Struisbaai, a charming coastal village located in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, South Africa, is part of the Cape Agulhas Municipality. Positioned just 8 km (5 miles) from Cape Agulhas—the southernmost point of Africa—Struisbaai boasts a stunning beach with soft white sand and ample space for social distancing.

Where does the name Struisbaai come from?

The origin of Struisbaai’s name is somewhat of a mystery, with three main theories circulating. One theory suggests that “Struisbaai” evolved from “Strooi” (meaning straw in Afrikaans) due to the thatched roofs of early fisherman homes. Another theory posits that the name honours the ostriches, or “struisvogel” in Dutch, that once roamed the area. A third theory suggests that the name comes from the old Dutch word for “huge,” reflecting the expansive beaches of Struisbaai, which is home to the longest beach in the Southern Hemisphere.

How do i get to Struisbaai from Cape Town?

Struisbaai is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Cape Town. As there are no direct public transport routes to Struisbaai, renting a car is the best option. The drive itself is picturesque, passing through small towns, scenic wine estates, and beautiful landscapes. Read more here: https://www.tripadvisor.co.za/ShowTopic-g312653-i9207-k3781243-Public_Transport_to_Struisbaai-Western_Cape.html

Swimming Safety

Struisbaai Beach is ideal for swimming, with water warmer than Cape Town’s beaches. During my visit, there were no lifeguards on duty, but the beach is equipped with outdoor showers, an indoor ladies’ shower, toilet facilities, and a beachside restaurant called Sea Shack.

Dining in Struisbaai

For a relaxed dining experience, Sea Shack offers some of the best calamari, chips, and hake in the area. This laid-back restaurant operates with a self-service approach for ordering food and drinks, though staff deliver your meals to the table. The décor features picnic tables under umbrellas with sand floors, contributing to its casual, seaside charm. Live music adds to the atmosphere, though it wasn’t playing during my visit—background tunes from artists like Tracy Chapman and Bon Jovi created a pleasant ambiance instead.

Fun Water Sports

Struisbaai Beach is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Activities such as bodyboarding, surfing, kitesurfing, and diving are popular here. The beach sees numerous kids bodyboarding, fishermen, and kayakers. The waves, while choppy in the afternoon, are manageable and safe for swimmers.

Exploring the Harbour

Struisbaai features a working harbour where you can watch fishermen at work. The crystal-clear waters make it easy to spot stingrays, which some people feed. While feeding wildlife might seem appealing, it’s best to observe these amazing creatures without altering their natural behaviour.

Hiking Trails

Cape Agulhas offers magnificent hiking trails with breathtaking sea views and vibrant fynbos. Notable trails include Spookdraai and Rasperbank, though I’ve only seen images of these. For more information on these trails, visit: Spookdraai and Rasperbank Trails.

Additionally, the De Mond Nature Reserve, located between Arniston and Struisbaai, is a sanctuary for marine life and seabirds, featuring diverse coastal vegetation. Learn more at De Mond Nature Reserve.