Margate

Travel Guide

Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo by Darryn Letley

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

While Manaba Beach may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do 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 €45 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
€45
10 Jul - 11 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Margate. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Margate Beach and Hibiscus Mall Centre are ...
"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 6 Jan 2024

Margate Hotel
Margate Beach Club
Margate Beach Club
3 out of 5
5 Duke Road, Margate, KwaZulu-Natal
The price is €54 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
€54
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (24 reviews)
Lovely place
"Lovely units, super clean and amazing for families with young children."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2025

Margate Beach Club
Villa Tropicana
Villa Tropicana
3.5 out of 5
4 Margate Drive, Margate, KwaZulu-Natal
The price is €31 per night from 11 Jul to 12 Jul
€31
11 Jul - 12 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star B&B in Margate. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Margate Beach and Hibiscus Mall Centre are ...
7.4/10 Good! (23 reviews)
No 24/7 front desk
"On this site says 24/7 front desk however the check in is only till 7 .Rustic accomodation was fine for overnight stop over .Hospitality a bit lacking"

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2025

Villa Tropicana
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (24 reviews)
Lovely place
"Lovely units, super clean and amazing for families with young children."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2025

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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (37 reviews)
Think twice
"Place needs a serious upgrade, please INSPECT property as your credibility as hotels.com is on the line! There were cockroaches in room, they only sprayed doom and next day we as guests had to stay in the room. I have used this website for 12 yrs and have never been so horrified at the state of a ..."

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2025

First Group Margate Sands
Boathouse Bed and Biscuit - Upper Deck
Boathouse Bed and Biscuit - Upper Deck
3 out of 5
1316 Penshurst Road, Ramsgate, Margate, KwaZulu-Natal
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Margate. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Ramsgate Beach and Butterfly Valley Butterfly ...
Charming
"It was a charming little room with a balcony. Private, quiet and sweet. We loved it! And we will be back. :) Security-wise it wasn't as good as it could have been. The property gate was always open and didn't respond to the clicker we received. The garage door didn't have a key so only locked from ..."

Reviewed on 28 Nov 2022

Boathouse Bed and Biscuit - Upper Deck
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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