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SSouth Africa is home to many picturesque beaches, water worlds and slide parks, all that offer more than just the usual swimming.
Here are our top picks for a great day in the sun and surf:
In Cape Town
Miller’s Point tidal pool, in the cove of Rumbly Bay, is about 5km south of Simon’s Town. The site, once a whaling station, is now the venue for much happier pursuits like swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling and kayaking. The bonus: it is secluded and likely to be less crowded than other beaches. There are crafty baboons in the area, so take care when picnicking and please do not feed them.
Did You Know?
SSouth Africa has an impressive coastline of over 2 500 km.
FFalse Bay’s water is warmer than that on the Atlantic seaboard and the south-easterly current can help cool down the hot summer weather. Nearby is the Black Marlin Restaurant, a well-established eatery that’s famed for its seafood. It has an enticing cocktail menu that includes the Black Marlin: tequila blanco and blue curacao with Schweppes Dry Lemon and lemonade. Visit www.blackmarlin.co.za
IIn Durban
Umdloti Beach, north of the city, has a natural lagoon and rock pools. Its tropical, calm waters are an ideal playground. It’s also known for the pods of dolphins that visit regularly. It’s close to King Shaka International Airport, so a flight for a few days on the beach sounds like a good idea.
At the end of a hard day’s sunbathing and splashing about, cocktails at the SandBar help restore the soul. Try the Zulu Caipirinha, a mix of rum, sugar syrup, fresh lime juice and crushed ice. Visit www.sandbarkzn.co.za
In Port Elizabeth
King’s Beach stretches more than 1.5km and offers safe swimming and paddling, with lifeguards on duty. It has a waterpark, putt-putt course and go-kart track, as well as change rooms and ample parking. Like all the coastal cities and beaches, it’s crowded in the holidays, but February can be a good time to get a patch of golden sand to yourself and relax with a book, or your headphones and a laid back playlist.
When the sun sets, you can head to La Kouzina, a Greek restaurant with two cocktail bars. The restaurant also has a substantial sushi menu. Visit www.lakouzina.co.za
In Johannesburg
Happy Island in Muldersdrift is a complex with a selection of slides and pools that feature lounging areas, stomach-swooping action on the Tornado, Gravity Loop, High Speed Slide and Behemoth Bowl.
Try the tubes that drift through the 850m Lazy River course that is surrounded by gardens. There are also big wave pools. Travellers can book accommodation nearby. Visit www.happy-island.co.za
Stoke City Adventure Park might not be the ocean, but there’s plenty of fun to be had at this waterpark in Midrand. It offers water skiing, wakeboarding and kneeboarding using an overhead cable. There’s also an obstacle course with inflatable slides, ladders, and bridges, and a 1.2km open-water course for more serious athletes. On land, visitors can enjoy a game of beach volleyball, explore the jungle gym, ride along the BMX course or have a picnic. Visit www.stokecity.co.za
In the North West
Sun City’s Valley of the Waves theme park offers visitors the chance to surf, swim and ride water chutes in the midst of the African bushveld. Yes, you read correctly — this immensely popular theme park and entertainment venue is a recreation haven in the middle of the bush.
The Valley of the Waves theme park is a jewel in the crown of the Sun City resort complex, no mean feat when you consider the enormous range of leisure activities on offer at the resort.
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