Ballito is known for being an affluent coastal neighbourhood in KwaZulu-Natal, where Bottlenose Dolphins frequent its waters. Also home to the popular housing development and resort Zimbali, we have come up with a comprehensive guide on all of the best things to do in Ballito.
Ballito has it all whether you’re looking for thrilling outdoor adventures, the best restaurants, accommodation, or things to do with kids, couples, or alone.
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Here are some of the best things to do in Ballito:
1. Go on Safari at Umlalazi Nature Reserve
Umlalazi Nature Reserve is frequently regarded as the pinnacle of South African destinations. Umlalazi Nature reserve offers the family a wonderful experience. Picnic sites are nestled in bushy surroundings, generously spaced to provide excellent privacy. The estuary has a wonderful mangrove walk with stunning views of the river.
Times: Monday – Sunday, 8 am – 5 pm
Cost: R35 pp
Contact: 076 895 1601
2. Enjoy the day at Sugar Rush Park
Sugar Ruch Park is another fantastic family venue in Ballito for all kinds of play and adventure. This family-friendly area has something to offer everyone, from young children to grandparents and great-grandparents. In addition, Sugar Rush promotes enjoyable outdoor activities like riding, running, or even climbing in a jungle gym.
Times: Monday – Sunday, 7 am – 5 pm
Cost: Free entrance, but prices vary for each activity
Contact: 060 997 9996
Address: Esenembe Road, Ballito, Dolphin Coast
Also Read: Explore Johannesburg Zoo
3. King Shaka Heritage Route
Check out the heritage route, which honours the legendary Zulu chief. Many people view King Shaka Zulu as the founder of the Zulu country because he united the dispersed clans into a potent cohesive force that controlled the territory between the present-day Swazi border and the Eastern Cape. One of the places to visit on this heritage route is the High Rock, where Shaka would sit to plan his military tactics.
Address: King Shaka Heritage Route, Ballito, Dolphin Coast, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
4. Zip Line with Adventure Valley Ballito
The Adventure Valley zip lines are nestled along the Sampoya river. The abundant bird life attests to the fact that the forest surroundings are a perfectly tranquil setting in the heart of nature. Nature lovers can experience the outdoors in a peaceful environment.
Times: Sunday – Thursday, 08:00 am – 5:00 pm
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cost: R449 (adults); R399 (children under 13)
Contact: 032 942 8014
Address: Adventure Valley, Hopewell Farm No. 1369, Esenembe Road, Ballito
Also Read: The 10 Best Restaurants in Fourways
Shopping Centers in Ballito
5. Ballito Lifestyle Centre
The stylish Ballito Lifestyle Centre is home to a variety of high-end boutiques, surf shops, eateries, and delis, in addition to a sizable SuperSpar and Woolworths.
Ballito Lifestyle Centre distinguishes itself from the other malls in the area with its lively “street-scene” shopping environment and lovely cobbled walkways connecting the businesses. It is a daring and contemporary shopping location with a distinctive “neighbourly” feel.
Check out our latest blog on some of the best restaurants in Ballito that also call Ballito Lifestyle Centre home.
Times: Monday – Sunday, 9 am — 8 pm
Address: Cnr 398/445 Main Road Main Road, Dolphin Coast, 4420
6. Ballito Junction Regional Mall
On the stunning Dolphin Coast, in the centre of Ballito, you will find the contemporary shopping mall called Ballito Junction Regional Mall. Along with six anchor tenants like Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Checkers, Edgars, Game, and Dis-Chem, it boasts an impressive lineup of 200 well-chosen stores.
The Ballito Junction Regional Mall offers three levels of retailers, excellent restaurants and delis, and a cutting-edge theatre and entertainment complex.
7. Tiffany’s Mall
Situated in Salt Rock, KwaZulu-Natal’s premier coastal holiday town, Tiffany’s Shopping Centre provides a relaxed and convenient shopping venue for residents and holidaymakers. There is ample parking at Tiffany’s Shopping Centre, conveniently located immediately off the N2 Highway heading into Salt Rock. In addition to having resident physicians, dentists, and optometrists for those holiday medical situations, Tiffany’s is a practical choice for convenience.
Times: Monday – Sunday, 9 am — 8 pm
Location: Salt Rock, Dolphin Coast, 4391
Beaches and viewpoints in Ballito
Ballito has an abundance of beaches and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Even though there are other beaches in the area, many people mistakenly believe Ballito has one. However, if you know where to search, you will have many options and can always find a place to escape the crowd.
8. Clarke Bay
Clarke Bay is a beautiful serene beach with a coffee shop at the promenade. This is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors and a day out with your partner. You can jog, walk, take your furbabies, and have a lovely picnic. Don’t forget to also go for a dip in the gorgeous clear ocean.
Where to find it: Compensation Beach Rd, Ballito, Dolphin Coast, 4399
9. Christmas Bay
This hidden gem is a secluded beach filled with rock pools, fish and sea life. The rock formations are also incredible and perfect for a family outing.
Address: 99 Colwyn Dr, Sheffield Beach, Dolphin Coast, 4420
10. Thompson’s Bay Beach
If you want something different, Thompson’s Bay Beach is the perfect location! At this lovely location, you can go on an adventure by checking out the ‘hole in the wall’, which leads to more private beaches, or you can enjoy the tidal pool, which is the main feature of the beach.
