Property in Margate, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Margate took its name from the original farm bought there in 1919 by a Mr. Hugh Balance, who paid a measly £466 for it. It was hardly suitable for farming, but decided to purchase it for “its beautiful beach and congenial scenery” By 1921 he realized that farming was not to be its destiny, and sub-divided the land into half-acre plots to establish a township which he initially called Inkongweni after the local river- “the place of entreatement” in Zulu.

Due to the areas extreme isolation, initial sales were rare, but then a remarkable event occurred that would alter Margate and Balances futures forever. During the winter of 1922 a strange occurrence took place off what is now known as Margate Beach. This event made international headlines and as fate would have it, put this struggling township firmly on the map.

The tale goes that people witnessed two whales fighting against a monster ‘polar bear’. The creature eventually lost the battle and was washed up to shore. It was reported that this white furred, bear-like thing was 14.3m in length, 3m wide with a 5 foot trunk and 3m tail. It remained on the beach for about two weeks and undoubtedly attracted a lot of attention before being swept away by the next spring tide. What a shame that there were no cameras to capture this historical event!

Whether this tale is fact or fiction, the reality still remains that this event turned a struggling township into one of the most exciting holiday destinations South Africa has to offer.

Margate offers its visitors a wide variety of accommodation no matter what your age, budget or preference may be. From cozy B&B`s with that special personalized touch, through to comfortable self-catering accommodation, rambling guest houses, well equipped lodges, established hotels and well maintained camping and caravanning sites.

This bustling town has a vast selection of fine restaurants, inviting pubs, and fast food outlets. And for those seeking a bit of the night life it doesn’t get more festive than Margate.