Knysna, but not the Knysna you think
Locals help us uncover the hidden treasures of this Garden Route gem
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We asked our readers where their best swimming spots are...
South Africa is more nudist-friendly than we thought. New survey from Outforia shows that we made the “top 10 skinny dipping countries in the world” list. We’re right behind Israel and just beat the United Kingdom.
The outdoor, nature-loving enthusiast online guide, Outforia, found out from their own survey and scoring methods, that “South Africa is the world’s 7th best country for skinny dipping”. So we asked you, the skinny dippers, beach bums and water babies of South Africa, where your best skinny dipping spots are. This is what came back.
Karen Compton and Patricia Sandra Langenberg Gerber both agree: Sandy Bay Beach just south of Llundudno is just private enough to bare all for a refreshing swim.

Sandy Bay. Image: Antonia Heil
“In my younger days Coetzenburg pool in Stellenbosch after a night out.” Hendrik Lamprecht shared with us.
...on a hot summer night”, says Eugene G. Saayman.
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“Not really a skinny-dipping spot, but Camps Bay was my first with my oh-so adventurous boyfriend and some friends, before curfews and alcohol bans” Khanyisa Ziqhu told us.
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Khulood Arendse says, “...back in my wild rebellious youth, it was Silvermines, today like everybody else, it's my bathtub”.
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Laura Van Wyk asked, “Is skinny dipping in the reservoir on top of Table Mountain allowed, the spring fountain bath in Kirstenbosch gardens on a misty day? Asking for a friend.” Give your legs a break once you've reached the top and rest the night at the Overseer's Cottage.
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Ndabie Kgosidialwa says Beaverlac, in the Cederberg. Or, if you’re close to the Drakensberg, Richelle Steyn recommends the Marble Baths.
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Outforia rated countries based on several important skinny-dipping factors: nudist beaches and clubs, campsites, average annual and water temperature and legality. And, the scores are in.
|
Rank |
Country |
Number of nudist beaches and clubs |
Number of naturist campsites |
Average annual temperature (degrees celsius) |
Average water temperature (degrees celsius) |
Legality |
Skinny dipping score |
|
1 |
France |
397 |
212 |
10.7 |
15.8 |
Legal |
7.04 |
|
2 |
United States |
299 |
253 |
8.6 |
16.9 |
Partial |
6.95 |
|
3 |
Spain |
422 |
95 |
13.3 |
17.9 |
Legal |
6.52 |
|
4 |
Thailand |
9 |
12 |
26.3 |
29.1 |
Legal |
5.64 |
|
5 |
Australia |
66 |
57 |
21.9 |
20.9 |
Partial |
5.19 |
|
6 |
Israel |
3 |
2 |
19.2 |
22.8 |
Legal |
4.37 |
|
7 |
South Africa |
17 |
25 |
17.8 |
20 |
Legal |
4.37 |
|
8 |
United Kingdom |
51 |
160 |
8.5 |
11.8 |
Legal |
4.16 |
|
9 |
Italy |
38 |
36 |
13.5 |
18.9 |
Legal |
4.06 |
|
10 |
Greece |
13 |
18 |
15.4 |
19.8 |
Legal |
4.00 |
Source: Outforia
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Be sexy in the city by visiting these romantic spots.
We’ve named a few, but there’s more top beaches in Cape Town to visit.
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Head out for a hike above, along Sandy Bay beach.
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Knysna, but not the Knysna you think
Locals help us uncover the hidden treasures of this Garden Route gem
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