The African Voyager

Garden Route, South Africa

Life’s a beach: the Garden Route’s top 5 beaches

Southern Africa • See & do • Life’s a beach: the Garden Route’s top 5 beaches

Sun, sand and surf: exploring the Garden Route’s best beaches

South Africa’s Garden Route is famous for its golden sands, rugged cliffs and inviting waves, offering plenty to discover for every type of beachgoer. Here, your day at the beach could mean navigating tidal pools, spotting dolphins beyond the breakers or even hiking trails that hug the shoreline. The variety is what pulls you in, here you can explore rugged landscapes, interesting wildlife and even learn about local legends. With so much to discover, we’ve selected a few of our favourite beaches along this coast that shouldn’t be missed.

Herolds Bay Beach

Tucked into a quiet cove just 15 kilometres from George, Herolds Bay Beach feels like it’s been plucked straight from a postcard. This golden stretch of sand, cradled by rugged cliffs, is perfect for a slow, relaxing day or an action-packed adventure. It’s the kind of place that immediately puts you at ease, it’s sunny, uncrowded and wonderfully scenic. The beach is compact but diverse. Families can enjoy the gentle waves while little ones paddle in the tidal pool or search for treasures in the natural rock pools. During low tide, those pools offer a whole world to explore – tiny crabs and shy fish darting between the rocks. Surfers and bodyboarders are almost always in the water, chasing the bay’s consistent swells and if you are the type that prefers to stay on the sandy shore, you might spot whales during migration season or pods of playful dolphins.

Herolds Bay Beach
Herolds Bay
George
South Africa

Coney Glen

If you’re into dramatic landscapes and quiet spots, Coney Glen in Knysna is a dream come true. This small, rocky beach is located beneath the iconic Knysna Heads, offering spectacular views and an intimate escape. Unlike the bustling beaches nearby, Coney Glen feels like your own little secret. While swimming isn’t ideal here due to the strong currents, the tidal pools are a hit for kids and those who love poking around for marine treasures. The picnic area above the beach is shaded by indigenous trees and comes equipped with braai (barbecue) facilities – a great spot for lunch with a view. The highlight for us is the Coney Glen viewpoint, perched above the beach. From here, you’ll get sweeping views of the rugged coastline and the deep blue sea. It’s a perfect photo opportunity or a moment to just sit back and take it all in.

Coney Glen
2 View Point
The Heads
Knysna
South Africa

Robberg Nature Reserve

Robberg Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Plettenberg Bay, boasts some of the most pristine beaches along the Garden Route. Getting to the beach often involves a walk along one of the reserve’s trails, but trust us, the effort is worth it. The reserve is famous for its three circular hiking trails. We opted for the Witsand Circuit, a manageable 5.5 km hike offering breathtaking views of the seal colony below and the rolling white sands of the climbing dunes. If you’re lucky, dolphins or even the odd shark might glide past in the crystal waters below. But this spot has more to offer than just pretty views – it’s steeped in history too. Among the highlights is the Nelson Bay Cave, which holds traces of human activity dating back to the Stone Age.

Robberg Nature Reserve
Robberg
Plettenberg Bay
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Adam Sivakoff

Keurbooms Beach

If there’s one place in George where locals and visitors gather for consistently great coffee and great breakfasts, it’s Krust Café. This café combines a welcoming ambience with a menu that keeps people coming back. The setting is cosy in winter, with a fireplace to set the mood and buzzing in summer with the sunny days out on the terrace. This trendy spot serves up freshly brewed specialty drinks alongside an ever-changing menu of baked goods and light bites. Their latte art is Instagram-worthy, but it’s the taste that will keep you coming back. Krust Café’s coffee hits all the right notes – smooth, robust and brewed just the way you like it.

Keurbooms Beach
Keurboomstrand
Plettenberg Bay
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Cornerway House

Buffalo Bay Beach

Buffalo Bay Beach, affectionately known as Buffs, is a quintessential Garden Route beach. Located within the Goukamma Nature Reserve, the golden sands of Buffalo Bay stretch endlessly, perfect for long, relaxing walks or building sandcastles with the kids. The main beach’s waves are ideal for safe swimming and if you are looking for something a bit more adventurous you can explore the untamed Wild Side that is located west of the village, part of the Goukamma Marine Reserve. Here, rough seas crash against rugged cliffs, creating a breathtaking contrast to the calm of the main beach. While here, enjoy a meal at the local eatery, Wildside Beach Restaurant, where you can enjoy a classic South African dish while taking in the ocean views.