
Buffalo Bay Beach Buffelsbaai
A Blue Flag beach on the Garden Route, offering calm bay waters for swimming and a rugged coastline for exploration and surfing.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prime whale watching season

Buffalo Bay Beach Buffelsbaai
Best Time
Prime whale watching season

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Blue Flag beach on the Garden Route, offering calm bay waters for swimming and a rugged coastline for exploration and surfing.
"Buffalo Bay Beach is an absolute gem along South Africa’s Garden Route, and I can’t recommend it enough!"

🚗 Early Bird Parking
Arrive before 9 AM for beachside parking; otherwise, a larger lot is a short walk away. :car:
🌊 Two Sides to Explore
Enjoy calm bay waters or catch waves on the western side. Choose your adventure! :ocean:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sheltered Bay Swimming
Bay side
Crystal-clear, calm waters make this a safe and serene spot for swimming, often with schools of fish.

Scenic Coastal Walks
Stretches along the coast
Explore kilometers of soft sand, dunes, and rock pools, with options to Brenton-on-Sea or Sedgefield.

Whale and Dolphin Watching
Offshore
Keep an eye out for migrating whales (May-Nov) and playful dolphins from the shore.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for Prime Parking
Embrace the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Early Bird Parking
Arrive before 9 AM for beachside parking; otherwise, a larger lot is a short walk away.
:car:🌊 Two Sides to Explore
Enjoy calm bay waters or catch waves on the western side. Choose your adventure!
:ocean:🚶♀️ Long Beach Strolls
Walk to Brenton-on-Sea or Sedgefield for stunning coastal views and diverse scenery.
:walking:💰 Expensive Shop
The small shop has necessities but prices are high. Bring your own snacks and drinks.
:moneywithwings:Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Early Bird Parking
Arrive before 9 AM for beachside parking; otherwise, a larger lot is a short walk away.
:car:🌊 Two Sides to Explore
Enjoy calm bay waters or catch waves on the western side. Choose your adventure!
:ocean:🚶♀️ Long Beach Strolls
Walk to Brenton-on-Sea or Sedgefield for stunning coastal views and diverse scenery.
:walking:💰 Expensive Shop
The small shop has necessities but prices are high. Bring your own snacks and drinks.
:moneywithwings:🐬 Wildlife Spotting
May to November is ideal for spotting whales, and dolphins are often seen year-round.
:whale2:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Buffalo Bay Beach is widely praised as a beautiful and versatile destination on the Garden Route. Visitors love its safe, calm swimming waters, soft sand, and opportunities for scenic walks and wildlife spotting. While parking can be challenging during peak times and the on-site shop is expensive, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, making it a must-visit for many.
"Fantastic beach to spend the day. Pet friendly. Parking close to the beach is quite limited so you need to be early for that. There is a big parking lot in walking distance if the one next to the beach is full.
There is a small shop with necessities but be warned it is very expensive. Public bathrooms are not too bad and next to the beach. There is a restaurant as well but I didn't visit it."
Christian Kruger
"Buffalo Bay Beach, or Buffelsbaai, is an absolute gem along South Africa’s Garden Route, and I can’t recommend it enough! This Blue Flag beach is a haven for swimmers, with its sheltered bay offering calm, crystal-clear waters and minimal currents, making it one of the safest spots for a dip. Lifeguards are on duty during peak seasons, adding peace of mind. The swimming experience is phenomenal—schools of fish sometimes join you in the shallow waves, creating a magical connection with nature.
Beyond swimming, the beach is perfect for a scenic walk. Stretching for kilometers, you can stroll from Brenton-on-Sea to Buffalo Bay (about 7km round trip) or venture to the Wild Side toward Sedgefield for an 18km trek. The soft, white sand and crashing waves are framed by breathtaking scenery—dunes, rock pools, and distant cliffs. It’s ideal for whale watching (May to November) and spotting dolphins. The vibe is relaxed yet adventurous, with surfing and angling opportunities aplenty. Facilities like toilets, showers, and a nearby café enhance the experience, though parking can be tight in peak season. Buffalo Bay is a must-visit for its beauty and versatility!"
Megan Krüger
"Another amazing gem of a place - Peaceful beach with soft sand and a bit strong waves. Lots of Parking place and a friendly neighbourhood right next to the beach."
Zeeshan Hasan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Buffalo Bay Beach is located on the Garden Route, accessible by car. It's about a 20-minute drive from Knysna. Follow signs for Buffalo Bay (Buffelsbaai) from the N2 highway.
Yes, there is parking available. The lot directly next to the beach is limited and fills up quickly, especially during holidays. A larger parking area is available within walking distance if the main lot is full.
