Durban

Just 474 mi (762 km) southeast from Botswana's capital Gaborone, Durban's accessible, beautiful, and safe beaches make it a great escape for this landlocked country (as well as for South Africa). Plus, there are daily flights between Gaborone and Durban, though you will probably have to do a stopover in Johannesburg, making it a quick escape as well.

The city's beachfront stretches for about 12 km (7 ½ mi) from South Beach, at the base of Durban Point, to Blue Lagoon on the southern bank of the Umgeni River. Even in winter (April though September), the weather is particularly pleasant and you will be able to swim.