Margate

Travel Guide
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Relax on the beautiful beaches, swim in the pristine water and learn to surf in this luxury oceanfront town on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. 

Margate has an abundance of beaches, outdoor recreational activities, restaurants and shopping locations. See exotic birds, play a round of golf and relax on the sandy beaches at this pretty resort town. Explore the rivers, natural areas and lagoons. Dive, snorkel and swim in the warm Indian Ocean.

Relax at Margate’s attractive Margate Main Beach, an accredited Blue Flag beach. Swim in the sub-tropical water or play beach volleyball. Lifeguards operate on this beach, making it perfect for families. With swimming pools and restaurants, the Main Beach is one of the most popular areas in Margate. Stroll along Beach Road and Marine Road for more bars, restaurants and shops.

Dive into the warm water and spot colorful tropical fish and coral reefs. Protea Banks is a wonderful spot for scuba diving and snorkeling, where you’ll see large schools of fish and possibly sharks. Rent a canoe or a paddleboard and explore one of the many lagoons on the coast. Take a speedboat ride and learn to waterski on the Umtamvuna River. The Umzimkulu River also has exciting water activities, including Jet Skiing and river tubing.

Wander through the aviary at the Uvongo River Nature Reserve and learn about its many exotic birds. See rare species including the grey waxbill and purple-banded sunbird. This 69-acre (28-hectare) reserve is known for its walking trails and riverine birds. Play a round of golf at the Margate Country Club’s immaculate course or a game of bowls on the club’s green.

Margate is located about a 15-minute drive southwest of Port Shepstone and 100 miles (170 kilometers) from King Shaka International Airport. Travel from Durban, a journey of about 80 miles (130 kilometers). You’ll find the right place to relax in its oceanfront rooms, cottages and guesthouses.

Try canoeing, boardsailing, snorkeling and many other exciting water activities in the remarkable resort town of Margate.

Where to stay in Margate

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Manaba Beach

Though Manaba Beach might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Uvongo Beach and Margate Beach.

Manaba Beach
Margate Hotel
Margate Hotel
3 out of 5
Lot 3139 Marine Drive, Margate, KwaZulu-Natal
The price is NT$1,341 per night from May 5 to May 6
NT$1,341
per night
May 5 - May 6
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Margate. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Margate Beach and Hibiscus Mall Centre are located nearby. ...
7.4/10 Good! (140 reviews)
"Great experience, welcoming and friendly staff. Quick to repond and solve any issues. Cleaning staff doing great job. Will most definitely come back"

Reviewed on 2024/1/6

Margate Hotel
Margate Beach Club
Margate Beach Club
3 out of 5
5 Duke Road, Margate, KwaZulu-Natal
The price is NT$1,672 per night from May 6 to May 7
NT$1,672
per night
May 6 - May 7
Stay at this 3-star beach apartment in Margate. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Margate Beach and Hibiscus Mall ...
9/10 Wonderful! (18 reviews)
Overall pleasant stay
"Clean facilities with friendly staff. There are plenty of activities for children. The games room and putting green, in particular, were a hit for our little ones. Right on the beach, with a secure access-controlled gate for added security. To avoid noise traffic near the stairs, I would recommend ..."

Reviewed on 2021/8/27

Margate Beach Club
First Group Margate Sands
First Group Margate Sands
4 out of 5
William O'Connor Drive, Margate, KwaZulu-Natal
The price is NT$1,903 per night from May 6 to May 7
NT$1,903
per night
May 6 - May 7
Stay at this 4-star beach apartment in Margate. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Margate Beach and Hibiscus Mall Centre ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (35 reviews)
A good family apartment
"Helpful friendly service, although this property is probably quite old maybe 20yrs old it has been maintained very well, linen of a high standard and comfortable tv dst channels work well and free wi-fi works well. Would recommend for a family holiday."

Reviewed on 2023/11/3

First Group Margate Sands
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Margate Beach Club
Margate Beach Club
3 out of 5
5 Duke Road, Margate, KwaZulu-Natal
Stay at this 3-star beach apartment in Margate. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Margate Beach and Hibiscus Mall ...
9/10 Wonderful! (18 reviews)
Overall pleasant stay
"Clean facilities with friendly staff. There are plenty of activities for children. The games room and putting green, in particular, were a hit for our little ones. Right on the beach, with a secure access-controlled gate for added security. To avoid noise traffic near the stairs, I would recommend ..."

Reviewed on 2021/8/27

Margate Beach Club
First Group Margate Sands
First Group Margate Sands
4 out of 5
William O'Connor Drive, Margate, KwaZulu-Natal
Stay at this 4-star beach apartment in Margate. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Margate Beach and Hibiscus Mall Centre ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (35 reviews)
A good family apartment
"Helpful friendly service, although this property is probably quite old maybe 20yrs old it has been maintained very well, linen of a high standard and comfortable tv dst channels work well and free wi-fi works well. Would recommend for a family holiday."

Reviewed on 2023/11/3

First Group Margate Sands
First Group Costa Smeralda
First Group Costa Smeralda
3 out of 5
Remington Lane, Margate, KwaZulu-Natal
Stay at this 3-star beach apartment in Margate. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Margate Beach and Hibiscus Mall Centre are ...
7.6/10 Good! (13 reviews)
Amazing
"My stay was amazing and undisturbed. I really enjoyed staying at this property. It was very peaceful"

Reviewed on 2021/5/17

First Group Costa Smeralda
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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