7 coastal getaways in South Africa that beat the crowds
Tucked away on the edge of the Namaqualand desert, Port Nolloth is all about peace and wide horizons. The Atlantic waters are cold, but the beaches are endless and the sunsets hit different. It's a great base to explore the Richtersveld or just unplug completely. Don't expect resorts – expect silence, starlight, and the occasional fishing boat. Beach in Port Nolloth, Northern Cape. Image: wikimedia commons
Halfway between Port Elizabeth and East London, Kenton is where rivers meet the sea. It has two tidal rivers, quiet coves, and unspoiled beaches with barely anyone on them. Nature reserves surround the town, so expect wildlife both in the bush and the water. This coastal getaway is great for canoeing, lazy beach days, and a taste of the Eastern Cape's slower rhythm.
Hidden at the end of a winding mountain pass, Nature's Valley is the Garden Route's best-kept secret. It's inside the Tsitsikamma National Park, so no big developments – just forest, lagoon, and a wild stretch of beach. It's ideal for hikers, birdwatchers, and people who want to fall off the grid. Nature's Valley, Garden Route. Image: wikimedia commons
Right up against the Mozambique border, South Africa's Kosi Bay feels like another country. Four interconnected lakes flow into the sea through a pristine estuary full of ancient fish traps still used by local Thonga families. Snorkel in crystal-clear water, explore the wetlands, or take a guided turtle tour. The area is remote, but the rewards are next-level.
About three hours from South Africa's Cape Town, Elands Bay is a sleepy surf town with a rugged vibe. The waves are consistent, the seafood is fresh, and the mountains feel close enough to touch. There's not much to 'do' here, and that's the point. Bring a board, a book, and a hoodie for the evening chill. It's wild, windy, and worth it. Beach in Elands Bay, Western Cape. Image: wikimedia commons
Just up the coast from the better-known Chintsa and Coffee Bay, Morgan Bay keeps a lower profile. Think dramatic cliffs, peaceful lagoons, and long, golden beaches. It's a place families come back to for generations – but it's still largely off the international radar. Nearby Kei Mouth is a jump-off for river ferries and rustic adventures into the Wild Coast.
South of Cape Agulhas, where the Indian and Atlantic oceans mix, lies Arniston – a historic fishing village with a mix of whitewashed cottages and rugged sea cliffs. The main beach is postcard-perfect, and the tidal cave (Waenhuiskrans) gives the town its Afrikaans name. This coastal getaway is close enough for a weekend from Cape Town, but far enough to breathe. Fisherman's cottage in Arniston, Western Cape
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The South African
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Daily Maverick
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Pretoria — a new story emerges among the ghosts of the city's past
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