Best Beaches in the South Africa

If you need a break from the sand, Table Mountain offers plenty of daily activities and hikes to enjoy amazing views. You can take a cable car 1,000 meters up the mountain to get a 360-degree view of Cape Town and all of its neighboring suburbs. You can easily buy cable car tickets online or at the on-site box office where prices range from $10-$20 (R200-R360).

After your busy day, head to The Bungalow to enjoy a meal while overlooking a view of Clifton Beach and a paragliding landing spot. The Bungalow is also a trendy spot for Sunday brunch where the energetic crowd could fool anyone into thinking it was a Saturday night. Clifton is home to some of the most expensive real estate in South Africa, so you’ll find amazing Airbnb and hotel options. 21 Nettleton is a highly recommended boutique luxury hotel that offers spectacular views and a secluded atmosphere.

The warm water is protected by shark nets which make for safe swimming, surfing, and bodyboarding. A paved promenade lines the shoreline and is a popular path for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. The small Snake Park Pier extends out into the ocean and provides gorgeous ocean views – and it is a popular fishing spot. If you need a break from the sand there is a nearby skate park, indoor ice skating rink, and saltwater swimming pool. The uShaka Marine World is also only a 7-minute drive from North Durban Beach and offers a family-friendly seafront aquarium, water park, snorkeling lagoon, and shark cage dives. You can easily buy tickets online for any of these activities where prices range from R 140-R 215.

If you get hungry, the shoreline has plenty of casual cafés, bars, and fine dining restaurants. The Circus Circus Beach Café is only a 2-minute walk from the beach and is famous for its breakfast menu. You can also walk 5 minutes to California Dreaming, a two-story casual restaurant with beach views, patio seating, and a full bar. If you’re looking for fine dining, check out The Grill Jichana, an upscale steak house that requires reservations.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, Durban offers many beautiful beachfront accommodations. The Blue Waters Hotel has an indoor pool and is less than a 5-minute walk from the beach, local shops, and restaurants. Another option is the Belaire Suites Hotel, a 4-Star family-friendly hotel with beautiful ocean views. We also like Southern Sun Elangeni and Maharani, a luxury high-rise hotel with over 700 rooms.

During summer months, Umhlanga Beach is extremely lively and will have limited space in nearby parking lots, so be sure to plan ahead. The weather at Umhlanga Beach is usually comfortable and warm regardless of when you are traveling. In the winter, sea temperatures are usually around 20°C while in the summer the water can get as high as 25°C.

The warm, calm waters and lifeguards make the beach safe for swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. Umhlanga Beach is also known for its long stretches of golden sand and the famous red and white lighthouse. The Umhlanga Lighthouse, that's used to warn passing boats of the treacherous seas and welcome newcomers into the Port of Durban, is located in the center of the main beach and is a popular photo-op for many visitors. On the shore beachgoers can sunbathe, play volleyball, and explore small tide pools. A paved walkway lines the entire shoreline and provides easy access to the beach – and it’s the perfect place to go on a long walk.

The town of Umhlanga is home to many delicious restaurants just a short walk from the beach. If you want to enjoy fine dining with the locals, check out The Grill Room that’s located inside The Oyster Box Hotel. If you’re looking for a perfect way to relax after a long beach day go to Elements Café Bar, a chic restaurant famous for their strawberry daiquiris. This restaurant is located in the Beverly Hills Hotel Uhmlanga Rocks – one of Umhlanga’s most popular beachfront hotels. For family-friendly accommodations, check out the Cabana Beach Resort to experience large apartment-style rooms at a relaxing seaside oasis.