Attractions
The South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal offers something for everyone to enjoy – from fun filled family outings to adrenaline-pumping activities for thrillseekers.
Explore South Coast
Mac’s Cottages offers comfortable self-catering accommodation, right on the Margate seafront, and serves as a relaxing and comfortable base from which to explore the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
To help you with your exploration of our beautiful coastline, we have compiled a list of popular attractions, eateries, and shops.
Nature Reserves
Historical
Leisure
Beach Bumming 🏄♀️
Mac’s Cottages is within driving distance of numerous popular beaches: Ramsgate Beach, Southbroom Beach, Trafalgar Beach, Uvongo Beach, St. Michaels Beach, Port Edward Beach, Marina Beach.
Don’t forget to slop on some sunscreen, slip on a hat, and stay hydrated!
Beaches & Rivers
The South Coast is home to a treasure trove of golden beaches, rocky coves, tidal pools and rivers estuaries which offer a variety of activities. Swimming, diving, surfing, fishing, seashell hunting, canoeing and paddle boating, and the annual Sardine Run.
Mac’s Cottages is situated on the Margate seafront, in sight of the fishing pier and within walking distance of the tidal pool and the popular main swimming beach.
Nature Reserves
An outdoor junkie’s paradise, the South Coast offers a feast of visitor-friendly nature reserves and a number of adrenaline pumping adventure.
Whether you like to drive, hike, cycle or paddle your way through nature, or you simply love being surrounded by stunning scenery and wildlife, the KwaZulu-Natal natural surroundings never fail to excite and amaze.
Local Nature Reserves:
- River Valley Nature Reserve (7km from Mac’s)
- Skyline Nature Reserve (7km from Mac’s)
- Mpenjati Nature Reserve (18km from Mac’s)
- The Red Desert (33km from Mac’s)
- Mzamba Fossils and Petrified Forest (35km from Mac’s)
- Umtamvuna Nature Reserve (38km from Mac’s)
- Oribi Gorge (40km from Mac’s)
Oribi Gorge
The magnificent Oribi Gorge lies some 25 km inland from Port Shepstone. The gorge is approximately 400 meters deep, and almost 5 kilometers wide. The nature reserve has a wealth of smaller wildlife and a number of hiking trails.
Private operators conduct a variety of activities in the area:
- Wild 5 Adventures – Wild Gorge Swing, Paintball, Wild Water Rafting, Abseil, Wild Slide
- Lake Eland Game Reserve – 4.5km Zip Line Tour, Scooter Tours, Suspension Bridge, Self or Guided Game Drives
- Oribi Vulture Viewing Hide – Guided vulture viewing experience.
The Red Desert
Located just outside Port Edward, the desert is reputed to be the smallest desert in the world. The barren red soil is in striking contrast with the surrounding lush green coastal vegetation.
Visit their website to learn more.
Historical Attractions
The South Coast has a long maritime history and has a number of historic attractions and landmarks.
Visit the Maritime Museum in Port Shepstone to learn more the area’s fascinating history and view the maritime-themed displays.
During low tide, go see the SS Nivonia shipwreck in Pamula or the Nightingale shipwreck in Glenmore Beach. Visit the São João (Saint John) monument in Port Edward.
Drive past and admire the Port Shepstone and Port Edward Lighthouses.
Leisure
The South Coast is a melting pot of people, flavours, cultures, and experiences. To take a break from your coastal exploration to experience a world of flavours in our local eateries, indulge in some retail therapy, and relax with fun recreational activities and family friendly attractions.
Restaurant & Pubs
- The Grove Restaurant and Beach Bar – 650m from Mac’s
- Smokey Joe’s – 650m from Mac’s
- Wimpy Margate Beach – 700m from Mac’s
- Village Tavern Margate – 2km from Mac’s
- Van’s Roadhouse – 1.5km from Mac’s
- The Waffle House – 5km from Mac’s
- Blue Lagoon Restaurant – 5km from Mac’s
- The Lobster Pot – 5km from Mac’s
- The Packshed – 7km from Mac’s
Entertainment
- XCaped Escape Rooms – 600m from Mac’s
- Xtreme Karting – 1.5km from Mac’s
- Rotary Uvongo Fleamarket – 4km from Mac’s
- Ster-Kinekor @ Shelly Centre – 8km from Mac’s
- Riverbend Crocodile Farm – 9km from Mac’s
- Pure Venom Reptile Park – 14km from Mac’s
- Mac Banana (Butterflies, Adventure Golf, Quad Bikes, Animal Farm, Obstacle Course, Jungle Gym, Archer & Airgun Range, Banana Cafe) – 20km from Mac’s
- Munster Motor Museum – 23km from Mac’s
- Wild Coast Sun (Casino, Wild Waves Water Park) – 34km from Mac’s
Shops & Malls
- Shoprite Margate – 500m from Mac’s
- Hibiscus Mall – 2km from Mac’s
- Shelly Centre – 8km from Mac’s
- South Coast Mall – 10km from Mac’s
Sports, Clubs & Golf Courses
- Green Valley Golf Centre & Driving Range – 5km from Mac’s
- Margate Country Club – 6km from Mac’s
- Uvongo Parkrun – 7km from Mac’s
- Southbroom Golf Club – 11km from Mac’s
- San Lameer Country Club – 14km from Mac’s
- Selsdon Park Estate (Horse Beach Rides) – 16km from Mac’s
- Port Shepstone Country Club – 21km from Mac’s
- Wild Coast Sun Country Club – 35km from Mac’s
Attractions Map 🗺️
.Use our attractions map to find popular attractions, shops, and eateries located within a 40km radius of Mac’s Cottages.
On desktop, use your mouse to navigate the map. On mobile, use your fingers to navigate the map. Use the plus/minus buttons to adjust the zoom level. Click/tap on the map icons to see the attraction’s name.