Best Beach Holiday Destinations in South Africa

Holiday Accommodation KZN South Coast

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September 10, 2025

Visit South Africa’s coastline

South Africa’s coastline is a rare mix of warm subtropical seas, dramatic Atlantic surf and wildly diverse coastal landscapes. If you’re planning a beach holiday, the choices range from family-friendly shores and world-class surf breaks to remote coves and spectacular dive sites. In this guide we put the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast first — because for many travellers it offers the best combination of warm water, accessible beaches, variety of experiences and excellent value. After the South Coast we cover the other must-visit regions so you can plan the perfect South African beach getaway.

Why the KZN South Coast sits at the top

The KwaZulu-Natal South Coast stretches from the southern outskirts of Durban down to Port Edward. What elevates it above many other coastal areas is the combination of:

consistently warm Indian Ocean water suitable for year-round swimming;
a large number of Blue Flag and family-friendly beaches;
close-by dive sites (Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks) and reliable surf breaks;
a broad range of accommodation — from budget self-catering to beachfront resorts; and
compact driving distances that make multi-stop road trips easy.

For families, couples and active travellers who want variety without long transfers, the South Coast is exceptionally well balanced.

KZN South Coast — top beaches and experiences

Key towns and beach clusters (north → south)

Start your South Coast trip at Amanzimtoti and work south. The practical clusters are:

Amanzimtoti → Warner Beach → Scottburgh — a gentle northern gateway with sheltered swimming and family facilities.
Scottburgh → Umkomaas → Park Rynie — Scottburgh’s grassy esplanade leads to Umkomaas, the dive gateway to Aliwal Shoal.
Pennington → Umtentweni → Port Shepstone — central corridor with estuaries, birding and quieter coves.
Margate → Manaba → Lucien → Ramsgate — the holiday capital cluster: lively promenades, Blue Flag beaches and easy facilities.
Uvongo → Shelly → St Michael’s — waterfall lagoons, tidal pools and sheltered swimming.
Marina → Trafalgar → Southbroom → Palm Beach → Port Edward — the scenic southern corridor, great for multi-day stays and nature walks.

Standout beaches

Margate Main Beach — wide sands, seasonal lifeguards and a lively promenade.
Lucien & Ramsgate — Blue Flag beaches with excellent facilities and calm swim zones.
Umzumbe — a surf favourite with consistent breaks and lifeguarded zones.
Trafalgar & Marina — family-friendly stretches adjacent to nature reserves and long shoreline walks.

Activities beyond sunbathing

Diving and snorkelling: Aliwal Shoal (Umkomaas) and Protea Banks (near Shelly Beach) are world-class, drawing pelagics, reef sharks and rich coral life. Certified operators run half-day and full-day trips.
Surfing: Umzumbe, St Michael’s and some Margate breaks suit both learners and experienced surfers. Book lessons in summer or shoulder seasons.
Nature & walks: Uvongo waterfall and Mpenjati Nature Reserve are short, rewarding excursions for families and photographers.
Fishing and boating: lagoon paddles, rock-shore fishing and deep-sea charters run from several harbour towns.

Where to stay

Accommodation options on the South Coast are unusually broad: beachfront resorts and family apartments in Margate, affordable self-catering in Scottburgh and Park Rynie, boutique guesthouses in Southbroom, and small eco-lodges near Port Edward. For families, self-catering units and holiday cottages give the best value.

Practical travel tips for the South Coast

Best time to visit: warm water year-round; December–January is busiest. Shoulder seasons (autumn and spring) offer quieter beaches and good weather.
Safety: always swim between the flags. Lifeguard coverage is seasonal.
Drive times: plan north→south to avoid backtracking. Example distances: Amanzimtoti to Scottburgh ≈ 30–45 minutes; Margate to Ramsgate ≈ 10 minutes.
Essentials: reef-safe sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes for rock-pool exploration.

Cape Town & the Western Cape — dramatic Atlantic beaches

Cape Town’s coastline is visually iconic, with Table Mountain as a backdrop and beaches that cater to a range of tastes.

Highlights

Clifton 1–4 and Camps Bay: fashionable, sheltered coves for sunbathing and people-watching. Expect strong winds some days.
Boulders Beach (Simons Town): famous for African penguins and family-friendly sheltered coves.
Muizenberg: long, gently shelving sands and an ideal spot for beginner surfers.

Who should visit

Great for travellers who want a mix of city culture, fine dining and coastal scenery. Note that Atlantic waters are colder; bring layers even in summer.

Garden Route & Plettenberg Bay — scenic bays and family escapes

The Garden Route blends forest, estuary and sea in a compact drive-along. It’s ideal for families and road trippers.

Highlights

Plettenberg Bay & Robberg: long beaches, whale watching (seasonal), and coastal hikes.
Nature’s Valley & Wilderness: serene beaches framed by indigenous forests and lagoons.

Activities

Whale and dolphin cruises, coastal hikes, and family-friendly beaches with lifeguards.

Eastern Cape — the Wild Coast and Jeffreys Bay

From raw wilderness to internationally renowned surf breaks, the Eastern Cape has two distinct coastal personalities.

Wild Coast

Coffee Bay and Hole in the Wall: cliff-backed beaches, cultural village experiences and remote hiking. Ideal for travellers who want rugged coastline and authentic encounters.

Surf hub

Jeffreys Bay: “J-Bay” is a mecca for surfers; Supertubes is one of the planet’s most famous point breaks.

KZN North Coast & Durban — urban beaches and luxury

The North Coast, often called the Dolphin Coast, is known for its family resorts and upmarket holiday towns.

Highlights

Umhlanga Rocks: a polished promenade, lighthouse and family beaches.
Ballito: lively beaches, surf and good dining options.

Ideal for

Travelers seeking resort comforts, golf courses and easy access to Durban’s city facilities.

West Coast & Northern Cape — solitude and seasonal blooms

For a very different seaside mood, head to the West Coast or the Namaqualand coast.

Highlights

Langebaan Lagoon: calm waters for kayaking and kitesurfing.
Paternoster: white-sand beaches, seafood and a quiet village atmosphere.
Namaqualand (spring): inland wildflower displays pair well with coastal solitude.

Planning your trip — practical tips

Match region to mood: KZN South Coast for warm family beaches; Cape Town for Atlantic scenery and nightlife; Garden Route for varied nature & beaches; Wild Coast for raw escapes.
Book high season early: December and Easter fill up quickly.
Transport: rent a car for flexibility, especially on the Garden Route and Wild Coast. Domestic flights connect major hubs if time is limited.
Safety & conservation: respect wildlife rules (do not feed animals), stick to flagged swimming areas, and carry any coastal permits where required for reserves.

Short sample itineraries

5-day family break (KZN South Coast): Day 1 Amanzimtoti; Day 2 Scottburgh & Park Rynie; Day 3 Margate family day; Day 4 Uvongo waterfall & Shelly Beach; Day 5 Port Edward calm cove.
7-day surf & dive (KZN & Eastern Cape): Umzumbe surf sessions → Umkomaas dive to Aliwal Shoal → Jeffreys Bay surf camp → relax in Plettenberg Bay.

Conclusion

If you want warm water, family-friendly beaches, easy logistics and great value, the KZN South Coast deserves to be at the top of your South African beach list. It combines the practical with the picturesque — surf and dive options, safe bathing, natural highlights and a wide range of accommodation. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a surf road trip or a relaxing seaside break, South Africa’s coastline delivers. Start with the South Coast, then choose a second stop — Cape Town, the Garden Route or the Wild Coast — to round out a memorable trip.