Relax, swim and surf in the coastal resort of Ballito
Situated around forty kilometres north of Durban, the town of Ballito is a popular holiday destination along South Africa’s Dolphin Coast. Only formed in the mid twentieth century, Ballito has grown steadily in the past decades to emerge as one of the prime resorts in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, in part, thanks to its close proximity to the vast city of Durban. Visitors head to Ballito primarily for coastal nature as it is home to several renowned beaches and some excellent surfing spots. Additionally, the dolphin watching opportunities also continue to draw many tourists to the region.
Easily accessible from Durban
Thanks to its quick accessibility from Durban, visitors often head to the Ballito area for a day trip to a less crowded beach than in the city. It is little more than an hour’s drive from the larger city and also possible to reach by bus or train. However, Ballito is also a destination where those from further inland come to enjoy their summer holidays and thus there is plenty to see and do in the area. The town itself sits directly on the coast, but also with close access to the N2 Highway. Many of the hotels in Ballito are located directly along the coastline or near to the highway, offering two different choices depending on a guest’s priorities. Being able to conveniently access the beach on foot is a priority for many guests seeking a relaxing seaside holiday and there are plenty of ideal properties for this. Equally, for visitors requiring direct access to the highway, there is an array of Ballito hotels meeting this need in an area which also contains several shopping malls.
Ballito Beach is the region’s primary draw
Beaches are clearly the main focus of Ballito and the surrounding area and this is primarily what visitors come for. Ballito Beach is a long stretch of exposed coastline, often with large surfable waves and thus this sport is a prime activity here. During the summer months of December to March the beach becomes a lot busier with sunbathers and families enjoying the sand and warm temperatures. Surfing however is a year-round sport and some of the best conditions can be enjoyed during the shoulder seasons and winter. There are dozens of restaurants and bars along the coast ensuring guests have plenty of choice when it comes to wining and dining with a mix of international cuisines. Therefore, staying a hotel in Ballito near to the beachfront allows guests the convenience of not relying on transport to access nearby facilities. Further north of Ballito Beach lies the smaller, protected cove of Thompson’s Bay Beach, a scenic collection of impressive rock formations which also contains excellent snorkelling opportunities.
Around the town of Ballito
Aside from the coastline and beaches, there are also several points of interest on land and around the town of Ballito. Around the highway there has been a great deal of development in the past decade which has seen the opening of several shopping malls plus an array of new housing estates. For instance, Ballito Bay Mall and Ballito Lifestyle Centre are two large shopping mall complexes which house dozens of international brands as well as much of the practical stores that visitors may require such as supermarkets, pharmacies and an assortment of restaurants and fast food outlets. This region is much more developed than the coast and the hotels here are of the newer, larger chain type, often with more facilities but less individual charm than a seaside Ballito property. Golf is another draw to the Ballito region and there are a few renowned courses within close proximity of the town, including Zimbali Country Club. Zimbali is also the district containing the all-inclusive top-end resort accommodation, simultaneously close to the beach and the country club.
Exploring the surrounding nature and wildlife
Nature and wildlife are focuses on and off shore in the Ballito area and there are a few excellent wildlife sanctuaries in the surrounding region. Crocodile Creek is a working crocodile farm and an extremely popular destination, particularly with families. Located a short drive from Ballito, it makes for an excellent day trip with various native animals represented beyond just crocodiles. A similar distance away from Ballito is Ndlondlo Reptile Park, another well-visited destination, featuring an array of snakes and reptiles which is again an ideal attraction for families. Further afield, the area of Sugar Rush Park and the Holla Trails is one of the prime outdoor spots to enjoy hiking and biking amongst wonderful scenery. It is an extensive site with over a hundred kilometres of trails in a mix of terrains and difficulty levels, ensuring it has a wide appeal for any ability from beginner to expert.