Given South Africa’s vast expanse, navigating the country can be quite daunting, especially for Swiss travelers who are used to smaller dimensions. To explore destinations outside the vibrant metropolis of Cape Town, a car is essential. Public transportation does exist, but it is not quite up to European standards. On all our trips, we prefer the convenience of a rental car from Sunny Cars whenever possible. We wholeheartedly recommend this provider. While the prices are slightly higher than the competition, the peace of mind of being fully insured and having no excess is invaluable to us on our travels.

Alternatively, Uber offers a convenient means of transportation for shorter trips in and around Cape Town. However, we recommend this option primarily for local trips within the city and its immediate surroundings.

Nestled in the majestic splendor of Cape Town, Clifton 4th Beach enchants the senses and refreshes the soul. With its pristine white sand and crystal clear Atlantic waters, it’s no wonder this beach is so popular with locals. The sheltered bay at the foot of the Twelve Apostles ensures that the water here feels a little warmer than on other Cape Town beaches. In addition, the protection provided by the mountain range means that it is often virtually windless here – a great advantage, as anyone who knows the notorious winds in Cape Town can confirm. We recommend you experience at least one sunset with the locals; it’s simply breathtaking.

Just a few hundred meters from Clifton 4th is Glen Beach in Camps Bay – a place we’ve visited many times and instantly fell in love with. This expansive sandy beach offers almost the same amenities as Clifton 4th Beach, with one exception: the wind. As the bay is not particularly sheltered from the wind, you should only go swimming on windless days, unless you’re an experienced surfer looking to catch some waves. Camps Bay is a tourist magnet, so there is always something going on on the road along the beach. Along the picturesque beachfront you’ll find a variety of street performers and vendors, and the street is lined with top restaurants.

A tip from us:

If you’re hungry and have a penchant for pizza, don’t miss out on Zenzero Restaurant. Whether you opt for the truffle or avocado-topped version, each pizza is an experience in itself.

On the way to Hout Bay, our curiosity led us to a real surfing hotspot, which we consider to be a little insider tip: Llandudno Beach. This picturesque white sandy beach above Hout Bay is definitely worth a stop. The good waves make it one of Cape Town’s surfing hotspots. Unfortunately, the water here is very cold, which is why it is not the best beach for swimming. But sunbathing is highly recommended. Llandudno Beach also attracts many dog owners. So if you are traveling with your four-legged friend, you should visit Llandudno Beach.

Located about 20 minutes from Cape Town, Hout Bay is a picturesque destination known for its fresh seafood and diverse water sports activities. If you arrive by car, you can park directly on the beach, which we have marked for you on the map. The striking, elongated bay is a meeting point for water sports enthusiasts and sun worshippers alike and offers a breathtaking view of Chapman’s Peak Drive, which winds its way along the imposing mountain backdrop.

At the end of Chapman’s Peak Drive lies the charming village of Noordhoek, home to the breathtaking Noordhoek Beach. This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches we have ever seen. We recommend admiring the beach from a vantage point on the main road, which we have marked on the map.

The Venus Pool is a natural rock pool that is filled by the tides of the sea. It offers a unique opportunity to swim in a sheltered area right by the sea. The setting is spectacular, with rocky cliffs, dramatic landscapes and the wild beauty of the Southern Ocean.Please note that access to Venus Pool depends on the tides and you should be careful as conditions can vary depending on the weather and tides.

A visit to Boulders Beach in the charming fishing village of Simon’s Town is an absolute must and is best combined with a trip to the Cape of Good Hope. The cute little penguins are simply irresistible, and there are warning signs along the way warning you to be careful. We recommend that you park your car at the spot marked on the map and then walk over the wooden walkway to the beach.As Boulders Beach is an absolute attraction, there is of course an entrance fee, which is 152 Rand for tourists from abroad. To be honest, we saved ourselves the money: the beach section is often overcrowded as many tourists are there at the same time. In addition, many penguins can already be seen on the wooden jetty, where you can admire them at close range without stepping onto the beach.

The best time to visit is in the morning, when many of these little friends are sunbathing on the rocks. And a tip on the side, please take a quick look under your car before you drive off again.

Lookout Beach is not only beautiful, but also very manageable due to its size, making it perfect for a great day out with the whole family. By car, you can drive directly to the beach via a small, relatively steep road and park there. We have marked the parking lot on the map for you.

We recommend having lunch at the Lookout Deck Restaurant. In addition to fresh seafood, they also serve various types of meat, fries and burgers.

The Robberg Nature Reserve in Plettenberg is home to a real gem among South Africa’s beaches: Island Beach. Entry to the nature reserve costs 60 rand and is absolutely worth the money. In addition to great barbecue areas with views over the cliffs, there are three different hiking trails that also lead to the beach.

Of all the places we visited on our trip through South Africa, Wilderness impressed us the most. There is little hustle and bustle, incredibly good food and a beautiful beach. If you are in Wilderness and love meat, you must make a detour to Joplins. This beautiful restaurant specializes in grilled meat, and to be honest, it was the best meat we’ve ever had. The homemade chili sauce is an absolute must.

But now to the beach:

The Wilderness Beachfront is the rearmost part of the very long Wilderness Beach and one of the few places where swimming is allowed. The water is a pleasant temperature and the viaduct on the rocky coast is an absolute highlight. If you drive between the residential buildings towards the beach, you also have plenty of opportunities to park your car for free.