The best South African coastal areas to visit this festive season

This scorching hot summer calls for nothing less than a day spent at the beach. The ocean air and summer days spent by the water are a great way to provide some respite from the El Niño heat.

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Here are some great coastal areas to visit in South Africa this summer.

Muizenberg

Only 30 minutes outside of Cape Town, Muizenberg, affectionately known as Muizies, is known for its warm waters, surfing culture, quirky shops and bohemian architecture.

Muizenberg offers a perfect setting for families to come together and make lasting memories. Accommodation in the area ranges from around R650 to R1,500 per night for hostels, guesthouses and simpler self-catering accommodation.

Activities one can do in the area include:

• Surf lessons and board hire: commonly around R300–R800, depending on the operator and duration.
• Walk around for free
• Explore Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve
• Try out the local restaurants

Simon’s Town

Some of the most memorable sights of the Cape Peninsula can be found in Simon’s Town. Accommodation ranges between R1,300 and R2,900 per room in guesthouses and budget rooms.

Activities to try:

• Visit the penguins at Boulders Beach
• Go on a Simon’s Town Ghost Walk
• False Bay Yacht Club
• South African Naval Museum

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Kalk Bay

Located on the False Bay coast, Kalk Bay is best known for its unique fishing community and its seal population present at the harbour. The charming and picturesque village, with houses nestled against the cliffs, is also an excellent spot for cave exploring. The cliffs around the village are riddled with caves.

Hidden gems

The Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape runs along a rugged coast of untouched shorelines, shipwrecks and traditional Xhosa culture. From marine safari activities to local cultural encounters and adrenaline adventures, one can visit a place called Chintsa.

With a 15km stretch of beach, natural forest, exciting outdoor adventures, cultural encounters on tap and a range of accommodations and restaurants, Chintsa is recognised as one of South Africa’s prime coastal destinations.

Featured images: Getty Images/Dan Kitwood

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