South Africa: coastal playground

South Africa's coastline sparkles! Twenty-seven South African beaches have been awarded international Blue Flag status for 2010/11 for excelling in safety, cleanliness, provision of amenities and maintenance of environmental standards.

The Wild Coast is one of South Africa's most remote stretches of shoreline. Stretching from East London in the Eastern Cape all the way north to Port Edward and the southern border of KwaZulu-Natal, the region is home to some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in the world.

South Africa's 3 000 kilometres of coastline holds many treasures, unspoilt places hidden from mainstream tourists. Discover the space, privacy, soft sand and clear blue waves of the country's secret beaches.

At the end of Golden Mile in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal lies a world of sun, surf, entertainment and wild water rides. Spanning over 15 hectares of prime beachfront, uShaka Marine World is Africa's largest marine theme park and home to the fifth-largest aquarium in the world.

As the host of the 2010 Fifa World Cup Final Draw, Cape Town took centre stage on 5 December. There is, however, another local jewel worthy of attention in these summer months. Take your eye off the Mother City for a moment, head east, and you'll discover one of the world's most remarkable coastal stretches: South Africa's Garden Route.