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 colourful 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 kilometres) from King Shaka International Airport. Travel from Durban, a journey of about 80 miles (130 kilometres). 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 S$69 per night from 19 Jan to 20 Jan
S$69
19 Jan - 20 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Margate. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Margate Beach and Hibiscus Mall Centre are located ...
7.4/10 Good! (143 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 6 Jan, 2024

Margate Hotel
First Group La Cote D'Azur

First Group La Cote D'Azur

3 out of 5
No 1 Manaba Beach Road Manaba Beach Margate KwaZulu-Natal
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Margate. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Margate Beach and Hibiscus Mall Centre are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at La Côte d’Azur. We were welcomed warmly and especially enjoyed Siswe, the gentleman at reception. The apartment was so beautiful and clean and had everything we could have needed. Keep in mind that in South Africa, there are no electrical plugs in bathrooms

Reviewed on 9 Aug, 2025

First Group La Cote D'Azur
First Group Margate Sands

First Group Margate Sands

4 out of 5
William O'Connor Drive Margate KwaZulu-Natal
Stay at this beach apartment in Margate. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Margate Beach and Hibiscus Mall Centre are ...
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
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.
First Group Margate Sands

First Group Margate Sands

4 out of 5
William O'Connor Drive Margate KwaZulu-Natal
Stay at this beach apartment in Margate. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Margate Beach and Hibiscus Mall Centre are ...
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
First Group La Cote D'Azur

First Group La Cote D'Azur

3 out of 5
No 1 Manaba Beach Road Manaba Beach Margate KwaZulu-Natal
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Margate. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Margate Beach and Hibiscus Mall Centre are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at La Côte d’Azur. We were welcomed warmly and especially enjoyed Siswe, the gentleman at reception. The apartment was so beautiful and clean and had everything we could have needed. Keep in mind that in South Africa, there are no electrical plugs in bathrooms

Reviewed on 9 Aug, 2025

First Group La Cote D'Azur
Santana Holiday Resort

Santana Holiday Resort

3 out of 5
1 Duke Rd Margate KwaZulu-Natal
Stay at this beach apartment in Margate. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale and on-site spa services. Popular attractions Margate Beach and Hibiscus Mall Centre ...
To stay in this hotel was amazing. Safe. The rooms were very specious. I can recommend to others and I will book again

Reviewed on 27 May, 2024

Santana Holiday Resort
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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