1. Richtersveld National Park
On a sweltering day, there’s nothing better than floating around in the Orange River while little fish nibble your toes. Since no-one’s around, no need to bother with a cozzie. The Richtersveld National Park.
2. Msikaba, Pondoland ?
Long sandy beaches and warm water make the Wild Coast skinny-dip heaven. Msikaba Drifters Wilderness Camp in Pondoland is set in milkwood dunes just off an idyllic, almost always empty beach. Not private enough? Canoe upriver toward the vulture colony and cavort about naked there. Take a wild coast skinny-dip trip.
3. Woodcliffe Farm, Southern Drakensberg
Off the road from Maclear to Naudes Nek, Woodcliffe Farm backs onto wilderness all the way to the summit of the Southern Drakensberg. From the guest cottage, take a walk along the river and pick a spot, any spot, for a secret starkers swim. The only onlookers will be cows. More adventures in the Southern Drakensberg.
4. Otter Trail, Tsitsikamma National Park
Ever wondered why the Otter Trail is so popular? It’s obvious really: having the best beaches in South Africa all to yourself is worth a few blisters. Pick a trusted team of trailmates or make sure you dawdle at the back of the pack so that you can enjoy your paddle in privacy. My favourite spot is just before the Elandsbos River. Try out a virtual trail.
5. Jock Safari Lodge, Kruger Park
If you’re going to go on luxury safari, you might as well do it properly. Any decent five-star suite at a game lodge should come with a private plunge pool overlooking a prime piece of bush. The ones at Jock Safari Lodge in Kruger Park get my vote.
6. Beaverlac, Cederberg
High in the Cederberg Mountains are plenty of crystalline pools that cry out for skinny dippers. At Beaverlac, there’s a rock pool complete with cascades only five minutes from the campsite, so a romantic moonlit dip is on the cards. Otherwise, try the more remote Totem Pole Pool or go exploring.
