If your idea of paradise involves salty air, ocean views and a little house that feels like it belongs in a postcard, these coastal cottages across South Africa are the kind of places worth packing the car for.
Image of beach houses used for illustrative purposes/Charles Edelstein/Unsplash
Each one offers a different slice of the country’s shoreline — from the quiet lagoons of the West Coast to the subtropical calm of KwaZulu-Natal’s north beaches.
1. Rooiels Beach House, Rooiels – Western Cape
Where the mountains meet the sea
On the edge of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, the small coastal village of Rooiels sits quietly between rugged hills and sheltered coves. The Beach House is a light-filled holiday home built to frame the ocean and mountain panorama, with large glass walls and wooden shutters that open to create verandas and expansive decks.
Guests see waves rolling onto rocky outcrops by day and starlit silence by night. The architecture is carefully designed to minimise impact on the surrounding coastal fynbos, with an elevated structure so the vegetation continues under the house.
Why go: A short drive from Cape Town while still offering the feel of a tucked-away seaside escape.
2. The Beach Style Cottage, Langebaan – West Coast
Calm lagoon and a touch of whimsy
In Langebaan’s Myburgh Park, this cheerful blue-and-white cottage channels Mediterranean charm on the edge of the lagoon. With a private deck and braai area overlooking the water, it’s made for lazy afternoons, SUP paddles, and early morning strolls through the West Coast National Park nearby.
Inside, you’ll find a light-filled space with quirky nautical décor and a fireplace for winter stays.
Why go: Ideal for couples seeking a peaceful coastal base with plenty of birdlife and lagoon views.
3. Coastal Cottage, Klein Brak River – Garden Route
A riverside escape with a seaside soul
Just outside Mossel Bay, Klein Brak River blends farm tranquillity with ocean energy. Coastal Cottage offers a modern, compact stay with a garden terrace that opens onto the river.
It’s the kind of place where you can spend a morning at the beach and an afternoon kayaking upstream. With Mossel Bay’s restaurants and whale-watching viewpoints nearby, it’s both quiet and convenient.
Why go: Combines countryside calm with easy access to the beach.
4. The Cottage at Morgan Bay – Eastern Cape
Wild cliffs and slow coastal living
Morgan Bay’s cliffs and open beaches have a rugged beauty unique to the Eastern Cape. The Cottage sits just a few steps from the sand, surrounded by milkwood trees and the sound of the sea spray.
Inside, the décor mixes vintage furniture with modern touches, while the patio is built for braais and sunset views over the Kei River mouth. It’s a restful base for exploring the Wild Coast’s hidden coves and small-town charm.
Why go: Great for road-trippers and those craving an authentic coastal community feel.
5. Hole in the Wall Cottages – Wild Coast
Hole in the Wall/Vincentvanoosten, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Rustic beauty in a world of its own
Stay near the famous sea arch at Hole in the Wall, where self-catering chalets at the Hole in the Wall Hotel and Holiday Village sit alongside private stays like Davison Cottage and Beach Cottage. Options range from simple backpacker rooms to family-sized units with sea views, braai areas, and direct beach access.
It’s a place of rolling hills, quiet beaches, and Xhosa hospitality — a true taste of the Wild Coast.
Why go: For rustic seaside stays surrounded by one of South Africa’s most striking coastal landmarks.
6. The Sandals Luxury Guesthouse, uMhlanga – KwaZulu-Natal
Tropical air and easy coastal comfort
In KwaZulu-Natal’s uMhlanga village, The Sandals blends cottage intimacy with boutique guesthouse comfort. Set among palm trees and near the promenade, it’s ideal for a beach holiday without the crowds of central Durban.
Rooms open to lush gardens and a swimming pool, while breakfast is served outdoors under the palms. A short walk takes you to restaurants, coffee spots, and the lighthouse beach.
Why go: A laid-back East Coast stay with year-round warmth.
7. Boggomsbaai Beach Cottages – Southern Cape
A view from Boggomsbaai, looking towards Vleesbaai in the background/Kaleidea/Wikimedia Commons
A quiet bay for dreamers
Boggomsbaai offers a mix of self-catering stays such as Boggomsbaai Beach House, Elysian Bay Cottage, Baltimore Beach Cottage, Sandpiper Cottages, and Meraki – a Greek-style beach house with breezy coastal charm. Many are just steps from the sand, offering sea views, braai areas, and family-friendly comfort.
This sleepy bay, a short drive from Mossel Bay, is perfect for beach walks, whale watching, and unplugged evenings under the stars.
Why go: A peaceful, family-friendly stretch of coast where time slows with the tide.
Planning your own coastal cottage escape
- When to go: The West Coast glows in spring, the Wild Coast shines in summer, and KwaZulu-Natal is perfect year-round.
- What to pack: A cooler box for road trip stops, swimming gear, hiking shoes, and a good book.
- Driving tip: Take your time. Each of these cottages sits along a scenic route that’s part of the adventure itself.
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