Margate is a town on the South Coast of South Africa. It’s known as one of the best beachside towns in all of southern Africa, not to mention it also has a rich history and culture that makes it stand out from other places across this vast country.
Margate, South Africa is a great place to visit and a place that makes you feel right at home. The people here are friendly and welcoming, with lots of things to do in Margate. This article will give you lots of helpful information about the area so that you can enjoy your time there better.
Riverbend Crocodile Farm
Riverbend Crocodile Farm is a great place to visit if you’re looking for an exciting day out. There is a wide range of activities for both kids and adults to enjoy. The farm is home to Nile crocodiles, as well as many other reptiles and animals. The farm is open daily from 10h00 to 16h30 but is closed on Christmas Day.
You can take part in the crocodile feeding, see the little ones at the hatchery and buy some curios. Crocodile feeding takes place every Sunday and Wednesday at 3pm in the summer months of December, January, February, March & April. During crocodile hatchings, which usually start in mid-December and go until mid-February, you can see baby crocodiles hatching from their eggs. Make sure to check it out if you’re in the area but due to the unpredictable nature of hatchings, do call the farm to confirm demonstrations. The farm also has a snake demonstration every Sunday at 14h30 and more frequently during the holiday seasons.
There’s also a restaurant on site so you can enjoy a meal while you’re there. You can learn about crocodiles and other animals, watch demonstrations, and even get up close and personal with the crocodiles!
Contact Number: 039 316 6204
Margate Blue Flag Beaches
Margate is a coastal town in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. The town is situated on the south coast, about 15 km south-west of Port Shepstone and 127 km southwest of Durban. One of Margate’s biggest attraction is the Blue Flag beaches.
These are some of the most beautiful beaches in all of South Africa and a variety of marine life can be seen from shore, including dolphins and whales.
The iconic Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary awards for beaches. It recognizes beaches and marinas for their excellent water quality, environmental management, safety and amenities. The Blue Flag award is also a great way to educate the community about the importance of preserving our coastline. To qualify for Blue Flag status, a series of strict environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained. The #KZNSouthCoast has six such quality-standard Blue Flag beaches at Marina Beach, Trafalgar Beach, Lucien, Southport Beach, Umzumbe Beach and Hibberdene Beach, with top-quality facilities and safe bathing. These beaches also offer a variety of activities for visitors. From swimming and surfing to fishing, there’s something for everyone in Margate.
River Valley Nature Reserve
Situated in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, Margate is home to the River Valley Nature Reserve. The River Valley Nature Reserve is a beautiful place to visit, especially if you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or to get away from the city. The reserve is home to a variety of different plants and animals, including impala, nyala, and porcupine. There are also smaller mammals such as the large grey mongoose and banded mongoose. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, hiking, fishing, picnicking or staying at one of the self catering cottages in this beautiful natural area.
The River Valley Nature Reserve is home to a variety of birds, including 145 species around the iVungu area. Some unusual sightings include the beautiful Narina Trogan, the majestic ever present African Crowned Eagle and the colourful Knysna and Purple Crested Turaco.
One of the other attractions in this setting, if one enjoys being surrounded by greener things, is the dense stretch of coastal riverine forest that extends along the river.
Fish can also be found in the river and dams of the reserve, most commonly seen being tilapia.
The River Valley Nature Reserve is also a great place to go for a hike. There are many different habitats in the forest, so it’s a great opportunity to see some wildlife.
Contact Number: 083 263 5537
Open: 08:00-17:00 Mon – Sun
Pure Venom Reptile Park
Whether you love reptiles or fear them, Pure Venom, Africa’s largest and most unique of reptile farms, will definitely give you goose bumps. Apart from the writhing reptiles, there is also a Viper Family, Restaurant, Kiddies Animal Farm, Exotic Birds and Creepy Curio Shop. Terrence Whittle is the local snake catcher and also happens to be the owner. Pure Venom Reptile Park is located in Shelly Beach in South Africa’s KZN province. It is home to a variety of snakes, crocodiles, iguanas, and other exotic animals. The park offers visitors the opportunity to see these animals up close and learn about them from the experts who care for them.
