Ports and harbours in South Africa

Port of Durban

Durban harbour is the busiest port in South Africa and is also the busiest container port in the Southern Hemisphere. Formerly known as the Port of Natal, the Durban Harbour is one of the only natural harbours between Port Elizabeth and Mozambique, making it a very valuable in the eye's of mariners.

Port Elizabeth Harbour

Port Elizabeth has a thriving harbour in Algoa Bay. Construction is also underway on the new Coega deep water harbour in Port Elizabeth.

Kalk Bay

Kalk Bay is a small fishing village along the False Bay coast of South Africa. The Kalk Bay Harbour is mainly utilized by the fishing community and visitors to the harbour are given the unique opportunity to buy fresh fish (especially Snoek) directly from the fishing trawlers who have returned from a night at sea. This is a must sea harbour, it offers beautiful photographic opportunities and a chance to interact with the locals. If you take pictures of the local fisherman, don't forget to give them a contribution and thank them for allowing you to take pictures ;-)

Port of Cape Town

Positioned along one of the world's busiest trade route's, the Port of Cape Town situated in Table Bay, South Africa, is one of the busiest ports in South Africa, apart from Durban. The V&A waterfront located at the harbour is one of the largest tourist drawing cards. A visit to the Cape Town harbour is a must do activity when visiting Cape Town.

Mossel Bay Harbour

The Mossel Bay harbour located in the Western Cape province of South Africa is a small harbour which caters for the huge oil and gas industry in the area, maintenance crews and service equipment are shipped from Mosselbay to the oil platforms located a few miles from shore. The harbour is also used by the fishing industry in the area. With the Outeniqua mountains across the bay in the background, this harbour makes for a great photographic experience.

Simon's Town Harbour

The Simon's Town harbour is mainly used as a navel base. In fact it is one of the few full navel bases in South Africa, most of the combat units are located in this harbour. This Naval base is also used as a training facility and if you find a lookout spot higher than the base, you will be able to watch the navy doing morning exercises in the base.

Port Nolloth

Port Nolloth is a small coastal town in the Namaqualand region. This domestic port was used mainly by the diamond industry until 2006. The port is now only used by small fishing boats and for recreational boating. The build up of silt inside the harbour has made it possible for only small boats to access the quay.

Hout Bay Harbour

The Hout Bay harbour located in Hout Bay, South Africa, is a popular tourist attraction in the Cape. This harbour is used mainly by the local fishing community of Hout Bay, and this harbour makes for some of the best photographic experiences. Things to look out for in the water while walking on the harbour, are huge seals, jelly fish and sharks. There are a 2 take away joints on the harbour (the 'Mariners Wharf' and another smaller cafe operating out of what looks like a shipping container. Both of these venue's serve the best fresh fish and chips in Cape Town. There is also a great curio shop selling momentous of the area. This is a must do while in Cape Town area.

Saldanha Bay

If you have traveled to the Namaqualand to view the amazing flowers during spring time in South Africa, then a further trip to Saldanha Bay may be just what the doctor ordered. This natural harbour is a great place for water sport enthusiast. The local community relies strongly on the local fishing and tourism industry.

Richards Bay Harbour

Richards Bay is home to the largest coal export facility in the world. The Richards Bay Coal Terminal as it is known, has a capacity for about 90 million tons per year. The area is also rich in aluminium, titanium and other heavy minerals, granite, ferrochrome. The consistent North East winds blowing also make the area a popular kitesurfing hotspot.

The Waterfront - Knysna Quays

The Knysna Waterfront is an exclusive upmarket port used mainly by small private private boats, water sport enthusiasts, small fishing charter and sight seeing cruises. The Knysna heads which is where boats need to go to get out to the open see is extremely dangerous and many boats have been capsized while trying to negotiate the heads. The harbour waterfront is the home of many great food places and curio shops and is a must see when visiting Knysna.