Whether you call it exhibitionism or getting back to nature, naturism these days has gone commercial; with specialised resorts springing up around the world, and South Africa is no exception.

Even in our socially-conservative country, naturism has moved beyond the bushes of a few discreet beaches on Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard, with a growing number of resorts tapping into the naturist market.

The South African Naturist Federation (Sanfed) is an organisation which promotes naturism locally, and even organises events for their members to come together in an environment where they can express their individuality and be free from the shackles of clothing. Their mission is “to promote body acceptance and the enjoyment of a clothes-free environment”.

Piet Myburgh, an enthusiastic naturist for the past 11 years, says that Sanfed started up about five years, and is affiliated to the larger International Naturist Federation.

"Naturism is an old thing in Europe, and it came over with our South African ancestors," he says when asked how naturism got going in a country where showing your ‘breast’ features is often frowned upon.

Naturism in the North-West?

There are currently four prominent naturist resorts in Southern Africa, three of which are situated in the North West Province. All of them are endorsed by Sanfed.

Kiepersolkloof is widely regarded as the oldest private naturist area in South Africa. Situated between two gorges in the African bushveld in the North West, the resort is isolated and well-hidden by dense olive and thorn trees. For those wanting to stay the weekend there are self-catering cottages as well as campsites.

Harmony Nature farm, which used to be owned by Myburgh, is a traditional family naturist resort resting on the cliffs of the Magaliesberg mountains, and at just over an hour's drive from Gauteng makes a great getaway for a weekend with a difference.

For a quick naturist getaway the Sun Eden Country Club, situated on a bushveld game farm just 50kms from Pretoria, is certainly the most accessible of South Africa’s naturist resorts. Sun Eden also offers ‘nude recreation’, which allows visitors to partake in a range of activities au naturel.

Down at the coast, Lazy Haven Lodge — billed as the “ultimate experience in naturism” — is just 30 kilometres from East London near Kidd’s beach, and offers luxury self-catering nudist accommodation.

Mind your manners

While some may find naturism exotic and exciting, remember though that most naturists are simply there to enjoy being unclothed in the great outdoors. When visiting a naturist area don’t forget to follow a few simple rules of etiquette:

• No overt sexual activity should be indulged in in nudist areas.
• Be careful taking photographs. Ask permission for those in shot if they are strangers.
• The South African sun is vicious, so use sunscreen.
• Get dressed before leaving established nude areas so as not to offend anyone.
• Respect the privacy and space of others, and don't use nudity as an excuse to chat up members of the opposite sex.

Apart from these resorts, a number of beaches across South Africa are open to naturists looking for a bit of sun, sea and sand. These include Sandy Bay near Llandudno in Cape Town, Port Alfred beach near the lighthouse and near the lagoon at Umhlanga beach.

Before you strip off though, check if there are other naturists about. If there aren’t, and you’re not 100 percent sure it’s a naturist beach, rather keep your kit on. If no one else is naked this spot is probably not for naturists and you could be arrested for indecency!

Want to find out more about naturism in South Africa? For more information on the South African Naturist Federation or naturist resorts around the country, visit www.sanf.homestead.com.

Do you dare to go bare?

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• British Naturism homepage
• Naturism in France
• Religious tolerance and naturism