The park offers educational programs as well as public events that aim to educate the community about these creatures and promote reptile conservation. The animal park is open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm and offers attractions such as snake demonstrations and crocodile feeding.
The park rescues snakes that are injured or bothering the public, removes snakes that are causing problems, and relocates them elsewhere. This helps to protect both the snakes and the public.
This exciting attraction is recommended for those who love creepy crawlies or are looking for an interesting activity to do on holiday in Margate.
Contact Number: 082 492 8256
Shopping: Hibiscus Mall, Shelly Centre & The Southcoast Mall
If you’re looking to shop in Margate, there is the Hibiscus Mall. Also about 8 km away are two great shopping malls, Shelly Centre and the Southcoast Mall.
Shelly Centre is a popular shopping mall in Shelly Beach with well known shops including Woolworths, Cape Union Mart, Clicks, Edgars, CNA, Mugg & Bean, Panarottis, Pick ‘n Pay, Postnet, Steers, Spur, Wimpy and Debonairs. Shelly Centre also has multiple sporting goods stores for all the branded and surf gear you will need. Special must-visit local shops include Country Classics, Cosy’s Biltong, The Rock Shop, The Little Leather Shop and Denkit Hobbies. So if you’re looking for specific brands or good deals you can always browse through the different shops here and discover many different treasures.
South Coast Mall is a family-friendly shopping mall with over 50 stores and ample parking for everyone. Easily accessible from both Marine Drive and the highway, South Coast Mall offers shopping convenience to both visitors and locals. Parking for disabled people as well as pregnant women are available, as are wheelchairs for those who may need them. Family and disabled toilets are also present in this mall. The South Coast Mall features a variety of national retailers, including Checkers, Game, DisChem, Food Lovers Market, Clicks and Toys R Us, with well-known restaurants and coffee shops including Mugg & Bean, Wimpy, and Ocean Basket. All these provide a welcome pitstop on any shopping mission. For something special from the South Coast you should not miss Urban Yuppi, Froggie, and The Biltong Shop.
Flea Market
The Uvongo Flea Market is set up every Saturday and Sunday between 7:30 am and 1 pm. It is a community market run by the Uvongo and Margate Rotary Club, where people can browse the large number of stalls (up to 160 stalls) to find something they may like. This flea market has been operating for more than 25 years.
Funds generated help different projects in the Uvongo community, such as crèches, youth development, housing, as well as health and adult literacy initiatives in disadvantaged areas. A wide variety of handmade goods are available from clothing and accessories to toys, pre-owned goods to African crafts. Brunch or lunch can be enjoyed in the shade, and don’t forget to take home tasty convenience foods to use in your self-catering unit or back home.
The Uvongo Flea Market is a great place to find treasures and unique items. It’s also a fun place to spend a day with the family, as there is live music occasionally at the tea garden and plenty of things to do nearby. During the festive seasons, there is also a Christmas/Easter Market at Douglas Mitchell Sports Grounds.
Butterfly Farm
Butterfly Valley is a butterfly farm in Ramsgate and is a great place to visit. They offer the visitor a rare experience to view these great creatures up close. The farm breeds their own butterflies and provides a special day out for families and friends. Highlights include visiting the breeding centre, craft shop and butterfly flight dome. You can learn all about butterflies and their life cycles at the breeding centre where they have an informative presentation. If you are looking to take a photograph with these wonderful creatures, you are in luck as butterflies which typically would flee in the wild when disturbed, gain the security of the flight dome and actually allow for closer encounters.
Hours Of Operation:
Monday-Saturday 9am-16pm
Sunday 10am-14pm
Contact Number: 073 422 5357
Restaurants
Food is always a central focus on holiday or a good day trip. Whether sharing a meal with the family or with that special someone, a good meal is sure to brighten up your holiday or day out! Here are some amazing restaurants to check out in Margate.
