Which ZA seaside town to visit in December 2026

maumau

maumau

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Family who live in Canada are visiting us in JHB during December and their boys (14 yrs and 10 yrs) have never seen the sea. Can anybody recommend a safe/clean coastal town for us to maybe hire a B&B or even better if there's a not too expensive hotel. If we can spend 10 days or so there that would be ideal. No need for nightlife or entertainment, it's for family.

Cape Town's out of the question because of travel time and prices.

I'm already in panic mode because
a) previously they've used my car but this time I've said they have to hire a vehicle because the roads here are so bad- I feel mean
b) we have to accommodate 2 adults, 1 boy of 14 and 1 boy of 10. I downscaled 3 years ago so I only have 1 spare room and 3 more family members also only have 1 spare room each so we'll be shuffling people between us - aaaaargggh what a nightmare.
c) the children are very outdoorsy but will be well restricted here - I'm losing sleep about it
d) most of their holiday's going to be on my dime, I'm very sad about that 😭😭 (only kidding I offered to help pay).

I've chosen to partially pay for their holiday and I've chosen to organise accommodation but the responsibility of ensuring they enjoy themselves rests heavily on me. Also how much money am I'm prepared to throw at them to make sure that happens.

Suggestions of a nice town please.
 
if Cape Town (and presumably then the Western Cape) is out of the question due to distance and your starting point is JHB there really is no debate to be had

your question should be: which KZN seaside town to visit
 
Not a beach holiday fan, but Balito is not bad if you can afford the accommodation. I have friends that side and enjoy the couple of trips we had. From others feedback Margate side if you wanna go South Coast, Marina Beach side if you want blue flag.

Cape Vidal in St Lucia isn't bad for a day trip. Might even see some wild life on your way to the beach. Accommodation sucks in St Lucia. Game reserves nearby which is cool and some really nice places to stay and animals.

Africa is Africa though. Take pepperspray with just in case.

Family enjoys Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape. Take taser gun and pepper spray.


Also checkout kidds beach. The kids enjoy kidd's beach. Not the sandy type. But quiet little spot.
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RedViking said:
Not a beach holiday fan, but Balito is not bad if you can afford the accommodation. I have friends that side and enjoy the couple of trips we had. From others feedback Margate side if you wanna go South Coast, Marina Beach side if you want blue flag.

Cape Vidal in St Lucia isn't bad for a day trip. Might even see some wild life on your way to the beach. Accommodation sucks in St Lucia. Game reserves nearby which is cool and some really nice places to stay and animals.

Africa is Africa though. Take pepperspray with just in case.

Family enjoys Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape. Take taser gun and pepper spray.


Also checkout kidds beach. The kids enjoy kidd's beach. Not the sandy type. But quiet little spot.
maps.app.goo.gl

Google Maps

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
maps.app.goo.gl maps.app.goo.gl
Click to expand...

Thanks RV, it's the taser guns and pepper spray that bother me 😧. I'll check out Marina Beach seeing it's for visitors.
 
vigras rojara said:
I'd probably look at Port Alfred/Kleinemonde. It's awesome there.
Click to expand...

Tks Vigras, I have a feeling that's where we'll land up. Just checking hotel prices, would rather enjoy our time there than possibly dealing with a sub-par B&B.

Also prefer to look back with pride in years to come rather than guilt.

Kidd's beach vaguely in the same area.
 
maumau said:
As long as it isn't crowded but I imagine KZN's always busy in December :(
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probably, given that it is the closest coastline to the biggest metropolis in South Africa, and you happen to plan to start your journey from the exact same metropolis

your next best bet would be the Eastern Cape, plenty of secluded spots, but a further drive than anything in KZN of course

having said that as a Capetonian ... our coastal towns, big and small, are absolutely oversubscribed and crawling with gauteng invaders every December without fail too
 
When in december as a week makes a huge difference in how busy some places are and costs.
 
RedViking said:
Margate side if you wanna go South Coast
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:ROFL: them KZN peeps and their piss poor geography knowledge ... the "south coast" is between Cape Point and Port Elizabeth, a good 800km from Margate which is clearly on South Africa's East Coast

RedViking said:
Eastern Cape. Take taser gun and pepper spray
Click to expand...
Eastern Cape in 2026 requires an actual gun, 9mm calibre at least, tazers don't get the job done there
 
maumau said:
Tks Vigras, I have a feeling that's where we'll land up. Just checking hotel prices, would rather enjoy our time there than possibly dealing with a sub-par B&B.

Also prefer to look back with pride in years to come rather than guilt.

Kidd's beach vaguely in the same area.
Click to expand...

If you do decide to look at houses, see if there's anything at a place called Kasouga. It's mid way between Port Alfred and Kenton and is on a lagoon and the beach. It's an incredible place, but there are no shops or restaurants there - need to head for one of the towns for that.
 
Ballito/Salt Rock is a super option, but is mighty popular so you'll rely on luck to find a good spot and it will be pricey.
Check a company called 'Cyberview Letting' - really nice people and have a massive selection of places. If they can't help, they'll tell you who to contact.

I'd recommend St Lucia - better chance to get a place there, plus lots of wildlife for the 'overseas peoples'.

For car rental check out Pace Car Rental (the bloke from Eggchasers use them quite a bit).

And Good Luck!
 
NarrowBandFtw said:
:ROFL: them KZN peeps and their piss poor geography knowledge ... the "south coast" is between Cape Point and Port Elizabeth, a good 800km from Margate which is clearly on South Africa's East Coast


Eastern Cape in 2026 requires an actual gun, 9mm calibre at least, tazers don't get the job done there
Click to expand...
South Coast of KZN
 
Mista_Mobsta said:
Ballito/Salt Rock is truly amazing! Durbs not too far away for a day-outing from North Coast and plenty touristy things to do all over KZN. Heading to South Coast end SEPT so will provide some feedback on the state of the area (Scottburgh - Margate).
Click to expand...

Pse don't forget to update us - enjoy!
 
vigras rojara said:
If you do decide to look at houses, see if there's anything at a place called Kasouga. It's mid way between Port Alfred and Kenton and is on a lagoon and the beach. It's an incredible place, but there are no shops or restaurants there - need to head for one of the towns for that.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the heads up - I trust you as a man of wealth (?) and taste :)

EDIT: Looks good.
 
shinji said:
Ballito/Salt Rock is a super option, but is mighty popular so you'll rely on luck to find a good spot and it will be pricey.
Check a company called 'Cyberview Letting' - really nice people and have a massive selection of places. If they can't help, they'll tell you who to contact.

I'd recommend St Lucia - better chance to get a place there, plus lots of wildlife for the 'overseas peoples'.

For car rental check out Pace Car Rental (the bloke from Eggchasers use them quite a bit).

And Good Luck!
Click to expand...

Appreciate Shinji, thanks for the info.
 
Are you people planning to fly to the nearest airport close to the holiday spot or planning to drive from JHB? The roads are horrific , even worse that time if the year if planning to drive.
 
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