Kogel Bay Beach — Attraction in Western Cape

Kogel Bay Beach is truly one of the most breathtaking coastal gems in the Western Cape. Nestled between dramatic mountains and the wide expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, this public beach feels untouched and raw, giving it a natural charm that’s hard to find elsewhere. The drive along Clarence Drive (R44) to get here is already spectacular, with sweeping ocean views and rugged cliffs, but arriving at the beach itself takes your breath away.

We recently visited for a photoshoot, and it could not have been a better choice. The scenery is diverse – from soft white sand and powerful waves to rocky outcrops and towering mountains in the background – making it the perfect backdrop for stunning, natural-looking photos. Every angle feels picture-perfect, whether you’re close to the shoreline, up on the rocks, or with the mountains framing the scene.

The beach is wide and open, so it never feels overcrowded, and there’s a peaceful atmosphere that makes you want to just pause and take it all in. Swimming isn’t really recommended here because of the strong waves and currents, but for photography, walks, picnics, or just enjoying nature, it’s ideal.

Overall, Kogel Bay is a must-visit if you love scenic beauty, tranquility, and raw natural landscapes. It’s the kind of place where you instantly feel connected to nature – and where memories and photos turn out...

Where my ashes will be strewn some day... As a Gordon's Bay resident I grew up frequenting this beach since age 5... thats 41 years of having a church or a Godly place right in my backyard. Surrounded by towering high mountain slopes and cliff faces the long white sandy beaches are perfect for a romantic sunset walk... NOT picnic!!! Unfortunately the locals are scavengers... yes, the baboons are of great concern and will not hesitate opening car doors, or staring you down in approach to take your cooler box or hand bag in search of treats. The waters of this majestic bay is of the cleanest and warmest in the cape, but please take care to swim where the lifeguards are as the currents here are strong and claim lives every year. Those same strong currents sometimes, seldom but if you know when, make for nice ridable waves from time to time. The infamous Caves are the waves mostly desried by experienced high performance surfers, as it breaks into ankle deep sand and necks have been broken here. You will not be sorry after a visit to this national Biosphere Reserve and the very basic (not well maintaned) camping grounds just off the beach will make any happy camper wantbto come back again and again if the baboons don't ruin...

We enjoyed the stay. The scenary is just priceless and amazing to watch the sunset, clear skies at night riddle with beautiful stars and the sound of the ocean. It just sets a very calm environment.

Few point the Security management of the site need to take note of. The rules is not obeyed or enforced by the security comoany which was a huge problem for us. They says no alcohol allowed yet its not enforced by the people or security. They mentioned no one is allowed onto the site after 23h00 yet the security allowed people in at 01h00 the morning with alcohol and later they played load music the entire night. No security enforcing the rules at the time. We stood up and complained about it on two occasions.

If it was not for the above I would rate the stay a 4.

Note no electricity points and no hot water so he prepared. But is all part of the fun and it made a camper out of my wife as...