The car is packed, the kids are buzzing with excitement, and you’ve finally pulled into the driveway at Kridzil. You can already hear the ocean beckoning, but after you’ve dipped your toes in the surf, you might find yourself asking: “What’s next on the agenda?”
The beauty of staying in the heart of Margate is that you don’t have to spend hours behind the wheel to find world-class entertainment. We’ve rounded up 10 must-visit family spots that are all within a 15-minute hop, skip, and a jump from your apartment.
1. Margate Main Beach (2 Minutes)
It’s the crown jewel of our town for a reason. Just 200 metres from Kridzil, the Margate Main beach is a paradise for sandcastle architects and wave-jumpers alike. With seasonal entertainment, a bustling promenade, and lifeguards on duty, it’s the easiest “yes” you’ll say all holiday.
2. Kart Freaks (5 Minutes)
Need for speed? Just a quick drive away, Kart Freaks offers high-octane fun for the whole family. Whether you’re competing for the fastest lap on the go-kart track or letting the little ones enjoy the play area, it’s a guaranteed hit for burning off some of that holiday energy.
3. Butterfly Valley (8 Minutes)
Step into a fairytale at the Ramsgate Butterfly Valley. Unlike a traditional zoo, this specialized farm focuses on indigenous South African butterflies. Walking through the flight dome as hundreds of vibrant wings flutter around you is a magical experience that leaves kids (and adults) wide-eyed with wonder.
4. The Waffle House (8 Minutes)
You haven’t truly visited the South Coast until you’ve sat under the milkwood trees at The Waffle House. Located on the edge of the Ramsgate Lagoon, this iconic landmark has been serving up sweet and savoury masterpieces since 1957.
Pro tip: Take a walk on the Ramsgate Whale Deck afterward to spot dolphins!
5. Riverbend Crocodile Farm (10 Minutes)
For a bit of “snap” in your schedule, head over to Riverbend. Home to over 200 Nile Crocodiles, the farm is most exciting during feeding time (usually Sundays at 3 PM). If you’re visiting in the summer months, you might even witness the tiny, chirping hatchlings breaking out of their shells!
6. Uvongo Beach & Waterfall (10 Minutes)
Uvongo is home to one of the most scenic beaches in the country, featuring a 23-metre waterfall that plunges directly into a deep lagoon. Rent a pedal boat to explore the water right up to the base of the falls, or explore the rocky paths for some of the best photo ops on the coast.
7. Pure Venom Reptile Park (12 Minutes)
If your kids are fans of all things scaly, Pure Venom is a must. As the largest reptile farm in Africa, it houses everything from ancient wild olive trees to prehistoric-looking iguanas and some of the world’s most venomous snakes. The educational shows are fantastic for teaching little explorers about conservation.
8. Shelly Centre (12 Minutes)
Sometimes, a “beach break” means a bit of air-conditioned retail therapy. Shelly Centre is the South Coast’s premier shopping destination, featuring a variety of stores and a cinema. It’s the perfect spot for a rainy afternoon or a mid-holiday movie night.
9. St Michaels-on-Sea (13 Minutes)
Known affectionately as “St Mikes,” this beach is a surfer’s haven. Even if you aren’t hanging ten, the large tidal pool and grassy embankments make it a superb spot for a family picnic. The water is generally calm, making it a safe haven for younger swimmers.
10. Must Byt Fishing Charters (15 Minutes)
For the family that loves the deep blue, head to the Shelly Beach ski-boat launch site. Must Byt offers incredible deep-sea fishing trips and pleasure cruises. Whether you’re looking to catch “the big one” or just want to see the coastline from a new perspective, it’s an adventure you won’t forget.
Your Adventure Base is Waiting
At Kridzil, we don’t just provide a place to sleep; we provide the keys to the KZN South Coast. Our spacious apartments give you the freedom to explore all these attractions at your own pace, knowing you have a comfortable, home-like retreat to return to at the end of the day.
Ready to make some memories?