Address: 9 Rock Ln, Shaka’s Rock, Dolphin Coast
11. Willard Beach
Willard Beach is one of Ballito’s busiest beaches and has a ton of attractions. On a warm KwaZulu-Natal day, the town’s main beach is an excellent vacation for the entire family. Willard has been designated as one of the few Blue Flag beaches in the nation because of its educational value, stunning location, secure surroundings, and first-rate amenities.
Address: Willard Beach, Ballito, Dolphin Coast
12. Salmon Bay
Salmon Bay Beach, located south of Ballito, is ideal for surfing because of its exposure, which produces highly reliable surf.
The beach is pristine and a great area to hang out with friends and family during the day.
Address: Willard Beach, Ballito, Dolphin Coast
More things to do in Ballito
13. Enjoy the best of craft beer at Ballito Brewing Company
Between Ballito and Umhlali in KwaZulu-Natal, The Great Railroad Brewing Company opened in 2015, and its significant variations have enjoyed tremendous popularity and support. Each brew is made with the best components and according to time-honoured customs to ensure the highest level of flavour and elegance.
The location of this microbrewery on the R102 makes it quite accessible and straightforward to find. Tours and tastings are a must for visitors and beer lovers and can be arranged by prior appointment. Visitors will be given an explanation of how the perfect beer is made, including the steps from milling to packaging.
Times: Monday – Thursday, 08:00 am – 16:30; Friday, 08:00 am – 15:00 pm; Saturday, By Appointment Only
Cost: R200 pp
Contact: 082 909 4001
Address: 13 Canton Park, R102, Shakashead, Ballito, Dolphin Coast, KwaZulu Natal
14. Monkeyland KZN
You can see a variety of monkey species (all from outside of South Africa) in a wild, largely natural setting at Monkeyland KZN, a free-roaming primate sanctuary. Zoos and other such artificial interactions with animals are often not something we enjoy. BUT Monkeyland was a pleasant surprise; the package is well-designed (including a drive in a land vehicle through the forest), the tour instructors are excellent, and the educational components are comprehensive.
Times: Monday – Thursday, 08:00 am – 16:30; Friday, 08:00 am – 15:00 pm; Saturday, By Appointment Only
Cost: R320 (adults); R160 (children over 13)
Contact: 082 909 4001
Address: 13 Canton Park, R102, Shakashead, Ballito, Dolphin Coast, KwaZulu Natal
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15. Ndlondlo Reptile Park
Over twenty kinds of reptiles, including anacondas and pythons, are kept in the Ndlondlo Reptile Park. They also organize children’s parties and offer guided tours of the Park. In addition, the Park offers a tea garden where mothers may relax with a cup of tea while their kids explore the enclosures and discover the various snake species.
Times: Tuesday – Sunday, 08:00 am – 15:00 pm
Cost: R320 (adults); R160 (children over 13)
Contact: 082 561 4969
Address: Sugar Rush Park, Esenembe rd, Compensation, Dolphin Coast, 4392
16. Enjoy a microlight flight with Comefly
Enjoy this unforgettable experience when you take flight with Comefly. Fly over Ballito and experience breathtaking views, some even spotting dolphins off the coast.
Times: Monday – Sunday, 09:00 am – 16:30 pm
Cost: R60 pp
Contact: 084 266 3359
Address: Adjacent Shell Ultra City N2 Northbound Mvoti, Groutville, KwaDukuza, 4449
17. Vist Flag Animal Farm
Flag Farm is the perfect family outing, with a lot to see and do. Kids can take pony rides and hand-feed chickens, ducks, rabbits, cows, goats, sheep, geese and much more.
Times: Monday – Sunday, 09:00 am – 16:30 pm
Cost: R60 pp
Contact: 032 947 2018
Address: Sheffield Beach Rd, Durban, 4390
Places to play a round of golf in Ballito
18. Umhlali Country Club
Initially only nine holes, Umhlali Country Club has recently been completely redesigned to become a top-notch 18-hole course. In addition, it now features a halfway house, pro shop, golf cart rentals, bowling greens, five tennis courts (two of which are floodlit), a private swimming pool, and two glass-backed squash courts. It’s a fantastic location and a well-liked attraction in the greater Ballito area.
Address: 1 Compensation Beach Rd, Umhlali, Dolphin Coast, 4390
19. Zimbali Country Club
Just south of Ballito on the M4 Highway is the exclusive Zimbali Country Club. The shifting terrain is a test for any Golfer and is “a fascinating tour across 18 holes.” The golf course, which has a view of the ocean, is also a great place to go bird watching
Address: R627, Zimbali Coastal Estate, Dolphin Coast, 4399
20. Princes Grant Golf Course
One of South Africa’s top twenty golf courses, the magnificent Prince’s Grant Golf Estate in Stanger is a recipient of the 5 Star Golf Experience Award. Golfers of all ability levels can enjoy a unique experience on the traditional links-style course. Their estate also has a fully functional gym with qualified trainers.
Address: 1 Babu Bodasing Avenue, New Guelderland, 4480
Frequently Asked Questions about Ballito
Ballito, translated from Italian, means “little ball“, the town’s name having been borrowed from a glossy advertisement for hosiery made by Ballito Hosiery of St. Albans, England. For many years Ballito was the best-kept secret of the KZN Coast and has been the perennial playground of the young and young at heart.
Is Ballito a nice place to live?
Ballito boasts many modern and well-designed family homes with extensive gardens and entertainment areas and, often, a view of the turquoise sea and a pristine beach.
