Go to Blue Flag Beaches
With summer well and truly in its prime, it seems a waste not to spend every available hot, sultry day soaking up some sun and sea on one of South Africa’s many beautiful beaches. An even better option would be to check out some of the country’s 27 Blue Flag beaches, which have all been awarded this coveted international accolade for excelling in cleanliness, safety, the protection of the environment and the provision of amenities.
1) The Western Cape
The Western Cape has the country’s largest number of Blue Flag beaches, with an impressive 14. The water may be a little chilly, but you will be spoilt for choice with a dazzling variety of pristine sand beaches to choose to lay your beach towel on. For those who like to see and be seen, trendy Camps Bay Beach is the obvious choice, while Kleinmond Beach near Hermanus is perfect for sun lovers who enjoy a nice long walk to stretch their legs. Hawston Beach, also near Hermanus, claims to have some of the safest swimming waters in the Western Cape, while Santos Beach in Mossel Bay often hosts fun family activities.
2) The Northern Cape
McGougalls Bay Beach, just outside Port Nolloth, may be the Northern Cape’s only Blue Flag beach, but it does its province proud by offering a little bit of something for everyone. The water is bracing at an average temperature of 14 degrees Celsius, but is very safe for swimming (for those brave enough). Its sheltered sands and braai facilities make it a great option for a family day out. Walkers will not be disappointed and neither will bird watchers, as the beach plays home to a wide variety of birdlife.
3) KwaZulu-Natal
Lapped by the warm oceans of the Indian Ocean and with no less than six Blue Flag beaches, good old KZN is still a firm favourite for some family fun in the sun. Margate Beach promises warm water all year round, swimming pools and beach umbrellas, but can also become a bit crowded during peak seasons. For those who prefer a quieter setting, Trafalgar Beach lies close to the Mpenjati Nature Reserve and is an untouched natural gem. Marina Beach is also bordered by a nature reserve and has the added benefits of a tidal pool, a small restaurant and some curio shops.
4) The Eastern Cape
Port Elizabeth’s Humewood Beach is a favourite hang-out spot for locals and visitors alike, and forms part of the city’s promenade which links the beach to various restaurants, shops and facilities along the beach front. It also boasts some of the best facilities for disabled people of any beach in South Africa. Dolphin Beach at Jeffrey’s Bay is a Mecca for surfers, while Kariega Beach at Kenton-on-Sea has one of the most scenic locations in South Africa; nestled between two river mouths and bordered by undulating sand dunes.
For more information on these and South Africa’s other Blue Flag beaches visit http://www.blueflag.org/.
Compiled by Rebecca Johnson
