Ballito Accommodation / Ballito at a Glance

Ballito at a Glance

A brief history of Ballito

The origin of Ballito dates back to 1953, when a group of entrepreneurs began investigating land to develop a township in the Compensation Beach area. This land was part of a sugar cane farm, which was owned by Basil Townsend. Ballito was proclaimed a town in 1954 and reached borough status in 1986. The town's name was borrowed from a glossy magazine advert for Ballito Hosiery showing sheer silk Italian stockings. The word "Ballito" translated from Italian means "little ball".

Today Ballito is known for its beautiful beaches and safe surroundings making it the leading tourist destination in Kwa Zulu Natal.

KwaZulu Natal North Coast

Ballito is a small, bustling, modern village situated amid rolling sugar cane-covered hills on the Indian Ocean coastline of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa and is the heart of the 'Dolphin Coast'.

Situated just 30 minutes north of Durban, Ballito is flanked to the east by golden beaches and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean which makes this the ideal area to seek North Coast holiday accommodation. The Dolphin Coast, as this area is otherwise named, gets its name from the many Bottlenose dolphins, which frequent this section of the warm Indian Ocean. These golden beaches have many sheltered coves and the swimming beaches are protected by shark nets and attended by professional Life Savers.

We enjoy a sub-tropical climate with average summer temperatures of 24°C - 30°C and winters, not much cooler, with temperatures averaging between 22°C and 24°C.

Ballito offers holiday makers an array of activities for all ages and all interests from swimming and water sports to golf and game reserves, not to forget dolphin & whale watching - either from the beach, boat or a micro light. There are endless activities guaranteed to suit the interests of the whole family.

Ballito

Ballito is the heart of the North Coast within KwaDukuza and lies nestled between rippling fields of KwaZulu Natal’s famous green-gold sugar-cane and the golden beaches of the warm Indian Ocean. Ballito is often referred to as the ìPearlî of the North Coast. The town originates back 1953 when a group of entrepreneurs began investigating the possibility of developing a township in the Compensation Beach area. Proclaimed a township in 1954, Ballito whose name was gleaned from a magazine advertisement means ìlittle ballî in Italian.

The beach is the main attraction for most visitors and the Dolphin Coast has a magnificent stretch of golden beaches and sheltered coves to lure the sun lover. The main swimming beach at Ballito is Willard Beach, which provides safe swimming with qualified lifeguards and is protected by shark nets.
Holiday homes and apartments in Ballito.

Chakas Rock

Heading North from Ballito along the coastal road one will reach Thompson’s Bay at Chakas Rock. There you will find "Charlie's Pool", an Olympic size tidal pool built by one of the early settlers. There are secluded beaches, rocky coves and shallow paddling pools to offer endless hours of fun. The hole-in-the-wall is located at the beach, which is a natural rock formation caused by the erosion from the sea. High Rock is situated at Thompson’s Bay, where King Shaka’s warriors were reputed to have leapt from the surging waves below to test their courage. The sandy stretch of beach, tidal pool and rocky cliffs make an ideal spot for a tranquil holiday.
Holiday homes and apartments in Chakas Rock.

Salt Rock

North of Chaka’s Rock is Salt Rock. This area offers the visitor a relaxed environment and originates from King Shaka’s days when Zulu maidens used to collect salt off rocks at low tide. The salt offers excellent swimming and fishing beaches, a massive tidal pool and beautiful reefs offshore. The main beach is protected by lifeguards and shark-nets.
Holiday homes and apartments in Salt Rock.

Sheffield Beach

North of Salt Rock is Sheffield Beach, which has some beautifully sheltered coves and rock pools that will delight those who enjoy snorkelling. Sheffield is and excellent fishing and diving spot.
Holiday homes and apartments in Sheffield Beach.

Zimbali

A few minutes drive south of Ballito is Zimbali, which is made up of numerous residential sites as well as the exclusive hotel resort, set in pristine coastal forest with a rugged, unspoiled coastline providing the perfect setting to get away from it all.

Zimbali boasts an impressive golf course, which is both challenging and beautiful. The clubhouse has a restaurant and bar for light meals and drinks. You can also enjoy a game of tennis, relax at the pool, horse ride on the beach or enjoy being pampered at the health and beauty spa.
Holiday homes and apartments in Zimbali.

