Margate Beach
The place to be in KwaZulu Natal
Lined with swaying palm trees, Margate Beach is one of the most memorable beaches on the South Coast. This sun-kissed sandy beach sports perfect waves for surfers and swimmers alike and promises hours of fun.
Close to the business district of Margate town, restaurants, street cafes, shops, galleries, and nightclubs are within walking distance.
The heart and soul of Margate is, without a doubt, its spectacular beach. With its golden sands, rolling waves, and palm-lined promenade, Margate Main Beach is a hotspot for sun-seekers, surfers, and families alike. The beach is safe and well-maintained—perfect for swimming, bodyboarding, and long, lazy beach days. Lifeguards are on duty, and the nearby tidal pool is ideal for little ones or anyone who wants to chill in calm waters.
The beach at Margate is wide, spacious, and never feels overcrowded—you’ll always find your own perfect spot in the sun. It stretches all the way from Margate to Manaba, offering a stunning backdrop for photos, especially where the river sometimes gently cuts through the sand, adding to its natural charm.
While many towns along the South Coast offer a laid-back charm, Margate stands out with its vibrant energy. It’s colourful, full of life, and boasts an exciting nightlife just steps from the beach.
Holiday Season
This beach town truly comes alive during the peak of the holiday season. The beach area is the place for Mardi Gras, music concerts, various beach festivals and competitions, flea markets, and exhibitions.
#Happening #MargateKZN #ExploreMargate #SouthCoastVibes #BeachVibesOnly
Also, the annual New Year’s Eve party is the stuff of legends, with thousands partying through the night until dawn. Can you imagine a more beautiful backdrop for having an unforgettable party?
Have a look at some of the sights:
Parking and Access
Parking space at the Margate Beach is very limited as there is only street parking available along the street that runs along the beachfront. It is best to find parking further away and walk down to the beach.
There are multiple ways to access the beach via walkways, steps or by walking right on to the beach from the paved area along the beach.
Collect your Margate Beach Momentos
Hawkers display their goods for sale on the pavement along the street. You will be able to find fresh fruits and nuts to munch on, hats, sunglasses, jewelry, paintings and much more to make your day at the beach more enjoyable.
The Swimming Pool at Margate Beach
The pool sits right beside the beach, boasting stunning views of the ocean. On the day we visited, it looked so refreshing it was hard to resist diving in!
It’s fully fenced for safety, with paved surrounds and built-in seating tucked under the shade of the palm trees that line the beachfront—perfect for relaxing between swims.
Margate Beach Tidal Pool
Continue along the beach road towards Ramsgate (Finnis Road), and you will find this special gem. The beach area, which can be reached via stairs, is small and surrounded by rocks.
The pool is divided into two: a small shallow pool for kids and a deeper pool perfect for cooling off on a sunny day. The views are breathtaking.
Where is Margate Beach?
Margate is around 130 km south of Durban, and getting there is a scenic and easy drive!
🚗 By Car:
Fastest Route: Take the N2 South highway from Durban. At Port Shepstone, continue on the Toll Road and take the Uvongo Seaslopes Ave offramp toward Margate. In good traffic, the whole trip takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
More Scenic Route: Drive along the R102 (Old South Coast Road) for a slower, more coastal experience with charming towns along the way. Note the closure of the uMzimkhulu bridge and detours are in place.
🚌 By Bus:
Several long-distance bus companies (like Intercape or TransLux) run routes between Durban and Margate, stopping at the Margate Coach Terminus.
✈️ By Air:
Margate does have a small airport, but commercial flights are limited. The nearest major airport is King Shaka International Airport in Durban.
Follow the directions on the map below to reach the beach easily. Margate Beach is within walking distance of plenty of restaurants, shops, and a wide selection of accommodation.