sea air’ says William Oosthuizen of Cape Town.

Read 5 reasons why Noordhoek is ideal for a weekend break