Margate is a lively seaside town in the Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality on KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast. Situated beside the Indian Ocean between Uvongo and Ramsgate, it lies approximately 130 kilometres south of Durban and is reached mainly by the N2 and R61. Golden beaches, rocky headlands, subtropical vegetation and the lagoon at the Nkhongweni River mouth shape its distinctive coastal setting.
The settlement was laid out during the early twentieth century by English surveyor Henry Richardson and named after the seaside resort of Margate in Kent, England. In 1919 Hugh Ballance purchased a farm near the Nkhongweni River mouth, attracted by the coastal scenery, and began subdividing it into residential and holiday plots in 1921. Margate was proclaimed a town in 1941 and gradually became one of the best-known holiday destinations on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast.
Tourism has strongly influenced Margate’s development and identity. Hotels, holiday apartments, caravan parks, restaurants and entertainment businesses expanded around Margate Beach and Marine Drive as road travel made the coast more accessible. Margate Art Museum adds a cultural dimension through exhibitions and community programmes, while the town’s seasonal events, beachfront facilities and holiday atmosphere continue to attract visitors from across South Africa.
Tourism, hospitality, retail, property, construction, transport and professional services support the local economy. Margate also serves surrounding residential and coastal communities through shopping centres, schools, healthcare facilities, local businesses and Margate Airport. Agriculture remains important in the wider Ray Nkonyeni municipal area, where sugar cane, bananas, macadamia nuts, timber and smaller farming enterprises contribute to the regional economy.
Margate has a warm, humid subtropical climate. Summers are generally hot, green and rainy, with regular showers and thunderstorms, while winters are usually mild, sunnier and drier. The warm Indian Ocean moderates coastal temperatures and supports beach activities during much of the year. Visitors should always check current municipal beach notices, water-quality updates, sea conditions and lifeguard guidance before swimming.
Margate Beach and nearby Lucien Beach provide opportunities for swimming in designated areas, surfing, fishing, beach walks, paddling and coastal photography. The lagoon at the Nkhongweni River mouth adds a sheltered waterside feature, while seasonal whale movements, dolphins and the unpredictable sardine migration may sometimes be observed along the wider coastline. Protea Banks offshore is internationally associated with scuba diving and marine life. Wildlife sightings naturally vary according to the season and environmental conditions.
Accommodation in Margate includes Margate Hotel, First Group Margate Sands, First Group La Cote d’Azur, Santana Holiday Resort, Margate Beach Lodge and The Albatros Guesthouse. Numerous privately managed beachfront apartments, guest houses and self-catering holiday homes are also available. Visitors can enjoy meals at The Galleon Pub and Grill, The Grove Restaurant and Beach Bar, The Pumphouse Restaurant and Bar, Tiago’s Margate and the restaurant at Margate Hotel. Opening hours and reservations should be confirmed during busy holiday periods.
Nearby attractions include Margate Art Museum, Ramsgate, Butterfly Valley, Uvongo Beach, Shelly Beach and the coastal viewpoints along Marine Drive. Longer outings can include Riverbend Crocodile Farm, Southbroom Golf Club, Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve, Lake Eland Game Reserve, Wild 5 Adventures and the coffee farms and beaches farther south towards Port Edward. Whether you are exploring its history, enjoying its natural surroundings or simply relaxing, Margate offers a memorable KwaZulu-Natal experience. Discover accommodation, restaurants, local businesses, historical places, outdoor activities and nearby attractions through BlyLekker, and experience the distinctive character of Margate.