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The South African
3 days ago
- The South African
River meets sea: 5 estuary towns in SA with that soft-water calm
South Africa's estuary towns are more than pretty, they're ecological powerhouses. The rivers here filter water, protect against storms, and cradle marine life at its most vulnerable stages. Something rare happens: salt meets fresh, tides dance with currents, and landscapes settle into a kind of effortless grace. Here are five of the best to visit in South Africa… Kenton-on-Sea, Eastern Cape. Image: canva Tucked between Port Alfred and Port Elizabeth, Kenton-on-Sea is framed by two rivers and wide beaches. Its estuaries are rich with life: canoe through narrow channels at high tide or spot kingfishers in the mangroves. The Bushmans River, one of South Africa's longest navigable rivers, is slow-moving and serene, perfect for long boat rides and lazy fishing days. The town itself is small, safe, and made for barefoot living. Witsand, Western Cape. Image: canva Witsand sits quietly at the mouth of the Breede River, a sanctuary for families, fishermen, and Southern Right whales. In winter, the bay fills with whales calving in the shallows, while summer brings warm days on calm waters ideal for kite surfing or kayaking upriver. The estuary in this town is wide and shallow, gentle enough for kids, rich enough for birders. It's a place for long exhalations and zero pretension. St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal. Image: canva St Lucia is wild in the best way. It's the gateway to iSimangaliso Wetland Park, where hippos graze on the edge of town and crocodiles float like logs. The estuary stretches over 80 km and pulses with life, reedbeds, fish eagles, and rare swamp forests. It's not the usual beach town: it's more primal, more alive. You come here to slow down, but you also come here to remember nature's raw power. Nature's Valley. Image: wikimedia commons Nature's Valley barely counts as a town, and that's part of the magic. Tucked inside the Tsitsikamma section of South Africa's Garden Route National Park, it's a ribbon of homes between forest, lagoon, and sea. The Groot River estuary is calm and glassy, perfect for paddling or drifting. Hikes lead to waterfalls, beaches curve empty for miles, and at night, you'll hear frogs instead of traffic. This place isn't curated, it's untouched. Kosi Bay. Image: wikimedia commons Right near the Mozambique border, South Africa's Kosi Bay is a remote masterpiece. It's not just one estuary, it's a system of lakes, channels, and tidal mouths forming a kind of natural maze. Traditional fish traps built by the Thonga people still stand in the water, undisturbed for centuries. Snorkel in the estuary's shallows and you'll find tropical fish inches from your mask. This is the wild edge of the country, and one of the last true frontiers. Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
22-05-2025
- The South African
7 coastal getaways in South Africa that beat the crowds
South Africa's coastline is world-famous, but most tourists flock to the same predictable spots: Camps Bay, Umhlanga, Knysna. Beautiful, sure – but also busy! If you're looking for sun, surf, and space to breathe, here are seven low-key coastal getaways where the locals go and the crowds don't… 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 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
