Margate, a coastal resort town located in the Kwa-Zulu Natal province of South Africa, is a top destination for local tourists. With its beautiful beaches, array of activities, and rich history, it’s no wonder that Margate is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country.
One of the reasons why Margate is so popular is its location. As a seaside resort town, it offers visitors the chance to relax and unwind on the beach, while also being close enough to other attractions in the area, such as the nearby towns of Port Shepstone and Ramsgate.
Another factor that makes Margate so appealing is the wide range of activities that it offers. Visitors can take part in water sports such as surfing, swimming, and snorkeling, or they can explore the town’s vibrant culture and history by visiting one of the many art galleries and museums. The town also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and bird-watching, making it a great destination for both nature lovers and adventure seekers.
One of the most well-known restaurants in Margate is the Wimpy on the beachfront, which is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike. The restaurant offers a wide variety of food, including burgers, sandwiches, and seafood, and it’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat while enjoying the view of the ocean.
In addition to its great food, Margate also boasts a lively entertainment and music scene. Throughout the holiday season, the town hosts a number of events and concerts on the beach, featuring local and international acts, which attracts a lot of visitors and residents.
When it comes to accommodation, Margate has something for every taste and budget. There are several reputable hotels and holiday accommodation in the area, such as the Margate Hotel, Margate Sands, Seagull Holiday Flats, and the Desroches Hotel.
Margate is a top tourist destination for local South Africans and international visitors alike, thanks to its beautiful beaches, diverse range of activities, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an action-packed adventure, Margate has something for everyone.
Margate Blue Flag Beach
The Blue Flag is an internationally recognized eco-label awarded to beaches, marinas, and boats that meet certain environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria. The Blue Flag program is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), and it is designed to promote sustainable development in coastal areas.
South Africa is one of the countries that participate in the Blue Flag program, and the Southport Blue Flag Beach in Margate is one of the beaches that have been awarded the Blue Flag. This beach is known for its clean and safe environment, which is why it is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities. The beach also features amenities such as toilets, showers, and lifeguards, ensuring that visitors have a comfortable and safe experience while they are there.
The Blue Flag program has a rigorous criteria that need to be met before the label is granted. The criteria covers categories such as water quality, environmental management, safety, services and facilities, and environmental education.
The Southport Blue Flag Beach not only met the criteria but it exceed expectations in the areas of environmental management, water quality and services and facilities, which makes it one of the best beaches in South Africa.
The Blue Flag beach designation is a major draw for tourists, as it signifies that a beach is clean, safe and well-maintained. It is not only a good indicator for the visitors but also for the municipality, as it shows that they have met the environmental standards and are striving for sustainable tourism.
Margate Surfing
Margate is a popular destination for surfers due to the great surf conditions that can be found there. The town is located on the Kwa-Zulu Natal South Coast, and it is known for its warm, subtropical climate and its consistent swells that make it a great spot for surfing all year round.
One of the reasons why surfers love to surf at Margate is the variety of waves that can be found there. The beach break at Margate offers a mix of right and left-handers, making it suitable for surfers of all skill levels. The town also has a reef break, which is known for its powerful and hollow waves that are perfect for experienced surfers looking for a challenge.
Another reason why surfers love to surf at Margate is the town’s vibrant surf culture. Margate is home to a large surf community, and there are several surf schools and shops in the area that offer lessons, rentals, and gear. The town also hosts several surf competitions throughout the year, including the Natal Festival of Surfing, which attracts top surfers from around the country.
Margate beach is also known for having a stretch of golden sand, which is a great spot for surfers to relax after catching some waves. Many surfers will catch a wave and then chill on the beach, enjoying the sun and the sea views.
The beach itself has a Blue Flag Status, which means it is clean, safe and well-maintained, ensuring that surfers have a great experience while they are there. Additionally, the water temperature at Margate is fairly consistent throughout the year, making it a great spot to surf even during the winter months.
Margate is a popular destination for surfers due to its warm climate, variety of waves and vibrant surf culture. The beach is also known for its golden sand, clean and well-maintained beach and consistent water temperature, making it a great spot for surfers of all skill levels to catch some waves.
Fishing in Margate
In addition to its great surf conditions, Margate is also a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. The town is located near several prime fishing spots, such as the Umzimai River and the Mpenjati Nature Reserve, which offer a wide variety of fish, including yellowtail, cob, shad, and game fish.
One of the reasons why fishing is so popular in Margate is the variety of fishing options that are available. Anglers can choose from saltwater or freshwater fishing, and they can also try their hand at fly-fishing, deep-sea fishing, or surf fishing. This variety of fishing options makes Margate a great destination for both experienced anglers and those just starting out.
Another reason why fishing is so popular in Margate is the town’s vibrant fishing culture. There are several local charter boats that offer deep-sea fishing trips, as well as fishing guides who can take you to the best spots and teach you the techniques. There’s also a fishing club that hosts events and competitions throughout the year, which is a great way to meet other fishing enthusiasts and share tips and stories.
Fishing at Margate also offers a peaceful and serene experience, as the town is surrounded by beautiful scenery, including lush vegetation and a diverse array of wildlife. It is also a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area, as the fishing spots are located in scenic and peaceful locations.
The town also has a variety of lodging options for those visiting for a fishing holiday, from budget-friendly options to luxurious lodges. Many of the lodges and accommodations offer fishing packages, which include boat and equipment rentals, fishing licenses and guides.
In summary, Margate is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts due to its variety of fishing options and vibrant fishing culture. With a variety of freshwater and saltwater fishing options and scenic location, it’s no wonder that so many people love to fish in Margate. It’s also a great destination to spend a fishing holiday, with different lodging options that cater to different budgets and preferences, as well as fishing packages that can be included with the accommodation.
December School Holidays in Margate
During the South African December holiday, also known as “matric rage”, it’s common for school leavers (high school seniors) to plan trips to coastal towns like Margate. The December holiday is a popular time for South African students to celebrate the end of their schooling and the start of their new journey before they head off to university or into the workforce.
One of the reasons why Margate is such a popular destination among school leavers is its lively atmosphere. During the December holiday, the town is bustling with activity, with many events and parties taking place, including music festivals and beach parties. This creates an exciting and festive atmosphere, making it the perfect place for students to let loose and have fun.
Another reason why Margate is so popular among school leavers is its location. As a coastal town, it offers a range of activities that appeal to students such as, swimming, surfing and sunbathing, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun after the stress of final exams. Margate’s stretches of golden sand beaches, and crystal clear water makes it a very attractive place for students to celebrate the end of their schooling.
The town also has a wide variety of accommodation options, such as backpackers, holiday apartments, and hotels, that cater to different budgets and preferences, which makes it easy for groups of friends to find a place to stay.
Margate also offers a range of nightlife options, which makes it a great destination for students looking to celebrate the end of their schooling in style. There are many bars, pubs, and nightclubs in the town, offering live music and DJs, which creates a lively atmosphere for students to party and have a good time.
In summary, Margate is a popular destination for South African school leavers during the December holidays because of its lively atmosphere, great location, range of activities, and variety of accommodation options. It’s a great place for students to relax, have fun and celebrate the end of their schooling together before they move on to the next chapter in their lives.
