Surfing in Africa is about venturing to the last frontier. Make no bones about it: Africa is one colossal destination for surfers. Nearly 40 countries boast sections of coastline on the continent, totaling shores that run for nearly 19,000 miles in all.
While oodles of that is reserved for the dive meccas of the Red Sea and the Med-side beach resorts of Tunisia, there are also long (seriously long) swathes of Atlantic-facing territory in these parts.
Great Surfing Spots In Cape Town
South Africa remains the jewel in the crown. That’s natural, what with the swirl of reliable currents that stir up between the Southern, Atlantic, and Indian oceans to give glassy barrels at J-Bay and all the pristine swells of the Western Cape. But it would be a real shame to finish your surfing in Africa there.
The tropical reefs of Mozambique, the untrodden spots of Liberia, and the waves of Madagascar are also on the menu. The great thing about surfing in Africa is that there’s almost always a wave on offer. It’s all just a matter of picking the right place at the right time.
Downsides of planning an African surf adventure include lack of infrastructure and some difficult-to-reach spots. That’s not totally down to simple building issues like a dearth of roads, but also unstable political situations and whatnot.
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Africa and the Middle East have been traditionally overlooked by the surfing community, but that is changing! As surfers constantly seek out new challenges, as popular spots become overcrowded, and as the sport grows in popularity, the need for adventure and unconquered waves becomes paramount.
With a diversity of water all around, from Africa’s Atlantic coast to the Red and Black Seas and the Persian Gulf of the Middle East, opportunity abounds for the surf community. These places are often known for engaging other types of watersports, too. Diving, parasailing, fishing, cruising, skiing, and kayaking are some favorites.
Most visitors imagine courting ferocious beasts on an exciting jungle safari or riding a camel over sand ridges on a dreamy desert escape in Africa, but how many people think of flocking to the African coasts for a surf break? As it turns out, the southwest-facing, meandering Moroccan coast means surfers can catch waves years round (though October to March is prime)! But, do not neglect the islands off the coast of Africa or beautiful South Africa.
The Canary Islands (sure they belong to Spain, but they are right there off the southern Moroccan coast!) and Sal Island get great surf due to their strategic locations.
Where to Surf in Africa
There is huge potential for discovery of new spots in Africa. The two areas most associated (and visited) by surfers would have to be South Africa and Morocco.
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South Africa
South Africa being well know for world class spots and getting lots of coverage in magazines. An amazing destination with the legendary waves of J-Bay, wildlife parks to explore, culture and traditions older than time to experience. The 3000kms of coastline at the bottom of the African continent boast beautiful beaches and bays of consistent waves from Durban to Cape Town. The locals are friendly, the food great and you can surf quality waves over reefs, points and beach breaks almost all year around.
Animal safaris aren’t the only sort that South Africa has up its sleeve. Surfing has been nothing short of ritual in these parts for decades. A whopping 2,500 miles of coastline over three ocean bodies sees to that. From cape to cape, you’ll find world-class spots around every bend in the breathtaking roadway. From J-Bay near Port Elizabeth to Elands Bay out west.
South Africa always has something pumping. The country faces in three directions, giving it the Atlantic and the Indian and the Southern oceans alike.
For the most variety in surf and locations, South Africa is the single destination with the best to offer in Africa
Best Surf Breaks in South Africa
- Jeffrey’s Bay (J-Bay): Worth the trip alone! Easily South Africa’s most famous wave and said to be one of the best righthanders on the planet. It works best in July and August when there are usually back-to-back swells with a good period to help join up the sections at the east-facing spot of J-Bay. Jeffrey’s Bay is world-renowned for its different surf breaks such as, Kitchen Windows, Magna Tubes, Boneyards, Super Tubes, Salad Bowls, Tubes, Points & Albatross, each possessing its own magic.
- Cave Rock: Short, perfect and hollow wave in the Durban area.
- Elands Bay: Long lefthander on the remote west coast above Cape Town.
