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Margate – family playground of the South
Margate Beach, KwaZulu-Natal
Bathers enjoying Margate Beach.
© Johan Rademeyer
Did you know?
In 1922 a mysterious ‘sea monster' washed up on Margate's shores and made headlines worldwide.
Margate Beach is the sort of beach where someone will offer to help set up your umbrella, invite you to a game of volleyball or catch hold of your over-excited toddler who's making a beeline straight for the surf - it's a family kind of place.
Loved for its picture-postcard tropical scenery of coconut palms, grassy embankments, dunes and golden sand, Margate is a 1km-long holiday haven on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. Jam-packed over Christmas, Easter and school holidays, avoid Margate if you hanker after a quiet sun spot to read a good book. But if swimming, bodyboarding, surfing, scuba diving, beach parties and festivals are your thing then Margate is the beach for you.
All the usual Blue Flag facilities - ablutions, showers and lifeguards are in place, with extensive shark netting to ensure safe bathing. Otherly-abled access is via a paved ramp that leads to the promenade. Kids keep busy for hours in the water amusement park and swimming pools, or go rock-pooling and snorkeling before exploring Margate lagoon in paddle boats and canoes. The hip and happening crowd love to hang out in the restaurants, shops and outdoor cafés overlooking the beach before partying the night away in the clubs and bars.
Water sports are a popular pastime on this KwaZulu-Natal South Coast beach. The pier is a favorite fishing spot, and from November game fishermen pursue schools of tunny, pike and yellowtail out to sea. North of Margate Beach, many species of sharks congregate around Protea Banks - a world renowned dive site. Margate also offers plenty of swell and excellent breaks - perfect for surfers, bodyboarders and brave sea-kayakers.
Between May and July thousands of sharks, seabirds and bottlenose dolphins compete to feast on millions of migrating sardines; and Humpback whales are spotted en route to their breeding grounds off Mozambique.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Hibiscus Coast Tourism
Tel: +27 (0)39 682 7944
Fax: +27 (0)39 682 1034
Email: info@hibiscuscoast.org.za
Margate Tourism Office
Tel: +27 (0)39 312 2322
Email: margate@hibiscuscoast.org
How to get here
Fly into Durban International Airport or Margate Airport. Hire a car or pre-arrange for your tour operator or accommodation provider to collect you.
Around the area
Play at Southbroom Golf and Country Club; Oribi Gorge nature reserve offers adrenaline sports and a hair-raising gorge swing; visit Lake Eland Game Reserve and the Margate Bird Park.
What to pack
Sunscreen, swimming costume, hat, camera, binoculars, and fishing rod. Scuba gear, surf boards, bikes and the like can be hired at the beach.
Where to stay
From camping to 5-star hotels, Margate offers the full gamut of accommodation options.
What to eat
Dozens of restaurants cater for every food preference, but seafood and curry are always a good bet.
What's happening
The Vodacom Easter Adrenaline Festival happens in April, while the South Coast Offshore Air Festival takes place in June. The Sardine Festival between May and June brings spectacular displays of marine life.