Flavours Restaurant
If you’re looking for the perfect spot for that special occasion, then look no further! Flavours Restaurant offers up amazing Mediterranean inspired dishes with that South African flair, paired with excellent and friendly service.
Tuesday-Sunday Lunch: 12PM – 2PM
Tuesday-Saturday Dinner: 6PM – 8PM
Closed on Monday and Sunday Nights
Opening hours and days change on special occasions, public holidays and the holiday season.
Contact Number: 039 314 4370
The Waffle House
The Waffle House is a restaurant in Ramsgate, South Africa and is popular amongst locals and visitors alike.
They believe that food should be fresh, nourishing, wholesome as well as delicious.
The Waffle House operates on a first-come-first-served basis.
Hours Of Operation:
Monday to Sunday:08:00 to 17:00
Closed on Christmas Day.
Contact Number: 039 314 9424
Beaver Creek Coffee Estate
Beaver Creek Port Edward knows that to really love coffee is to live for coffee, which is why it has dedicated three decades of perfecting its speciality coffees.
Grown on the world’s most Southern coffee estate in the sea side town of Port Edward, their coffee are comparable to those produced in the most famous world coffee regions.
Having grown from only 4 trees in 1984 to more than 60000 now, Beaver Creek has remained a family-owned business with three generations personally involved in their growing, harvesting and roasting process which is why their coffee tastes so special.
People visiting the estate can sample coffee and purchase a variety of freshly roasted Beaver Creek coffee and also coffees from other parts of the world.
Beaver Creek Coffee Estate offers a daily crop to cup tour. This tour outlines the distinctive flavours of the world’s coffee regions and the process involved in creating the perfect cup.
The estate Café serves delicious meals and deserts and a range of freshly roasted coffee all day. Try the coffee burger for a completely unique experience!
The tour starts daily at 12 noon. During the holiday season, bookings are essential. The restaurant is open daily from 8am to 4pm and is closed on Christmas Day.
Contact Number: 039 311 2315
Dolphin & Whale Watching
If you want to go on a trip that’s unlike any other, this is the tour for you! Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours in Margate can show you the abundant sea life of the ocean. You’ll get to spot dolphins, whales, and other sea life. As you’re out on the boat, you’re sure to have an exciting time! Many people have chosen this for their vacation time because it’s a unique adventure you’re sure to enjoy! The area has a rich marine life, with dolphins and whales migrating through the area. Resident dolphin numbers are about 900 throughout the year, with about 3000 dolphins migrating through the area at the onset of winter, which is when the annual sardine run occurs. Humpback whales are also becoming more and more of a regular sighting as their population continues to increase due to restrictions on whaling. There are a number of boat operators who offer dolphin and whale watching tours in the area so be sure to book one of these tours and have a great time!
Annual Sardine Run
The annual Sardine Run is an amazing sight to see along the South African coast, starting in Eastern Cape, the shoals of sardines make their way to KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast. South Coast has some of the best sightings and activities! Between June and July each year, a frenzy of marine life come together and feast on the thousands of sardines that spawn! It’s an unforgettable sight.
The Sardine Run gives South Coast tourism a big boost. People come from all over the world to see what all the excitement is about and lucky for them, they’re in for a treat! Documentaries are created showcasing this natural spectacle and provide visual support for tourists looking to experience the South Coast’s charm! With such an important role within our region, the Sardine Run is like icing on the cake when deciding where to visit during these summer months that bring more visitors than any other time of the year. The Sardine Run is one of nature’s most astonishing events so don’t miss out on experiencing this awe-inspiring attraction.
There are lots of things to do in Margate, and this event is just one of many reasons to visit.
