Ballito Voyage Tips and guide

Contents

Ballito is a coastal town of 19,000 people (2011) on the North Coast (KwaZulu-Natal) of South Africa. Dolphins are common on this stretch of the North Coast shoreline, hence the nickname Dolphin Coast.

It is a holiday destination with hotels and self-catering accommodation, swimming (Willard) and surfing beaches (Boulder).

From Durban, take the N2 north and follow the signs.

As there is no public transport available you need a car to get around. But as most of the hotels are close to the beach you can walk there. Ballito is a quiet safe area (compared to other areas in South Africa); even a walk at night is possible without a warrant of concern.

• Dolphins and Whales swimming along the coastline. 

• Beach bathing and surfing (Ballito Main Beach and Salt Rock Main Beach). 
• Crocodile farm
• Microlight flights and tours
• A promenade about 2.5 km (1.6 mi) long along the beach front is great for walking and jogging.
• The Gunston 500 surfing contest, renamed Ballito Pro and sponsored by Billabong, is held annually in July.

• Sundance (Bed and Breakfast), 18 Dolphin Crescent, Shakas Rock (Up the hill from Salt Rock Main beach, 20 mins north of Umhlanga), ☏ +27 32 525-5342, fax: +27 32 525-5342, [email protected]. From R350pp. 
• -29.5454831.212971 Boathouse, 33 Compensation Beach Road, ☏ +27 32 946-0300, [email protected]. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking Salmon Bay before setting out for an activity-filled day at one of the nearby golf courses or just soaking up the sun next to the pool. Luxury en-suite rooms, a-la-carte restaurant, fully licensed bar and direct beach access. From R595pps. 
• Hampshire Hotel Ballito, 4048 Moffatt Drive, ☏ +27 32 586-6000. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM content=. R900-1000 per room. 
• Secret Spot, Shaka's Rock Main Rd, ☏ +27 32 525 5479, [email protected]. A surf resort that includes lessons, and has an onsite bar and private beach. Varies R120-480. 

• Travel south to Durban
• Go further south along the Hisbiscus Coast through Port Shepstone, visit the Oribi gorge and blue flag beaches.
• Go up the North Coast and visit St Lucia, the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park or drive further on to Eswatini (Swaziland).