The South African South Coast has a lot more to offer than many people may think. We’ve spent many a happy holiday in Ramsgate, and there is always a list of places I have to visit when in the area. But why keep these little gems to myself? 2020 was a tough year for everyone, and we’ve done our best to support small businesses. So in continuing with this trend, here is a list of a few of the great spots we’ve found in the Ramsgate area.
The Restaurants
Chefs on Marine
Great for a breakfast or lunch, with indoor and outdoor seating. The bakery makes delicious breads and croissants, and they also sell their croissants frozen to heat and eat at home - just as delicious as in their quaint restaurant.
Flavours Restaurant
Go for dinner (lovely for a date night)
(Both Chefs on Marine and Flavours Restaurant are located in the Ramsgate Lifestyle Village on Marine Drive).
The Packshed (by Sweetdale)
Mainly open for dinner and Sunday lunch, however also open for lunches during the holiday season. Booking essential. They are known for their artisanal fusion food, they call it “artisanal tastes of simplicity”.
The Waffle House
Go for waffles! Savoury or sweet.
There is always a major queue to get a table at the Waffle House, more often than not we are not willing to wait in the queue, but if you are feeling up to it, it is worth the wait. There are lovely walking paths surrounding the area, and a curio / gift shop to browse while waiting for your table (see below retail therapy section for the shop).
They do not take bookings, first come first served.
A Little retail therapy
Natural Interiors
Natural home decor, accessories and gifts. Beautiful, simple stuff.
Baobab Galleries
Handmade Madagascan baskets, jewellery, ornaments and smocked children’s clothing.
(Both Natural Interiors & Boabab Galleries are located in the Ramsgate Lifestyle Village on Marine Drive)
Gaze Basket Shop at the Waffle House
Crafts and curios from South African artisans. (Sadly the Gaze art gallery has closed down.)
The Fair Vintage Lifestyle & Decadent Dorothy
Antiques, collectables, including furniture, sculptures, artworks, crockery etc. A great place to browse.
The Great Outdoors
Trafalgar Beach
A beautiful, clean, blue flag beach.
Dogs are not allowed on the main beach where lifeguards on duty to watch swimmers, however are allowed on the extended beach.
From Trafalgar Beach, there is a lovely walk along the coast, approx. 3km, to the Mpenjati river mouth (approx. 6km return). Don’t be surprised if you pass a few nudists (!). The Mpenjati Naturist Beach is located just before the Mpenjati river mouth, and was given nude-beach status by the local municipality in 2014. This is the only official nudist beach in the country.
Southbroom
Southbroom has a number of beautiful beaches stretching along its coastline. The beaches include tidal pools, surfing spots, restaurants, and swimming areas with and without lifeguards.
You will also find the Frederika Trail and View Deck, part of the Frederika Preserve (a South African Natural Heritage Site) in Southbroom. The trail is approx. 1km long (2km return) stretching from a residential area to the beach. The trail is rambling and can be quite steep in parts. Whether you are tall or short it also requires some ducking below low lying branches. Look out for a variety of bird species, Bushbuck, Duiker, Dassies, Mongoose, Porcupine, Monkeys and Bushpigs (we saw and heard only birds).
Clearwater Trails and Beaver Creek Farm
This inland gem features a number of different walking, running and mountain bike trails of varying distance based on your preference. Dogs are allowed on leads and there is a coffee shop to reward yourself on trail completion.
Some routes include the Clearwater Gorge View Deck which has a stunning view over the Mtamvuna river, the border between KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.
Ski Boat Bay
A delightful little bay, quite sheltered and therefore great for swimming when the tides are right.