Top Camping Beaches in South Africa
Located on the north Elephant Coast of KwaZulu-Natal inside the Sodwana Bay National Park, Sodwana Bay Beach offers a secluded atmosphere and warm weather year-around. An entry fee is required to enter the national park to gain access to the beach but tickets are only R 35 for adults and R 30 for children. Once inside the park, cars are allowed to drive and park on the sand.
The warm water makes for great swimming, surfing, kitesurfing, snorkeling, and bodyboarding. Sodwana Bay Beach is a very popular recreational diving destination because of its clear water, tropical coral reefs, and various species of marine life. Dive boats launch every day to take divers to the outlying reefs to experience this magnificent underwater treasure – we recommend Triton Diving, one of the most used diving companies in Sodwana Bay. Deep-sea charters are also available for avid fishermen. If you’re visiting Sodwana Bay Beach from November to February be sure to check out the annual Turtle Tours where you can watch sea turtles nest on the shore.
If you get hungry, the main town of Sodwana Bay is only a 10-minute drive from the beach and has many delicious restaurants. We like Mseni, a casual restaurant that offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and delicious cocktails. Another option is The Lighthouse Restauraunt, a family-friendly restaurant in the heart of Sodwana Bay with a full bar and outdoor seating. Tree Pub & Kitchen is another highly-rated restaurant with an indoor pool table and some of the best burgers in town.
If you’re looking for a place to stay check out the Vis-Agie Resort, a large property that has self-catering houses, rustic wooden cabins, a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant. Another option is the Sodwana Bay Lodge, a diving and fishing resort that offers luxury wooden thatched chalets and a wide range of activities, like whale watching tours. We also like Triton Dive Lodge that has spacious cabins, an on-site restaurant, and a communal barbecue area.
