First of all, we must confess we are a little biased when it comes to Cape Town. We have an office here (as well as our UK office), and many of our staff travel here regularly. We love it to bits !

Cape Town in South Africa is well known amongst kitesurfing enthusiasts as THE place to go for strong wind in the European winter months from November to March. There is something really special about this place. For most, it is the lure of the epic downwinder wave sessions, or boosting massive air. There is no doubt it is a challenging place for beginners, or even improvers, so if you are not comfortable in ‘big’ conditions it is best to head up to Langebaan Lagoon kitesurf resort, just a 1 hour drive up the coast; here you will find a stunning flat water lagoon with much easier conditions. Langebaan is also one of the world’s best kite-foiling or Wing Foiling holiday resorts.

Kitesurfing in ‘Cape Town’ really refers to a 10 km stretch of beach starting at ‘Sunset Beach’, connecting to Dolphin Beach, Bloubergstrand, and ending at Big Bay (Eden on the Bay). For a longer wave session, you can keep going up the coast another 20 km to places like Haakgat and Melkbosstrand nuclear power station (yes you can kitesurf right next to a nuclear power station!). 

Here are Planet Kitesurf Holidays we very often get asked two questions when suggesting a kitesurfing holiday to South Africa to someone who has not been before:

Will I get eaten by a shark when kitesurfing in South Africa!? South Africa has historically been known as a ‘sharky’ place but the reality is that there are really no ‘scary sharks’ in this area. Well, it’s the ocean, so we offer no guarantees! In the past ‘white sharks’ have been a long time resident of the ‘Indian Ocean’ side of the Cape (opposite side of The Cape Peninsula to the main ‘Atlantic’ kitesurf beaches), especially around the seal-rich area of Gansbaai and Dyer Island. Numbers of Great White were down to just a few hundred in 2016 (down from 1000’s previously), and most of these have now been driven off by Orca’s patrolling the area. The reality is that there is little food for these large predators on the Atlantic side of the Western Cape, and what worryingly few sharks were left have now mostly disappeared anyway. As far as we know, there has never been any record of any kite surfer (or indeed anyone else … e.g. surfer or open water swimmer) having any incident with a shark in this area on the cold water (Atlantic / Blouberg) side of the city.

Is it safe to go on holiday to South Africa? There is no doubt that South Africa has a big problem with violent crime, and the capital of Johannesburg is certainly one of the most crime-ridden cities on the planet. However, the main kitesurf resorts around Bloubergstrand, Big Bay, and especially Langebaan Lagoon are very safe and very popular with tourists. Care should be taken in more remote locations, especially around the walking and cycling trails in the region. It is not advisable to go walking or cycling by yourself without first getting local recommendations. Like any big city, we also would not suggest walking around the city late at night by yourself. Outside of this, the Western Cape is an extraordinary destination to visit, with some of the most stunning scenery on the planet.

Top 3 kitesurf holiday hotels for Cape Town

The main area to stay is either Blauwberg or Big Bay. If you are looking for a good place to stay, especially if you are travelling with a non-kiting partner or family, there are really only a small number of good quality accommodations. 

Blaauwberg Beach Hotel – This is a great hotel in a perfect location for a kitesurf holiday in Cape Town, right opposite one of the main kitesurf beaches, and also a perfect place to finish a downwinder from Sunset Beach. The large modern sea view rooms have stunning views over the sea. The famous ‘Doodles’ restaurant is right next door; a super popular place for kiters to grab some ‘big’ food and then party into the weekend evenings. We would recommend this hotel, especially for families and couples. 

Aquarius Suites – A block of modern, spacious 2 and 3 bedroom apartments right in the main centre of Blaauwberg, opposite the main kitesurf beach, close to lots of bars, restaurants and cafes. There are a number of kitesurfing schools and shops close by. Just around the corner from this hotel is the very popular Bootlegger Cafe; highly recommended for great coffee and food. This is a very popular spot for grabbing breakfast ahead of your windy day! Thalasson Suite is recommended for families and couples looking for good quality accommodation close to lots of amenities. 

Dolphin Beach Hotel – one of the oldest hotels in the area, and the only hotel that is ‘directly’ on the kitesurf beach. Most of the very large 2 and 3-bedroom apartments are privately owned residences, rented out by the hotel when not in use. Although very large, they can feel quite ‘old fashioned’, and even a little ‘muggy’. But the beachfront location is stunning. It is a few minute’s drive to the restaurants, cafes and bars in Blaauwberg. This location is great for windsurfers or kitesurfers who want to be able to sail or kite directly in front of their hotel.

Looking to stay with other kitesurfers in Cape Town?

If you are travelling alone, or just want to be in a more social environment with other like-minded kiters, a room in a shared house is a great idea. There are a number of these in the area, mostly offering quite simple shared rooms. If you are after something a bit nicer then we recommend Cape Town Kite Club. Set a short walk from Big Bay kitesurf and windsurf spot, this is a cool modern house offering some of the best-shared accommodations for kitesurfers in Cape Town. 

Planet Kitesurf Holidays is a South Africa kitesurf holiday expert. We can arrange anything from a single hotel stay, to a complete tour of South Africa, and even in combination with Mauritius, Zimbabwe or Mozambique.

Speak to a South Africa kitesurf holiday expert on +44 (0) 1273 921 001