Margate: The Holiday Capital of the South Coast
The sunny South Coast is known for its all-year-round great weather and blissfully balmy beaches. It is no surprise that tourists from all over South Africa, and the world, are lured to the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province for their beach holidays. Margate is the province’s tourist hotspot. It is known as “the holiday capital” of the South Coast due to its vibrant nightlife and pristine beaches. This seaside town has something for everyone!
Sea and Do
No one visits a coastal town unless they intend on spending some time at the beach and being near the water. Margate Beach is a popular spot to visit when on holiday in the town. The Beach is highly favoured because it is incredibly beautiful and its facilities are clean and in good condition. It is also in close proximity to many shops and restaurants for tourists to indulge in, and it is only a stone’s throw away from Kridzil (a 2-minute walk). For the aquaphiles, the Indian Ocean waters make this beach an ideal place for body-boarding, stand-up paddling, swimming, and surfing. It is also protected with shark nets and there is a calm and relatively shallow tidal pool which allows for some family fun; especially for the little ones.
Art and History
The famous Spanish painter, Pablo Picasso, once said,”Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” For those who are looking to have the dust of everyday life washed away from their souls, Margate does not only have beautiful beaches on offer, but an opportunity to indulge in some art, some culture, and some history, too.
- The Margate Art Museum
The Margate Art Museum was established in the same year as the birth of the South African democracy and it has since been an important part of Margate’s culture. The Museum has displayed a diverse selection of work from artists both locally, as well as from across the open ocean.
It will only take Kridzil guests a 6-minute drive to get to the Museum. It is open Tuesday to Friday from 08h30 to 16h00 and on Saturday from 08h30 to 14h00 and the entrance is free. Anyone who is interested in finding out more information about the Margate Art Museum can contact +27 (0)39 312-8392.
- KwaXolo Caves Adventures
The history of the famous KwaXolo Caves dates back to when the San communities used them as open-rock shelters. These Caves became accessible to tourists through KwaXolo Caves Adventures. Visitors are able to see the original rock paintings done by the San people over 100 000 years ago, as well as enjoy breathtaking views of the waterfall and gorge. People are also able to go on a one-and-a-half-hour hike or simply enjoy a picnic at the site.
KwaXolo Caves Adventures is a 42-minute drive from Kridzil. The entrance fee is R150 per adult and R120 per child, between the ages of 8 to 16 years. To make a booking, guests can contact Makhosazane Mashal on 076 185 3447 or Shaun Nkosiyazi Makhaya on 074 8873 742. Operators can, alternatively, be reached on the Facebook page ‘KwaXolo Caves Adventures’.
Immersion in Nature
A treat awaits anyone who enjoys the ease and simplicity that being around nature affords us. Take advantage of the opportunities to experience the beauty of the natural world.
- Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve
The Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve is an idyllic area that lies 21 kilometres inland of Port Shepstone (a 37-minute drive from Kridzil). The Gorge is named after the Oribi antelope species that is rarely seen, however, there is plenty of other wildlife to enjoy. The game reserve is a photographer’s paradise as it is surrounded by lush forests, sandstone cliffs, rivers, abundant birdlife, and various species of small antelope. Guests can relish in the beauty of the reserve through plenty of breathtaking viewing sites and hiking trails. The Gorge is approximately 400 metres deep and almost 5 kilometres wide. You will be astonished at how small it will make you feel. If you’re looking for some adventure, the reserve offers zip lining, a walk across the 80m Suspension Bridge, mountain biking, and game drives (guided and self).
The best time to visit the Nature Reserve is during the summer months when the weather is warm so that you can make the most of all the outdoor activities. However, it is open daily from 07h00 to 18h00. Entrance fees are applicable. For more information on the rate structure, kindly be in touch directly on +27 (0)33 845-1000.
- Butterfly Valley
Butterfly Valley is a butterfly farm that specialises in South African butterflies. The butterfly farm, unlike many others, breeds its own butterflies and this enables them to show visitors the entire life cycle of these fascinating insects. Visitors are able to enjoy a plethora of butterfly species within an accessible and natural environment and, since the butterflies are aware that they are in a safe and secure environment, they will allow visitors to come close to them. In addition to the butterflies, guests can enjoy other creatures, such as: the Australian spiny leaf, scorpions, bearded dragons, and tarantulas.
Butterfly Valley is only a 9-minute drive from Kridzil. On arrival, guests will be expected to pay an entrance fee of R80 per adult, R60 for children between the ages of 11 to 17 years and R40 for children between the ages of 3 to 10 years. It is open daily from 09h00 to 16h00 and 10h00 to 14h00 on Sundays. Visitors can get in contact with Butterfly Valley on 073 422 5357 / 072 235 3688 or they can send an email to butterflyvalley@ymail.com.
The activities and excursions to experience in this coastal town are abundant. From beautiful beaches to one-of-a-kind scenic sites, it is no wonder that Margate is considered to be one of the greatest holiday spots in South Africa. Our recommendation to you, as guests of Kridzil Holiday Apartments, is to pack comfortable walking shoes and any of your favourite sight-seeing paraphernalia so that you can also get out there and explore all Margate has to offer.