Stays in Margate
Margate sits on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast about 120 km south of Durban, roughly a 90-minute drive along the N2, and it lies outside South Africa's malaria zones. For decades it has been a family holiday town, with a central beach protected by lifeguards in season, a seafront promenade and the warm Indian Ocean water that stays swimmable most of the year. Margate Airport has occasional domestic flights, but most visitors drive. Nearby, the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve offers cliffs, hiking and adventure activities inland, while Uvongo and Ramsgate add quieter beaches a few minutes away. Stays are mostly beach hotels, guesthouses and self-catering apartments, many within walking distance of the sand.
Margate in numbers
9.4Ocean viewSouthern Comfort - On the Pool
Spacious aparthotel units with sea views and a year-round pool
Southern Comfort - On the Pool in Margate offers spacious two-bedroom, two-bathroom aparthotel units, each with a fully equipped kitchenette, a private balcony and sea views. That gives a family two bedrooms, a kitchen and a view. A year-round outdoor swimming pool, a sun terrace and a lush garden are on site, with free WiFi and private parking. Guests give it a very high 9.4 across 9 reviews, from a small sample.
8.9BeachfrontFirst Group La Cote D'Azur
Apartments with sea views, an outdoor pool, and a spa in Margate
First Group La Cote D'Azur is built for families who like a self-catering apartment with resort extras. Apartments have balconies with sea views, and the resort offers an outdoor pool, a children's playground, tennis and pool tables, and barbecue facilities. Parents can use the spa and wellness centre, and there is a restaurant on site. Margate lies outside any malaria risk area. The mood is lively and family-oriented rather than adults-only quiet.
8.2Spa & wellnessMargate Hotel
Family-friendly hotel with a pool, African restaurant, and close to Margate Beach
Margate Hotel has comfortable family rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. A modern restaurant serves African cuisine, a bar is on site, and a year-round outdoor pool gives children somewhere to swim. Margate Beach is a short walk away. An 8.2 rating from 942 reviews is good. I would recommend it for families who want a three-star base within walking distance of the beach.
What to expect
- Central swimming beach with lifeguards in season
- Warm Indian Ocean water for most of the year
- About 90 minutes by road from Durban on the N2
- Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve inland for hikes and views
- Quieter beaches at Uvongo and Ramsgate nearby
Local tips
- Book well ahead for December and Easter, when South Coast towns fill up.
- Swim only at beaches with lifeguards and follow the flags.
- Pick a self-catering apartment for longer family stays.
- Plan a day trip to Oribi Gorge for cliffs, hikes and views.
- Travel the N2 outside Friday afternoon peaks from Durban.
- Ask for a sea-facing room if you want to watch dolphins from your balcony.