Human Rights Day Swim
- Mar 21, 2013
- Last edition date
- Distance: 2.5km
At a glance
- Last edition date
- March 21, 2013
- Distances
- 2.5 km
- Where
- Sea · Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- Registration
- openwaterswimming.com
About the race
The 2.5 km Human Rights Day Swim is a solo ocean race held annually on March 21st at Camps Bay Beach in Cape Town, South Africa. It serves as the only qualifier swim for the Freedom Swim and is part of the Freedom Swim Series. The event commemorates the Sharpeville massacre and promotes human rights.
Course
2.5 km ocean swim race held at Camps Bay Beach in Cape Town, South Africa. Open water course, part of the Freedom Swim Series.
Useful info
Annual race on March 21st. Serves as a qualifier for the Freedom Swim. Commemorates Human Rights Day in South Africa. Registration open as indicated in the title.
How to get there
The race takes place at Robben Island, Cape Town. Airport: Cape Town International (CPT), 20km from the V&A Waterfront. Access: ferry from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront. Cars are not necessary for the race site; parking available at the Waterfront. Urban travel via Uber or official taxis.
Human Rights Day Swim
Frequently asked questions
- When was the last edition of Human Rights Day Swim?
- The last edition of Human Rights Day Swim took place on March 21, 2013.
- What distances does Human Rights Day Swim offer?
- Human Rights Day Swim has a single distance: 2.5 km.
- Where does Human Rights Day Swim take place?
- Human Rights Day Swim is a sea swim. Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
- How do I register for Human Rights Day Swim?
- The reference page for registering for Human Rights Day Swim is https://www.openwaterswimming.com/human-rights-day-swim-registration-open/.
Where to stay
Cape Town provides a diverse range of lodging, from historic boutique hotels nestled in the V&A Waterfront to self-catering apartments in Sea Point. Visitors often prefer the guesthouses in the Atlantic Seaboard area, which offer direct access to the promenade and local swimming spots. For a more authentic experience, some look for short-term rentals in restored colonial-era buildings or modern apartments with views of the mountain. Expect a wide price range depending on the season, typically starting from $60 per night for modest guesthouses to over $250 for premium waterfront suites.
Things to do nearby
Beyond the water, the Western Cape is defined by its deep cultural and natural heritage. Visitors can explore the historical exhibits at the Robben Island Museum, take guided hikes up Table Mountain for panoramic views, or visit the nearby Cape Winelands for seasonal tastings. For those preferring time on the water, kayak and SUP rentals are available in the sheltered bays, providing a unique vantage point to observe the coastline's distinct geology and marine life, including the local seal populations that frequent the harbour piers.
Swimmers
What to see around
1. Table Mountain (hiking/cable car), 2. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, 3. Cape Point and Cape Peninsula, 4. V&A Waterfront (shopping/dining), 5. Bo-Kaap (historic colorful neighborhood). All attractions are within 30km of the city center.
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