Kiddʼs Beach: Beach, River and Trails

Kiddʼs Beach combines a surf spot with paddling opportunities on the Mkhanzi River lagoon, as well as trails along the river and coast. When choosing a destination, it is worth distinguishing between these offerings: they differ in activity, starting point and the conditions that matter when planning. If you are looking for a hotel in Kiddʼs Beach, your main plans can guide the start of your trip planning—whether surfing, a waterside outing or a walk.

Beach, Surf Spot and Water Activities

Kiddʼs Beach Main Beach was on the municipal list of beaches monitored by lifeguards for the 2024 summer season. This information applies to the 2024 season and is not a guarantee of current lifeguard supervision. If lifeguards are important to your beach plans, check the current situation before your visit.

Kiddʼs Beach is also a surf spot. Since surf conditions vary, take the conditions on the day into account when planning. The Mkhanzi River lagoon is suitable for canoeing and kayaking. This gives you a choice of different water activities: surfing at the spot or paddling on the lagoon.

River Scenery and Trails

On the eastern side of Kiddʼs Beach, the Mkhanzi River appears to form a boundary. Its name derives from the Xhosa word “Umkhanzi,” meaning “reed.”

The Kiddʼs Beach River Walk follows the course of the river. Along the way, you may spot Goliath herons or fish eagles; sightings are possible but not guaranteed. The trail therefore combines a riverside walk with the opportunity to watch birds.

Another route leads from Filia’s Place through bushland, across the Mkansti River and under the R72. Check local conditions before setting out. You can plan the route based on its course without assuming an additional distance or walking time.

A coastal walk leads from Kaysers Beach to Kiddʼs Beach. It depends on the wind and requires transport to the starting point. So include the trip to Kaysers Beach in your plans and take the wind into account. Unlike the River Walk, which follows the river, the coastal walk makes the starting point, transport and wind key planning considerations.

Tides and Trip Planning

Nearby, Mermaid’s Pool is located at Second Beach (Leonards Bay). The natural pool becomes visible at low tide. If you want to see it, plan around the tides; the location at Second Beach also helps distinguish Mermaid’s Pool from Kiddʼs Beach Main Beach.

Then take the relevant conditions into account. For the coastal walk, wind and transport to the starting point matter; low tide is the relevant timing for Mermaid’s Pool, and wildlife sightings on the River Walk remain a possibility. This can help you choose Kiddʼs Beach based on the activities that suit your trip plans.

Discover more destinations: Adelaide, Xwangu, Glen Gariff, Morgan Bay, Kwelera, East London, Stutterheim, Amatola Coastal

For the broader travel overview: Amathole.