Cape Vidal, the most beautiful beach

28 Replies

To us, there is no more beautiful a beach in this country than Cape Vidal. Miles of sand stretching as far as the eye can see, lined between densely forested dunes and the warm blue water of the Indian Ocean (in the waves of which dolphins and whales can often be seen), with rock pools harbouring fascinating marine life exposed at low tide.

Cape Vidal
Cape Vidal
Littoral life at Cape Vidal
Cape Vidal rock pool
Littoral life at Cape Vidal
Crab on the beach
Enjoying the beach
Cape Vidal by Starlight
Dolphins in the waves at Cape Vidal
Dolphins in the waves at Cape Vidal
Crystal clear Indian Ocean
Littoral life at Cape Vidal
Rock pools at Cape Vidal
Grey-headed gulls
Grey-headed gull in flight
Grey-headed gull taking flight at Cape Vidal’s beach

Cape Vidal is named after Alexander Thomas Emeric Vidal, captain of the British surveying ship HMS Leven, that mapped this coastline in 1822. Today, this pristine area falls within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, is one of the most popular destinations in the reserve and an excellent base from which to explore the Eastern Shores of Lake Saint Lucia. The accommodation and campsite is managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and often booked out months in advance. There’s a fuel station and a small shop selling only basic essentials, so it is best to stock-up on your groceries at St. Lucia town before entering through Bhangazi Gate 35km to the south of Cape Vidal. Apart from all the activities that the beach caters for, Cape Vidal is also one of the best spots in the country to easily see a wide variety of otherwise very shy forest birds and animals (like Samango Monkeys and Red Duiker).

Cabin 18 at Cape Vidal, iSimangaliso Wetland Park
The road to Cape Vidal
Banded mongoose
Dark-capped Bulbul
Thick-tailed bushbay
Natal Red Duiker
Samango Monkey

28 thoughts on “Cape Vidal, the most beautiful beach”

      1. aj vosse's avataraj vosse

        Ja… ons sal wen… ek voel net meer en meer mismoedig oor die hele werk situasie… nie lekker om die stress te belewe en te sien in die familie nie!!

    1. DeWetsWild's avatarde Wets Wild Post author

      My plesier, en heerlik om te weet jy’t jou “virtuele” kuiertjie by Cape Vidal geniet! Nou net plan maak om bietjie in lewende lywe daar te gaan uitspan. 😉

      Reply ↓
  7. Jen Sawicky's avatarJen Sawicky

    Beautiful shots! I’m so impressed you got a photo of a bushbaby! Every time I’ve seen one, they have disappeared before I managed to get my camera up!

    Reply ↓
      1. sonelscorner's avatarSonel

        Nee, nog glad nie De Wet. Ek is ‘n ou huishen. Dis waarom ek die blogs so geniet partykeer. Ek doen eerder ‘virtual travelling’. 😆

      3. sonelscorner's avatarSonel

        Hahah! Ek twyfel sterk, maar as ek doen, sal ek beslis so maak. Dis regtig pragtig daar. 😀

    1. DeWetsWild's avatarde Wets Wild Post author

      Thank you Maamej! The night sky above Cape Vidal will definitely take your breath away; not one iota of light pollution on the beach to spoil the view.

      Reply ↓

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