Situated along the beloved South Coast, Margate is a charming KwaZulu-Natal seaside resort town, known and loved for its stunning shorelines, dreamy holidays and tranquil beauty.
In both Margate and its neighbouring seaside towns, there is plenty of outdoor fun, beautiful beaches and epic adventure to be enjoyed.
Tip: If you’d like to book a stay – view our excellent Margate accommodation collection.
Here are the top ten things to do in marvellous Margate and beyond:
#1 Enjoy Seasonal Whale Watching in Margate
Margate is one of the lesser known but best places in South Africa to enjoy annual whale watching.
Every year, around August, Southern Right and Humpback Whales make their way up the coast to mate and calve in the calm, warmer waters.
With its own whale watching platform, the Whale Deck, and a few registered tour operators, Margate allows visitors to enjoy the best in seasonal whale watching.
If you are lucky, you may even spot some dolphins and porpoises too!
Contact: N/A
Website: www.homesteadmargate.co.za/local-attractions
Address: Margate, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#2 Visit Riverbend Crocodile Farm
A few kilometres away, near Southboom, one finds the crocodile-crazy Riverbend Crocodile Farm.
Here, visitors can entertain their children, learn more about crocs, enjoy watching the crocodile feedings and much more.
Aside from the many crocs, Riverbend is also home to some serpents and there is even a weekly snake demonstration, with some 19 snake species on display.
If you are hungry, grab a bite to eat at the Crocodile Cafe. It is famous for its wholesome breakfasts, light lunches and lazy afternoon teas. There is also outside seating and a nice playground, so you can sit back and relax while the kiddies play.
For more information on pricing and other attractions, please contact Riverbend directly.
Contact: +27 (039) 316 6204, info@crocodilecrazy.co.za
Website: www.crocodilecrazy.co.za
Address: Riverbend Crocodile Farm, Old National Road, Southboom, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#3 Enjoy a Meal at Flavours Restaurant
For those looking for a classy, yet wonderful dining experience, look no further than Flavours Restaurant.
This consistent crowd-pleaser is known for its impeccable dishes from around the world (though with a South African influence), great service and management and all-round lovely atmosphere.
If you are looking for a memorable meal in and around Margate, look no further than Flavours Restaurant.
Note: Bookings are essential.
Contact: +27 (039) 314 4370
Website: N/A
Address: Flavours Restaurant, The Lifestyle Village, 2450, Marine Drive, Ramsgate, Margate, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#4 Tee up at Margate Country Club
Boasting one of the finest golf courses in the South Coast, Margate Country Club warmly invites members and visitors alike to enjoy it for a fun day out.
With its 18-hole course, pro shop and golf cart hire, snooker room, bridge club, amazing local bird- and wildlife and restaurant facilities, Margate Country Club is a great local attraction – whether you’re an avid golfer or not.
For more information on the club’s policies and facilities, please contact Margate Country Club directly.
Contact: +27 (039) 312 0571, reception@margatecountryclub.co.za
Website: www.margatecountryclub.co.za
Address: Margate Country Club, 7 Wingate Avenue, Margate, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#5 Brave Pure Venom Reptile Park
Touted as the biggest reptile farm in Africa, this family-run business -situated a relatively short drive away from Margate – is an unmissable South Coast attraction.
Here, you can enjoy seeing reptiles from all around the world, fascinating snake demonstrations, an animal petting zoo and much, much more. It’s an educational visit, with plenty to see and enjoy.
And if you work up an appetite after all the slithery business… there is an on-site restaurant to enjoy.
Contact: +27 (082) 965 0932, info@purevenom.com
Website: www.purevenom.com
Address: Pure Venom Reptile Park, Izotsha Road, Shelly Beach, Margate KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#6 Hit Trafalgar Beach
Located roughly 20 kilometres’ drive away from Margate, you will find one of the best Blue Flag beaches in the South Coast: Trafalgar Beach.
This dreamy beach offers the very best in ‘fun in the sun’, outdoor tranquility – and of course, stunning natural beauty.
Its warm waters make it popular for surfing, although it is also favoured for swimming, body-boarding, snorkelling and stand-up paddle boarding.
With its gorgeous stretches of beach, overall cleanliness, lush greenery and pristine setting, Trafalgar Beach is a must-visit, whether you are holidaying in Margate or beyond.
Contact: N/A
Website: N/A
Address: Trafalgar Beach, Trafalgar, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#7 Pop into Margate Art Museum
Margate Art Museum is an unexpectedly delightful find in Margate.
Margate Art Museum is a vital source of culture, artistic expression and beauty in the local Margate community.
Enjoy soaking up the art at this lovely art museum. For more information, please contact the museum directly.
Contact: +27 (039) 312 8392
Website: N/A
Address: Margate Art Museum, Dan Pienaar Avenue, Margate, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#8 Head to Southport Beach
For those willing to embark on a short road trip, Southport Beach is another local beach that promises the very best in natural beauty, cleanliness, good fishing and much more.
The beach is popular for swimming, surfing and snorkelling – but you can also enjoy land-based fun, such as careful tanning, running, walking and of course, beach games.
This Blue Flag beach is another local gem and one that cannot be missed if you are anywhere nearby.
Contact: N/A
Website: N/A
Address: Southport Beach, 5 Coral Pl, Southport, Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#9 Explore Butterfly Valley
For those seeking a magical, yet entirely educational experience, Butterfly Valley is ideal.
Open seven days a week, this incredible butterfly farm in Ramsgate breeds its own butterflies and offers families and friends a special day out.
Enjoy a fun, relaxing and entertaining day exploring this unique farm. Highlights include visiting the breeding centre, craft shop and butterfly flight dome, where the butterflies actually fly around you.
Contact: +27 (073) 422 5357, butterflyvalley@ymail.com
Website: www.butterflyfarm.co.za
Address: Butterfly Valley, 46 Fascadale Road, Ramsgate, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#10 MTB at Clearwater Trails
Clearwater Trails, found on Clearwater Farm, is one of the best places around Margate and its surrounds to enjoy incredible MTB rides.
They offer multi-purpose trails, which means you can enjoy mountain biking, trail running and walking.
Aside from the incredible, well-maintained trails, there are some nice facilities, like a delightful cafe, restrooms, private, secure parking and more.
For an incredible day’s adventure in the fresh air – look no further than Clearwater Trails.
Contact: +27 (083) 549 6710, info@clearwatertrails.co.za
Website: www.clearwatertrails.co.za
Address: Clearwater Trails, Clearwater Farm, Izingolweni Road, Port Edward, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Book your dreamy Margate holiday now!
Margate is a 1.5 hr drive from Durban. So you can also book accommodation in Durban to visit Margate.
Afristay also has fantastic Margate self catering options available.