Deep Sea Fishing
If you have ever been fishing before, you know that it is one of the most satisfying ways to relax with friends and family while spending time outside. On the other hand, if you have never fished before, you need to know that you are missing out on an incredible experience. When booking a deep sea fishing trip, be sure to ask about the time of year to go, the type of fish you’re after, and any other requirements you have. The trip will usually take a few hours. If you don’t catch anything all day, it’s not a problem. It’s a lot of fun just getting out on the water with your friends or family and you also get a day of peace and quiet on the water. Even if you don’t catch anything, you can always go to a local restaurant for tasty seafood. So if you are looking for a great fishing experience, then be sure to book a deep sea fishing charter in Margate.
Boat Rides
Margate is a beautiful place to go out on the water and take a ride on a boat. Whether you’re looking for something romantic and relaxing or an adventure for the whole family, there’s something for everyone. The town has many charming and exciting destinations to enjoy and you’re sure to have a great time! Don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy a fun day in the sun by taking a boat trip in Margate.
Shark Diving
Diving with sharks in South Africa’s Kwa-Zulu Natal is a unique opportunity of a lifetime. World-renowned diving spots such as Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks have areas designated for shark cage diving, providing you with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to come face to face with some of the world’s most magnificent creatures, including bull sharks and tiger sharks. The guides will ensure you are equipped with the correct diving equipment necessary for these types of dives. This extremely safe experience is one that you will remember for years to come so make sure to add it to your bucket list!
Xtreme Karting: Go Karting & Paintball
Xtreme Karting in Margate is a well-known tourist attraction that features Go Karting and Paintball. They are open 7 days a week, weather permitting. They open from 9am to 6pm out of season, and from 9am to 11pm in season. Both times will vary depending on weather conditions! It is advisable to call to check if the track is available for use before visiting to avoid disappointment. It is very important to remember, you must adhere to pre-established requirements for Go Karting otherwise you will not be allowed to participate. These include a pre-determined height requirement and no one under the influence of alcohol will be allowed to drive. Besides it being a fun family activity, they allow for group bookings, team building and parties. There are also custom packages available and you are welcome to call in and enquire. If you are looking for fun things to do in Margate then you should definitely visit Xtreme Karting.
Contact: Ricardo – 078 500 0907
Email: xtremekartingkzn@gmail.com
Open: 09:00-18:00 Daily 7 Days A Week
Helicopter Rides
Have you ever really wanted to see the scintillating South Coast of KZN from the skies above? Are you visiting KZN for the first time? Or maybe you’ve lived in this amazing province your whole life and want to visit the South Coast for a change of scenery. Either way, the South Coast is known for its beauty and should definitely be experienced from above. Flying over the South Coast is always a fun experience and we highly recommend doing it if you want to get a bird’s eye view or real feel for the beauty of this region. Imagine taking off from a helipad at Margate Airport and viewing the coast from above in a comfortable helicopter . As you ascend to around 300m, choose between amazing landmarks across Margate, such as their famous crocodile park , which is a breeding facility; or their luxurious golf course , which creates idyllic scenes every day on greens that get sanded just right.
Horse Riding
On the South Coast, horseback riding is a popular activity for people of all ages. It’s always a great experience to take in the scenery while on horseback. Being up high and looking out to see miles of land is something that brings people joy. When you come to the South Coast, there are many exhilarating places to enjoy views of the Indian Ocean while on a horse – not only at beaches but also equestrian centres where both experienced riders and novices can go to try horseback riding for the first time! There are beach tour companies that give anyone of any experience level the opportunity to see beautiful landscapes from above and in close touch with nature. If a tourist doesn’t want to go on a tour but rather ride a horse on their own, there are also an abundance of equestrian centers where they can learn or brush up on their horsemanship. Horseback riding shows tourists how much they can accomplish if they let themselves be truly connected to nature through an ancient form of transport!