- Sunset: Just one of the half dozen big wave breaks that make Cape Town one of the most hardcore surf destinations anywhere.
- Bruce’s Beauties: A century ago, a guy called Bruce went to search the perfect wave…Here is where he found it. Bruce’s Beauties has the A-class wave, just as Super Tubes. It has a very fast, powerful and hollow wave. This is where you can see the masters at work. Only down-side, it is very inconsistent and breaks only a few days a year.
- Seal Point: A bit further, you’ll find a spot for all surfers, called Seals Point. The waves are less hollow as Bruce’s but on a good day, they can offer a long ride.
- Huletts: Situated between Bruce’s Beauties and Anne’s Avenue - another hollow, fast and ledgy wave that’s very consistent. Huletts is appropriate for surfers of all level, so once you master Huletts, you could give Bruce’s a try.
- Magna Tubes: Here you’ll find fast powerful and classic waves, as good as anywhere else.
- Boneyards: Right next to Super Tubes. You’ll recognize it with ease, as it is the spot where the waves are breaking almost perfectly, but there are only one or two guys sitting out there. Don’t be fooled, this is a locals only break and they take it as a serious offence if you as an outsider decide to surf there. Yeah, it may have the better wave, but that is the bonus of being a local at Jeffrey’s Bay for quite some period of time.
- Super Tubes: Super Tubes = the best! The waves here can get large (up to about 10-12 feet). This is the ultimate test of your surfing ability. It is very fast, powerful, and very long. As the name suggests, getting tubed is the name of the game. Suitable only for advanced surfers. It’s advised to master Tubes first, another nearby short, perfect hollow wave.
- Point: The Point is super enjoyable with cutback sections and everything else you could possibly want from a wave. The waves here tend to be a little smaller than those at Boneyards and Supers. The difference is, that you will have a much longer ride here than at the other two.
In addition to these, Durban hosts the most consistent waves in South Africa, with regular swells and good wind conditions creating good-quality surf. The swell generally gets bigger the further north you travel, and there are plenty of world-class waves for all levels of experience. The beaches of Durban are a great place to get loads of surfing in, as there are waves working in most spots on most days.
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Top surf spots: New Pier (careful for the locals) with a right and left break for experienced surfers. Dunes - For experienced surfers. Nahoon Reef - world-class waves and the warm waters of East London in the Eastern Cape.
When to Go to South Africa
The seasons are the well defined southern hemisphere seasons of summer (December until February), autumn (March until May), winter (June until August) and spring (September - November). Surfing is best done when the Roaring Forties provide the best swells from March to September. Waves usually range 6-15ft, but you will come across much bigger waves in certain spots. In summer the swell tends to be a bit smaller with some fun waves to surf at the many beach breaks. The exception is the Durban area, where the waves generated from the hurricane swells from December until February can turn the sand bottom pointbreaks into grinding tubes.
The east coast is in a subtropical climate area and wraps around the Western Cape up the Garden Route towards Port Elizabeth. This area is usually hot and sunny during the summer months and mild and wet during winter.
Basically, autumn and spring (May and November) tend to offer the peak conditions for hitting the water, especially if you’ve got your heart set on Jeffrey’s Bay. Generally speaking, you can expect bigger swells all over both capes in the winter months between April and August on account of the strong southerly currents.
Attractions in South Africa
South Africa is an expansive and diverse country, so be sure to explore inland from the coastline. There are mountains to be climbed via epic switch-backing roads, and gorgeous rivers that cut through rugged landscapes. Indulge in the fantastic cuisine, and don’t miss out on Cape Town, with its colonial architecture and endless opportunities for discovery. The safari parks, with Kruger perhaps the best, are worth the flight on its own.
Morocco
Morocco is probably the fastest rising star on the African surf scene. That’s been true ever since the first board-toting travelers set their bags down in the dusty Atlantic fishing village of Taghazout.
