Ballito – Dolphin Coast

Ballito is one of my favourite towns on the Dolphin Coast in Kwazulu Natal. It has a laidback atmosphere and pristine beaches. Ballito is situated on the Norther Kwazulu-Natal coast - also known as the Dolphin Coast.

The beaches in Ballito sustained major damage with the freak tidal waves in March 2007, but cleanup operations started within a week after this.

NOTE: The tidal waves destroyed almost all beaches and boardwalks along the Kwazulu Natal coastline, damaging homes and accommodation establishments built close to the beaches. The beach sand was washed away leaving only rocks and debris. Shark nets were damaged and swimming was discouraged.

Ballito has shark nets and lifeguards at all marked swimming beaches.

From Ballito's beaches and hills you may see ships sailing in and out of Durban's harbour. Sometimes dolphins grace the horizon too.

Things to do in and around Ballito:

• Swimming - lifeguards are on duty all year round.

• Childrens' fun park

• Surfing - early mornings and late afternoons the local surfers gather on the beaches to take on the surf.

• Clubbing & nightlife - Ballito boasts 3 clubs and a myriad of pubs/bars and restaurants.

• Gambling - Sibaya Casino is a 15 minute drive from Ballito. The casino complex offers restaurants, cinema, gambling and clubbing.

• Shopping - Ballito does have malls/shops for food, but if you really need to do some serious shopping rather go to Umhlanga or Durban.

• Golf course less than 5km from Ballito.

• Crocodile farm.

How to get to Ballito:

• Fly from (almost) any airport within South Africa with a low cost airline to Durban International. Ballito is a 30 minute drive from Durban and Durban International Airport.

• From Johannesburg - take the N3 and follow the signs after Pietermaritzburg towards the North Coast. This is a 700km drive.

Notes:

• When visiting South Africa keep your valuables out of sight and never let anything lay around unsupervised.

• Keep in mind that between 12 and 3 pm the African sun is at its hottest and most dangerous. Keep sun blocker, sun umbrella, shades (sunglasses) and a hat handy if you plan on playing in the waves.

• Only park in clearly marked public parking spaces with guards or restricted entry boom gates.
• Peak holiday seasons are over Easter and Christmas,

• Temperatures are mild to hot (in winter 10 degrees Celsius and in summer up to mid thirties with high humidity levels).