Mac Banana
Mac Banana is a lifestyle and adventure park located in Munster about 31km away from Margate, South Africa. At Mac Banana, kids of all ages can have as much adventure as adults. These activities include paintball(10 years plus), archery, air gun shooting, quad bike rides(16 years and older) or even zip lining through a banana plantation. Kids under 10 years of age can use the paint ball guns to participate in target shooting. Kids can also enjoy a giant trampoline, animal feedings which takes place at the animal farm, banana tours and a butterfly dome. There is also the family-friendly jungle adventure golf, pony rides and a jungle gym to enjoy. Kids and adults alike will have a blast trying out all the different things to do.
Contact Number: 039 319 1677
Open: 08:00 -17:00 Including Public Holidays
Closed on Christmas
Golf
Golf is one of the most popular sports in the world and South Africa is no exception. There are a number of great golf courses in the country, many of which are located near Margate. If you’re looking for a great golfing experience, Margate is definitely the place to be. The Margate Country Club is home to one of the finest golf courses on the east coast of South Africa. You’ll also find many other golf courses located in the greater Margate area, such as Port Shepstone Country Club, San Lameer Country Club and the Southbroom Golf Club.
Margate Country Club
Unleash your competitive side while working on your social skills too! Margate Country Club offers an environment where the game of golf is always enjoyable. It also helps players challenge themselves with the 5 par 3’s that promote accuracy as well as a signature 11th hole which requires an accurate tee-shot over a picturesque ravine. One of the most popular golf postures. Margate Country Club is considered a favourite amongst golfers.
Address: 7 Wingate Ave, Margate, 4275
Contact Number: 039 312 0571
Open: 07:00 – 18:00 Including Weekends
Closed On Christmas Day Only
Southbroom Golf Club
It is such a popular destination with discerning golfers who want to play in stunning scenery. Expect an unforgettable setting that has wind coming off of the coast as your main challenge! This course is popular all year-round and is a host to ladies, men’s and mixed amateur classics.
Address: Captain Smith Road, Southbroom, 4277
Contact Number: 039 316 6026
Open: 06:30 – 17:00 Daily
Closed On Christmas Day
San Lameer Country Club
It is the first ever golf estate to be developed in South Africa and has been the proud host of the SA Women’s Open for many years. This 18-hole championship golf course weaves through a wetland forest and has to be one of the best golfing experiences you can have in the country. If you are in the area, it’d definitely be worth a visit – even non-golfers will appreciate the setting!
Address: Estate, Main Road, Sanlameer, Southbroom, 4277
Contact Number: 039 313 5141
Port Shepstone Country Club
This Par 72 course has undergone major renovations recently and is liked by both locals and visitors. With a distinctive layout and a green that sits right on the waters edge, the calm seaside course is famous for its spectacular bird life. Avoid disappointment by booking your tee-off in advance to ensure you enjoy the unrivalled views the Port Shepstone Country Club offers.
Address: Cussonia Rd, Umtentweni, Port Shepstone, 4240
Contact Number: 039 695 0141
Open: 07:00 – 17:00 Daily
Closed On Christmas Day
Margate Art Museum
Margate Art Museum is a wonderful place to visit for those interested in the visual arts. The Margate Art Museum provides education and entertainment for the whole family. It showcases local artists, as well as many others. A part of this museum’s culture is to give back to the community by hosting workshops, providing guided tours, talks and much more for visitors to enjoy during their time at this art museum. It is an important education source because it is a place for people to learn about art and about themselves, as art is an exploration of the soul for humans. It is also a chance to see art from the past and get a glimpse of how art developed over time. So if you ever visit Margate then make sure to check out the Margate Art Museum!
Hours Of Operation:
Closed on Monday
Tuesday to Friday: 08:30 to 16:00
Saturday: 08:30 to 14:00
Closed on Public Holidays.
Contact Number: 039 312 8392
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this article which outlined all the things to do in Margate and its surrounding areas. Margate is a great place to visit and with our guide you can ensure you make the most of it. If you have any questions about our article please feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you.
