July 29, 2025

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When and Where to Go for the Best Beaches in South Africa 

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South Africa is the southernmost country in Africa, with a coastline nearly 2,800 km (1,740 mi) long. The country’s shores are washed by the South Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other. It’s no wonder that one of the main reasons people visit this country is its beautiful sandy beaches. Read on to find out which African beaches are among the most popular. 

When is the best time to visit South Africa? 

If your primary destination is African beaches and water sports, we recommend visiting South Africa during the summer months. Summer here begins in December and lasts until February. The average daily temperatures on the coast range between 25 and 30 °C (77 °F to 86 °F). 

The Best Beaches in South Africa 
Here is a list of 5 popular beaches in South Africa, each offering something unique. 

  1. Camps Bay Beach 

Camps Bay Beach is one of the most famous and beautiful beaches in South Africa. It is located in Cape Town and is popular not only with tourists but also with locals. So, if you’re looking for peace, Camps Bay may not be the ideal beach for you. In addition to the white sand and turquoise water, you’ll also find a number of restaurants, cafes, and nightclubs here. 

What makes this beach so special? Camps Bay Beach lies at the foot of the Twelve Apostles mountains. From the beach, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the mountain peaks. 

  1. Muizenberg Beach 

Another famous beach in South Africa is Muizenberg Beach. Like Camps Bay, it is part of Cape Town, so it is easily accessible from the city center and, therefore, very popular. Muizenberg Beach is known for its iconic colorful beach huts, which are a distinctive feature of the area. The huts are painted in bright colors and are a favorite spot for photos among tourists. 

What does Jan, a passionate traveler from the Czech Republic, think of Muizenberg Beach? “Muizenberg also has beautiful views of the mountains in the background, with people trying to spot sharks from the hill closest to the main part of the beach at Sharkspotter’s Lookout Point. But the further you walk, the more natural it gets, so you really can get the best of both worlds at Muizenberg Beach. It ain’t Cape Town’s most famous beach for nothin’!” 

  1. Boulders Beach 

Do you like penguins? Then Boulders Beach will undoubtedly be the best beach for you in Cape Town, and possibly in all of South Africa. The beach is home to a colony of African penguins, with more than 3,000 living here. This gives you a unique opportunity to see penguins in their natural habitat. 

Note: Boulders Beach is part of Table Mountain National Park, so it is important to follow the park rules to avoid disturbing the penguins during your visit. 

  1. Sodwana Bay 

Let’s move from the Cape Town area to the eastern coast of South Africa, where you’ll find Sodwana Bay. This area is a dream destination for all diving enthusiasts. The coral reefs in Sodwana Bay are home to more than 1,200 species of fish, sea turtles, and dolphins. In addition, you can encounter unique underwater landscapes and rich marine flora. 

  1. Clifton Beaches 

Clifton Beaches is a series of four beaches located in Cape Town. If you’re looking for beaches with white sand, and crystal-clear blue water but less crowded with tourists, then Clifton Beaches are the right choice. Additionally, each beach is popular with a different group of people. 

The first beach is calm, making it an ideal spot for families with children. The second beach is a bit livelier, with music playing and people enjoying beach sports. The third beach is a popular spot for the LGBT community. The fourth beach is the largest but also the most popular, so it tends to get quite crowded. 

Ready to go on vacation? 

Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, observe penguins, or go diving, the beaches in South Africa offer all of this and more. With over 250 beaches, there’s something for everyone here. 

Source: https://www.nextleveloftravel.com/south-africa/2-week-and-3-week-south-africa-Itineraries/ and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muizenberg