A COOL KITESURFING WINTER GETAWAY – CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA 🇿🇦

2 days ago
5 min read

Cape Town is one of the world’s most iconic kitesurfing destinations. From November to March, the wind is strong, waves roll in from the Atlantic, and the conditions are truly world-class.

But Cape Town is much more than strong wind and big waves. It’s a vibrant city surrounded by breathtaking nature, rugged coastlines, vineyards, and mountains.

In the winter of 2018, I was lucky enough to spend two months in this amazing country – from the kitesurfing scene in Cape Town to backpacking along the Garden Route. Later, I spent a month in 2019, and most recently two weeks in 2026. Each of these trips has helped me grow as a kitesurfer and reminded me why I love combining sport, nature, and culture.

WHERE TO STAY?

As a kitesurfer, it’s definitely best to stay just outside Cape Town itself – close to the beach and the main spots. Look for apartments or kite-friendly guesthouses in Table View, Blouberg, or Big Bay. They’re available at a wide range of price points.

Here, you can kite directly from the beach, and it’s in these areas that you’ll find the relaxed surfer vibe. There are plenty of kite shops, cafés, restaurants, stores, and supermarkets – everything you could need.

If you’re less confident in the waves or want to improve your freeride skills, Langebaan is the place for you.

Even though you can kite straight from the beach, I highly recommend renting a car. It gives you the freedom to explore different spots – and, just as importantly, to experience everything else the area has to offer. Alternatively, many people also use Uber.

WHERE TO KITE?

There are countless kitesurfing spots around Cape Town. Here are some of the most popular – and the ones I personally spent the most time at.

Big Bay

Big Bay is located north of Cape Town and has a cozy café and shopping scene. It’s especially great early in the morning for paddleboarding, before the wind picks up. Later in the day, the wind strengthens and nice waves roll in – perfect for kitesurfing. The spot is popular, so there can be quite a few people on the water.

Table View

Just south of Big Bay is Table View – one of the most popular and crowded spots. The beach is huge, offering space for both wave riders and those looking to train Big Air.

From both Big Bay and Table View, you can go on amazing downwinders and play in the waves all the way down the coast.

Scarborough /Misty Cliffs

Scarborough, south of Cape Town, is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever kited. The nature is raw and untouched – and the drive is well worth it. The waves can get massive, and the wind gusty, so it’s definitely not a spot for beginners. That said, the experience is magical. There are several advanced spots in the area, as well as a few cozy cafés.

Langebaan

Langebaan, located north of Cape Town, features a large lagoon with flat water – perfect for beginners and freestyle riders. The wind is generally lighter here, and the temperature slightly warmer. Just a few minutes’ drive from Langebaan is the beautiful Shark Bay, which I also highly recommend visiting. If you’re completely new to kitesurfing, I strongly suggest taking lessons here.

WEATHER & WIND

The wind in Cape Town is strong – often 15–20 m/s – so you don’t need to pack your largest light-wind kites.

During the summer months (our winter), air temperatures hover around 25°C, with water temperatures around 18–19°C. (In 2026, it was only 15°C! Brr, that was cold!) The wind is chilly, so a wetsuit is necessary. I wore a 4/3 mm, while others were fine in a 3/2 mm – I get cold easily.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

You’ll fly into Cape Town International Airport. It’s about a 40–60 minute drive to Blouberg/Table View. Prices are generally lower than in Denmark – especially for food and dining out. Renting a car is highly recommended.

SAFETY

Throughout all three of my visits to Cape Town, I haven’t experienced anything unpleasant. However, poverty is widespread, and crime is significant. It’s a place of stark contrasts, and there’s often a feeling that you need to constantly watch your back.

South Africa still bears the scars of apartheid – the system that, until 1994, segregated people by skin color and created deep social and economic divides. Even though apartheid is officially in the past, its consequences are still felt today.

The city is divided. Wealthy areas with ocean views and cafés are just a few kilometers from townships, where poverty is severe. Inequality is visible and hard to ignore.

This left a strong impression on me. It’s important to travel with respect and awareness of the history – to understand that privileges are not evenly distributed. Tourism also plays a role, both positive and problematic, in the way a country develops.

Traveling around Cape Town requires a bit of caution:

Avoid walking alone at night
Use Uber instead of walking long distances after dark
Keep an eye on your belongings
Ask locals for advice about areas

How long to stay?

I’d definitely say one week is too short. The wind doesn’t blow every day, so if you want enough time on the water, I recommend staying at least two weeks. That way, there’s time for both kitesurfing and other experiences.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Every season, one of the world’s most prestigious kitesurfing competitions takes place: King of the Air. Some of the best kitesurfers in the world compete to see who can jump the highest and pull off the wildest old-school tricks. The atmosphere on the beach that day is truly special. I watched the competition myself in 2018 – an incredible experience! And our dear Danish kitesurfer, Nick Jacobsen, has even won the event before.

The surfing community in Cape Town is unique and welcoming – you quickly bond over smiles and laughter in the water. On top of that, the city offers amazing restaurants, cafés, and bars, both around the beaches and in the city center.

If the wind isn’t blowing, or you just need a break from the water, there’s plenty to do:

Cape Town is so much more than kitesurfing.

Hikes

Table Mountain and Lions Head are classics. Lions Head takes about an hour to climb – perfect for sunrise or sunset.

Surf in Muizenberg

Less than an hour’s drive from the city is Muizenberg – a colorful surf area with cheap board rentals and a relaxed vibe.

Markets

I visited two markets that really capture the city’s atmosphere:

The Old Biscuit Mill – creative, urban, and full of street food
Oranjezicht City Farm Market – fresh produce, great views, and a local feel

Wine and Nature

The areas around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek offer vineyards, beautiful scenery, and peaceful days away from the wind. I especially recommend Babylonstoren for lunch.

Other

I highly recommend a drive along Chapmans Peak, perhaps on the way to Cape Point, the southernmost tip. Also, visit Simon’s Town and Boulders Beach to see the penguins.

Garden Route

The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s most beautiful road trips.

It’s a coastal stretch east of Cape Town, known for dramatic cliffs, green mountains, small surf towns, and national parks. Along the way, you can go on exciting hikes, explore wild beaches, surf world-class spots, spot whales, and drive through charming little towns.

I traveled the route alone and hung out with other travelers I met along the way. It was a beautiful and memorable experience – I highly recommend it (or at least part of it) if you have the time.

Cape Town is for the experienced kitesurfer who wants to progress in strong conditions – but also for the adventurous traveler looking to combine sport with nature, culture, and freedom.

For me, it wasn’t just a kite destination. It was a place that reminded me how much you grow when you put yourself in new environments with respect for the forces of nature.

Good wind and safe travels 🤍 / Emely from OceanSoul