Igoda Beach

About Igoda Beach

Just outside East London, where the Eastern Cape landscapes are characterised by green hills and just about more rivers than trees, is the serenity of the Igoda Beach. This beach boasts wide open spaces, white sand, and the warmer waters of the Indian Ocean. It winds through a valley that is flanked by the rolling dunes that are densely vegetated with coastal forest, bisected by the Igoda River.

Igoda Beach is popular for swimming (thanks to the safe conditions of the water) and fishing, as well as for consistently good surfing opportunities. The soft sand is perfect for a game of bat-and-ball, building sandcastles, long strolls, or simply relaxing and soaking up the sun. The beach and the banks of the river are also ideal for picnics. Because the river’s waters are shallower and calmer, it is particularly well-liked by families with small children, or those wanting to float and relax, without tackling waves.

Igoda Beach is located next to a private reserve, where game like impala and blesbok can be seen. This area is also a bird-watcher’s paradise. Keen avian enthusiasts should look out for the fish eagle, hornbill, Steppe buzzard, African oriole, and a variety of kingfishers and owls. The natural flora is exquisite, and promises plenty of exciting finds for those that go exploring the bush and forests.

There is plenty of parking at Igoda Beach, which is accessible from the small village of Winterstrand. In the hills and forested dunes around it are walking and hiking trails that, apart from awesome views, offer a fair amount of adventure for curious visitors.

Igoda Beach is only about 20 kilometres from the city centre of East London, and about three hours’ drive from Port Elizabeth and Addo Elephant National Park.