Great Beach: Cape Vidal , Zululand

Cape Vidal, Zululand
Walking along the beach at Cape Vidal, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re somewhere further north. The sand is golden and never-ending, the dunes are thick with coastal bush and the
sea is wild and blue. All signs of human activity (a few log cabins, a campsite and a car park) are
tucked behind the dunes, so the sense of isolation is complete. Take a few brooding thoughts,
mix with a black subtropical thunderstorm gathering on the horizon, stir in a humid breeze and serve raw.

See

In the winter months, humpback whales cruise past the beach on their way up to Mozambique
and in summer, loggerhead and leatherback turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Twitchers should scan the campsite and coastal forest for birds like the narina trogon.

Do

At low tide, in calm seas, the small bay where the boats launch offers excellent snorkelling. Pack your mask and fins and hold thumbs for nature to play along.

Don't

Drive on the beach; it’s illegal, except at the launch site and immediate surrounds.

Where is it?

Cape Vidal falls within the iSimangaliso (formerly Greater St Lucia) Wetland Park and is 38km north of St Lucia itself. Follow signs from within the park.

Cost

A day permit costs R30 per adult, R15 per child, with a surcharge of R35 per vehicle.

(Note: Prices accurate in November 2009)

Other wild options

Oyster Bay, Hamburg and Cintsa
The Eastern Cape is packed with wild beaches. Oyster Bay, Hamburg and Cintsa are some of the better ones. Sardine fever hits the KZN South Coast in winter and the water teems with sharks, dolphins and birds. Watch the action from any beach between Scottburgh and Port Edward.

Related articles:
Great Beach: Boulders Beach, Cape Town
Great beach: Kasouga, Sunshine Coast

Published 9 December 2009

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