Anchor Point is renowned for consistent waves at all tides and the clean lines of its surf. Waves start at about 3ft reaching up to 15ft and can range between about 300m to 500m long. Named after the boiler of a shipwreck that can be seen as the waves form, this is one of the most thrilling spots.
Hidden spots like Sidi Kaouki and that awesome right-hand point break at Imsouane cannot be ignored.
For convenience and renown it's Morocco.
Pros of Surfing in Morocco
- Surf spots are all easily accessible
- Morocco has mild winters.
- The waves generally break over flat rock and sand, with great pointbreaks.
The winter season reigns supreme as the strong North Atlantic currents roll through and pump up the waves around the Essouaria-Taghazout coast. Possibilities of big overheads come in the peak months of December and January, which means beginners could be better off holidaying in March or November. We’d avoid the summer.
Senegal
Senegal might be better known for its high-octane rallies than its waves, but it’s on the rise as one of the hotspots of surfing in Africa. A glimpse at the map of the country will show just how much the capital of Dakar juts out into the ocean. That blesses it with the best of northerly and southerly swells, keeping boards waxed from December to December.
This part of Senegal offers a wide variety of surf, from waves for beginners to reef ledges for pros. Along this scenic coastline there is almost always a sheltered spot with good peaks to be found. This is a favorite spot with surfers, offering one of the best swell windows in the world, with swell coming in from the north, west, and south.
Among Africa's biggest and most consistent swell windows, swells here can approach from the southeast and all the way around from the north, in a 260° turn!
The best wave on the island, the N'Gor Right is one of the classical surfing spots featured in the 1964 surfing movie 'Endless Summer'.
For fewer crowds and world-class surf go to Senegal.
Pros of Surfing in Senegal
- Escape the crowds and the sharks (no shark attacks recorded here) at a huge variety of quality spots that are all easily accessible.
- Many of the surfing spots are within walking distance of each other, as well as being incredibly picturesque with stunning backdrops.
Ghana
Ghana is a relative newcomer but still a tempting prospect for surfers adverse to lineups period. Over 500 clicks of coastline mean there should be plenty to get through, even in a country that’s relatively small for West Africa. South-facing shores mean there’s good shape to a lot of the waves as they turn around the panhandle and off the main Atlantic currents. That’s given the town of Busua in particular something to south about.
Mozambique
Catch the April to October window in Mozambique and you might just be rewarded with empty lineups and glassy walls of Indian Ocean swell. Tofo is the surf capital here and it’s fast becoming a bit of a fav of ours because it’s got stunning beaches and reliable rights throughout the season.
Tofinho at Tofo, near the town of Inhambane, is considered the best surf spot in the country, known for its immaculate reefs and offering a wide variety of waves for every level of experience. The best time to surf in Mozambique is winter (June, July, and August), which still has good beach weather.
Madagascar
One of the world’s largest island sits off the coast of East Africa hoovering up all the same SW swell as South Africa and Mozambique. It’s a stunning land of massive boabab trees and sugar-white beaches. And there’s surf, largely for advanced surfers along a stretch of outer reefs on the southern coast.
Liberia
Robertsport, 50 km north of Monrovia, Liberia’s capital, features stretches of disserted beaches with world-class waves.
Namibia
Skeleton Bay in Namibia has the best lefthander in the world, or near the top depending on opinion. One of these, Ovahimba Point, near the Ovahimba village of Okandjombo, could be one of the best surf spots in the world, as well as one of the most inaccessible.
When to Go Surfing in Africa
West Africa enjoys its prime surf time during the April-August winter period. That’s mainly down to dominant swells that come in from the South Atlantic, but also because winds tend to drop away. This far midway up the continent, you’re also rarely looking at big-wave sets. The norm is shoulder to head, even on the punchiest of days.
Quick Facts about Surfing in South Africa
- Home to the famous wave of Jeffreys Bay aka J-Bay
- Low cost of living and plenty of activities outside of the surf
- Surfing is best when the Roaring Forties provide the best swells from March to September
- The safari parks, with Kruger perhaps the best, are worth the flight on its own
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