The best beaches in KwaZulu-Natal South Africa

These beaches offer something for everyone, from sheltered beaches for family outings to more untamed beaches that are a surfer’s paradise. Dive or snorkel off the Elephant Coast or enjoy the party atmosphere at one of the four ‘blue flag’ beaches on the South Coast.

The beaches offer many opportunities for relaxation and sports, such as surfing, boating, fishing, and whale and dolphin watching, or for the more adventurous, take a trip in an ultralight to enjoy the spectacular view from above. It’s also a surfer’s paradise, offering some of the best waves in the country. There are big waves everywhere you go, with warm water all year round, so you need little more than a spring wetsuit to keep you warm, and on hot summer days even this isn’t a necessity.

Winter heralds the start of the true surfing season, with eight-foot waves rolling in off the Cape coast between May and August. The swell is a bit smaller in the summer months, making for fun surfing at the many beach breaks, and most surfers take advantage of the windless mornings before the northeasterly winds pick up.

With some 600 kilometers of coastline, only a handful of popular waves get crowded, but plenty of calmer waves can be found along the coast, with plenty of good roads making access easy. With all of this on offer, any surf fanatic would be sorry to miss out on this incredible coastline, and your adventure might even find you surfing a stretch of coastline that has never been touched before!

The southern coast of KZN is home to a variety of “blue flag” beaches.

MARGATE BEACH:

A mile-long beach on the south coast, ideal for swimming, body boarding and surfing. There is also a famous fishing spot on a specially built pier. Margate is a vibrant holiday town with dozens of restaurants, bars and shops, plus accommodation to suit all budgets.

MARINA/SAINT LAMEER:

A beautiful long sandy beach with an adjacent tidal pool. The beach is located between Southbroom and St Lameer and is close to the Trafalgar Marine Reserve and the mouth and lagoon of the River Mpenjati. Lifeguards are always present and the facilities are kept to the highest standards throughout the year. Easy access for the disabled

RAMSGATE BEACH:

Ramsgate is a picturesque town south of Margate. A quiet beach with picnic facilities in a park-like setting offers a haven of peace away from the bustling seaside towns. An easy walking trail runs south from Ramsgate to the picturesque beach and lagoon of Southbroom.

HIBBERDENE BEACH:

Based on the southern coast of KwaZulu-Natal, Hibberdene is a relatively narrow beach that is sheltered from southerly winds. The beach, often with steep slopes, has good waves. A grassy picnic area makes it ideal for families. A new boat launch site has been developed next to the Blue Flag area.

LUCIEN BEACH:

Located northeast of Margate’s main beach, Lucien Beach is a quiet but popular beach accessed by some steep stairs. First-class lifesaving facilities are in place in a new building that has plenty of parking. The elevated parking area offers good views of the sea and coastline stretching towards Margate. A good place to park and then walk along the coast towards Uvongo, a nice walk with views of dolphins and other marine life. Easily accessible from the adjacent vacation apartments.

WILLARD BEACH:

This is the main swimming beach in Ballito, ‘Pearl’ of the North Shore. A 2.4km promenade follows the coastline to the south, providing the opportunity for an easy walk with spectacular views of bays and coves. A more rugged trail runs north from Willard to Shaka’s Rock, taking you through a hole in a cliff; best to try at low tide.