Absolutely! The walk along the beach from Buffalo Bay to Brenton-on-Sea is a popular scenic route, approximately 7km round trip. It offers beautiful coastal views.
Yes, the drive to Buffalo Bay itself is scenic, with beautiful painted artworks along the road and as you cross the bridge. The Garden Route is renowned for its picturesque drives.
The most straightforward way is by car, taking the N2 and then following local signs. The drive is relatively short and offers lovely views as you approach the coast.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no entrance fee to access Buffalo Bay Beach itself. However, parking fees might apply during peak seasons or at specific designated areas.
Buffalo Bay Beach is typically open to the public from sunrise to sunset. There are no strict opening or closing times for general access to the beach area.
Lifeguards are usually on duty during peak seasons, particularly in the summer months, to ensure swimmer safety. It's always advisable to check local notices for current lifeguard presence.
Advance booking for parking is generally not available. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is the best strategy for securing a prime spot.
Facilities include public restrooms, outdoor showers for rinsing off sand, a small shop, and a restaurant.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Yes, Buffalo Bay Beach is excellent for swimming, especially on the bay side, which is sheltered and has calm, clear waters with minimal currents. It's considered one of the safest swimming spots.
Buffalo Bay Beach is pet-friendly, making it a great destination for those traveling with their furry companions.
Activities include swimming, sunbathing, scenic walks, surfing, and angling. It's also a popular spot for whale and dolphin watching.
Absolutely! The calm waters on the bay side are great for kids, and the beach offers plenty of space for play.
The beach features soft, white sand, making it pleasant for walking and relaxing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant and a beachfront eatery where you can sit with your feet in the sand. There's also a small shop for necessities, though it's noted as being quite expensive.
While specific menus aren't detailed, beachfront eateries typically offer casual dining options like seafood, burgers, and light meals.
Given that the small shop is noted as being very expensive, it's often recommended to pack your own snacks and drinks to save money.
While dedicated picnic facilities aren't explicitly mentioned, the beach is spacious enough to spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic.
Besides the on-site options, nearby towns like Knysna offer a wider range of restaurants and cafes if you're looking for more variety.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning sunsets over the ocean,
the vast expanse of white sand, dramatic coastal rock formations, and the unique marine life if you're lucky enough to spot them.Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing the vibrant blue of the water.
Look for the contrast between the calm bay waters and the more rugged western coastline, the diverse birdlife, and the picturesque dunes.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone to capture aerial shots of the beach and coastline.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Pet-Friendly Explorers
🏄♀️ Surfers and Wave Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dual Nature of Buffalo Bay
In contrast, the western side of Buffalo Bay presents a more rugged and dynamic coastline. Here, the waves are stronger, attracting surfers and those who enjoy the power of the ocean. This area is also ideal for long, invigorating walks, with stretches of soft sand, intriguing rock pools, and dramatic dunes. The transition between these two distinct environments within a single beach offers visitors a diverse range of experiences, catering to both relaxation seekers and adventure enthusiasts.
Exploring Beyond the Sand
For the more ambitious hikers, the 'Wild Side' towards Sedgefield offers an extended trek of up to 18km. These walks are framed by breathtaking scenery, including rolling dunes, fascinating rock pools teeming with marine life, and distant, majestic cliffs. Beyond walking, the waters off Buffalo Bay are a prime location for wildlife spotting. Between May and November, the area becomes a hotspot for whale watching, with migrating whales often visible from the shore. Dolphins are also frequent visitors, adding to the natural spectacle.
Practicalities for a Perfect Day
While the beach offers a small shop for essentials, be aware that prices can be quite high. It's often advisable to pack your own snacks, drinks, and any other necessities to avoid inflated costs. Public restrooms and outdoor showers are available, which are very convenient for rinsing off sand after a day of fun. The presence of lifeguards during peak seasons adds an extra layer of security for swimmers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit