When you swim, you feel your body for what it mostly is – water – and it begins to move with the water around it.
Roger Deakin
Do you enjoy finding new beaches and rivers? Are you tired of swimming laps at your pool at home? If so, you've come to the right place, as we are looking at some of the best places for open water swimming in South Africa.
When open water swimming is mentioned, Cape Town's beaches are always talked about, even though the water is more than a little cold. While Cape Town is known for its breathtaking beauty, Durban is often remembered most for its spicy bunny chow and warm ocean water. In South Africa, there are also many memorable rivers and lakes in Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Cape Town that are worth mentioning.
What is Wild Swimming?
So, where can you go for wild swimming adventures? Before answering this question, you must understand what open water swimming is and why so many people are interested in it.
Wild or open water swimming entails swimming in natural bodies of water, such as oceans, lakes, and rivers, offering a unique experience as opposed to being restricted to the confines of a pool.
From the unique Robben Island Swim, which is meant to be an enlightening adventure for experienced swimmers, to the crystal clear waters of Port Elizabeth, there are many places that adventurous swimmers in South Africa can venture to in order to feel the liberation that comes with diving into unfamiliar open waters.
While you might not feel that you will find a cooler experience than swimming in Africa's Zambezi River, filled with pods of hippos, you can very well dip your feet in some of the most exciting open water spots in South Africa. You should not underestimate the turquoise waters of the Klein River Lagoon of Hermanus or the azure waters of Hout Bay.
Firstly, have a look at the guide we provided on where you can go swimming in South Africa, and let's consider some of the best rivers and dams that you can check out in our country. After researching some of the rivers and lakes near you, you would most certainly want to take a dip in one to feel the adrenaline and excitement. In South Africa, it could also be a calming waterfall, a tidal pool, or a rock pool that you wish to escape to; however, it is great to see just how many open water spots you can find in South Africa.
Swimming in Lakes in South Africa
A huge part of swimming for me is I love it, and it is so much fun.
Missy Franklin
Many swimmers are interested in finding the best open waters and seeking out lakes, rivers, dams, and lagoons that they can venture to because they simply love swimming. The thrill of swimming alone makes these enthusiastic swimmers forget all about the cold water or the creatures that call the water home. Below are a few lakes that local swimmers love:
The Lovemore Lake Complex in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) offers a quiet and peaceful lake that people who enjoy the calming open waters can venture to for a moment away from reality. While open waters are considered to be places for those wild at heart, lakes could be places that South Africans visit when they need a mental health break or a break from a mundane working day.
Natural open waters tend to make you feel a sense of calm and tranquillity. Spending a short span of time near the open water can reduce your stress levels considerably..
Did you know that, like the United Kingdom, South Africa has its own Lake Ditstrict?
In South Africa, the Lake District is located near Chrissiesmeer in Mpumalanga and is made up of 270 lakes, making it a place that is exceptionally beautiful. Finding a good place to visit in South Africa, where the scenery surrounding you is breathtaking, can make your journey of discovering outdoor bodies of water all worth it.
Known for over 80 aquatic bird species, the Lake District can be one of the best places to visit to catch a swim, enjoy the water, or just ogle at the surrounding open water lakes.
Choosing to Swim in Dams Near Me
In 2025, a list of the top 10 biggest dams came out, and of these dams, those that are much-loved and often visited by South Africans are listed below.
The Vaal Dam
The Vaal Dam is constructed on the Vaal River and holds about 2 609 799 000 cubic metres of water, making it a spot most loved for water spots. From jet skiing to paddling and sailing, water enthusiasts have learned to make the most of this dam. Most people enjoy staying close to the dam and partaking in activities like fishing and being in tune with nature.
The Bloemhof Dam
The Bloemhof Dam is also known as the Oppermansdrif Dam and is fed by several rivers. The Bloemhof Dam is also a spot frequented by families for fishing activities and other water sports activities like canoeing and kayaking.
The Gariep Dam
The Gariep Dam is located near Norvalspont and is one of the largest dams in South Africa. It is most exciting to venture to the Gariep Dam as it has become one of the best spots for boating activities and for enjoying the wonders of the Gariep Nature Reserve at the same time. While most people visit for the nature reserve, the dam is a welcome bonus.
Aside from being places where swimmers can visit to enjoy the swim, many of South Africa's dams are the lifelines of the country. As much as we rely on the water in these rivers and dams, and as much as we enjoy these open water destinations, water is not something that we should play with, as it can be rather dangerous.
Once you have visited some of the incredible lakes, dams, and rivers in South Africa, you may want to take the ultimate beach holiday. After a holiday on the local coast, you will surely start to see South African beaches as places of fun and learning.
Dangers of Swimming in Lakes and Rivers
The man who is swimming against the stream knows the strength of it.
Woodraw Wilson
Although many of the South African lakes and rivers may appear to be calm, swimming in them can be dangerous. Many times, people underestimate the risks associated with river swimming or when it comes to swimming in swimming spots in the lake where everyone else is swimming.
Did you know that there are, on average, 1 477 fatal drownings in South Africa each year?
Unexpected stronger currents, sudden drop-offs, and submerged debris can create life-threatening situations for many. When it comes to wild swimming, sometimes the water temperatures tend to be colder than expected, making shock and fatigue a possibility. Open bodies of water and natural water bodies can even contain harmful bacteria that can lead to illnesses. Being aware of such dangers before deciding to swim in lakes and rivers can help prevent accidents and ensure that the time spent in the water is as enjoyable as possible.
When you know the risks of swimming in lakes and rivers in South Africa, you may still want to be brave and daring enough to find some of the most thrilling wild swimming spots. It is always a good idea to swim with an experienced swimmer who can guide wild swimming activities or supervise as you attempt to brave the cold water. If you wish to swim in good swimming spots with absolute confidence and without fear, you should reach out to one of our Superprof swimming tutors who offer tailor-made swimming classes.
After taking a few swimming lessons with a skilled coach, you will feel more confident to take the plunge, dive deep in our local beaches, and tackle open rivers and lakes head-on. For experienced swimmers who enjoy the thrill of the swim, A Guide to Tidal Pools in the Western Cape is a great book by Serai Dowling that mentions the history and cultural significance of some of the best outdoor swimming spots in the area that you may want to check out after visiting some of our country's amazing rivers and lakes.
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