Northern Cape Beaches

About Northern Cape Beaches

The guest houses in the Northern Cape tend to be as irresistibly charming and quirky as the province itself; luring visitors back year after year to enjoy a different South African experience. Although this is South Africa's largest province, it is also one of the quietest (in terms of tourism throughout the year), and has a relatively small coastline to call its own. In fact, the coastline is less than 300 kilometres long, and is only home to a few well-known beaches.

Did you know? For details of the individual beaches, pools and beach activities in the Northern Cape, click to view Northern Cape Beaches & Pools.

But, these beaches are nothing short of spectacular. The white sand and the cool blue of the Atlantic combine to create a destination that is quite unlike any other. After the winter rains, the landscape of the Northern Cape bursts into colourful bloom as millions of wild flowers erupt, creating a vibrant quilt that is on the doorstep of these beaches. Really, this province is about more than any one thing. It offers a unique variety of natural beauty that ensures that its visitors will never forget it.

The Hondeklip Bay Beach is on the shores of the little town of the same name, about 100 kilometres from Springbok. This is a great destination for keen fishermen that want to spend their days on the rocks or sand, trying their hand at catching a dinner for the family. There are loads of rock pools for little ones to explore for hours, as well as pretty stretches of sand for a good tan or a scenic stroll.

The Kleinzee Beach is at the mouth of the Buffels River, 72 kilometres from Port Nolloth. The village is little and the big city is very far away; this spot is all about the immaculate beach and the wild flowers. It is perfect for a getaway for those needing a real retreat from the stresses of daily living. The white sands of the beach stretch all the way to the horizon and are fantastic for beach sports, walks or, for those feeling more energetic, runs.

The beach at Port Nolloth is flanked by pretty holiday homes, from where the gorgeous views of blue and white and the smell of the ocean are best enjoyed. Children love spending time in the rock pools. The Port Nolloth Lighthouse is always interesting to see. It has an unusual design, and is the northernmost lighthouse on South Africa's West Coast.

Alexander Bay Beach is the perfect place to enjoy summer highs that sometimes soar above 40 degrees Celsius. It offers little more than the roar of the ocean and the salty sea spray. And this is just perfect.

The Northern Cape coastline is raw and wild in places, idyllic and serene in others. Just minutes from the beaches, visitors can also go hiking, cycling, exploring the wild flowers, star-gazing, or sampling the local fare at the restaurants. It really is a multi-faceted destination for those wanting a total escape.