TRAVEL SA’s hidden seasides
South Africa has about 2 850 km of coastline, from Mozambique to Namibia, with two great oceanic systems - the Benguela and Agulhas currents - flowing around it.
The Agulhas is the warm one, running south along the east coast of southern Africa. And it's this one that keeps the waters so pleasant for swimming along the golden KwaZulu-Natal shores down to the Garden Route. And it's the reason for the myriad small coastal towns.
The Benguela, flowing north along the West Coast, brings cold water up from the south, meaning there is lots of marine life and long, wild stretches of untouched white sand.
WESTERN CAPE
SPARREBOSCH BEACH, KNYSNA
Possibly the Garden Route's most secret beach, Sparrebosch lies below the seaward-facing slope of Knysna's Eastern Head beneath Pezula Championship Golf Club & Championship Course. Park at the Pezula Tennis Courts and hike for an hour to 90 minutes down the Sparrebosch Fisherman's Trail to reach the sand. The first part of the trail is shaded by coastal forest, and a waterfall flows after some rain. Once on the beach, enjoy the scenery or dip your toes in the water.
Cost Free
Need to know No fishing or picnics are allowed here.
What’s to love? The views are magnificent.
Things to do in the nearest town, Knysna: Kayak around Thesen Island, take a boat trip to the Heads, eat seafood in one of the many restaurants or go for a walk in the forest.
KOEËY BAY
Between the sea
