Unbeknownst to many, South Africa has several nudist beaches. Admittedly, some of them are more official than others, but all of them accept bathers who strip down to enjoy the beach in nothing more than what nature gave them.
If you are a keen naturalist, or maybe thinking about trying it, the nude-friendly beaches to go for are:
1. Sandy Bay, Cape Town
2. Lighthouse Beach, Port Alfred
3. Umhlanga Lagoon, Durban
4. Secrets Beach, Port Elizabeth
There are, however, certain rules to abide by, so make sure you are aware of the dos and don’ts before you go.
1. No photography allowed, unless it is of yourself or your own group of friends and everybody agrees explicitly.
2. Staring or looking at others is considered rude. Everyone is there to enjoy the beach and do their own thing.
3. No sexual behaviour of any kind is allowed.
4. Always take a towel and do not use other people’s chairs without it.
5. Males who experience unexpected erections must cover themselves up.
6. Rude comments are forbidden, as are obscene or offensive language, racism, sexism, homophobia or sexual or erotic material.
Once you’ve got these down, here are some general tips for the newly-nudes:
1. Take enough sunscreen. There are some places you just don’t want to burn!
2. Only go if you feel comfortable, and are comfortable with others around you being nude.
3. Always keep your clothes and other belongings in your sight, as you do in all beaches and public places.
4. Remember that public exposure is illegal, so be sure to only strip down in designated nudist beaches.
Image: Instagram/ldiegosbraga