Ballito Beaches

The beach is the main attraction for most visitors to KwaZulu Natal, and the Dolphin Coast has a magnificent stretch of golden beaches and sheltered coves that are ideal for a day of soaking up the sun.

Salmon Bay - Ballito
Salomon Bay is located at the furthest beach south before Zimbali and is the official ski-boat launch site. The beach is quiet and provides a tranquil setting when taking that stroll at sunrise along the beach. Its is not suitable for swimming unless the tide is very low as there are no shark nets or lifeguards. It is often frequented by rock and surf anglers alike.

Clarke Bay - Ballito
Clarke Bay can be found a short 15-minute walk south of Willard Beach. This beach has rocky pools on either side of the beach area and is manned by lifeguards and protected by shark nets. Just south of Clarke Bay is the Ballito tidal pool, built on Ballito Point.

Willard Beach - Ballito
Willard Beach is considered to be Ballito's main beach and provides safe swimming with qualified lifeguards seven days a week and is protected by shark nets. The beach offers ideal conditions for surfing and body boarding with competitions held on a regular basis.

Thompson's Bay - Chaka's Rock
Thompsons' Bay in Chaka's Rock is a lovely spot for family gatherings. The beach is famous for is large tidal pool and the well known "hole in the wall". It is also right next to High Rock, a popular fishing spot for the experienced angler. There are shark nets and lifeguards on duty.

Chaka's Rock Beach
This beautiful stretch of sandy beach has a tidal pool bordered by picturesque, rocky cliffs. Here you can hunt for shells, frolic in the sea or safe tidal pools or fish from the famous Rock. You may even spot one of the many schools of dolphins that play in the ocean here.

Salt Rock Beach
Salt Rock Beach is always popular with the surfers, bathers and paddle ski fishermen. There are beautiful reefs off -shore, which give divers hours of enjoyment and a fabulous tidal pool for hours of fun. There are shark nets and lifeguards on duty. This beach is generally quieter than other Ballito beaches outside peak holiday season.

Sheffield Beach
Sheffield Beach is the most northern resort suburb on the Dolphin Coast - a ten-minute drive from Ballito. This beautiful coastline will delight visitors with its sheltered coves and superb rock pools. A must for fishing and snorkeling enthusiasts.

Golf Courses

Ballito and its surrounding areas boast some of the finest golf courses in South Africa. These magnificent golf courses are challenging and unforgettably beautiful with fresh sea breezes and majestic views.

Zimbali Country Club | 032 538 1041 | www.zimbali.co.za/GolfCourse.aspx
The Zimbali Country Club's Golf Course is both challenging and breathtakingly beautiful offering a world class standard for all players. Offering irresistible ocean and forest views, exceptional water and wetland features and an inspiring natural setting, Zimbali Country Club has developed the reputation of a memorable course with charisma and challenge.

Prince's Grant | 032 482 0041 | www.princesgrant.co.za
Ranked in the top 20 golf courses in South Africa by Golf Digest, Prince's Grant is nestled between emerald-green fields of sugar cane in the rolling hills of Kwa-Zulu Natal's Dolphin Coast 20 minutes north of Ballito. Activities: golf, squash, volleyball, swimming (Beach and pools), tennis, kayaking.

Maidstone Golf Course | 032 945 0419 | www.maidstonegolfclub.co.za
Situated just 40 minutes north of Durban, Maidstone Golf Club offers a 9-hole golf course with 2 tee boxes and immaculate fairways. Challenging for both seasoned golfers and part-timers alike, Maidstone caters for all level of golfer. Its close proximity to Ballito means it's a perfect place for golfers who want a relaxed and convenient venue at a reasonable price.

Umhlali Country Club | 032 947 1181 | www.umhlalicountryclub.co.za
Umhlali Country Club is located just outside of Ballito and is open to visitor's everyday of the week. This magnificent 18-hole golf course with its breathtaking greens was designed by Peter Matkovich and is a must for avid and casual golfers alike. Other available facilities include tennis courts, squash courts, bowling greens as well as a halfway house and bar.

Darnall Country Club | 032 439 2006 | www.darnallcountryclub.co.za
The club has a beautiful, and challenging nine-hole golf course. The second nine of a eighteen hole round is played from different tee boxes. Green fees are charged at very affordable rates. The caddy master and caddies are on duty during weekends, public holidays and school holidays. The golf section is affiliated to The KwaZulu Natal Golf Union, The North Coast Golf Association and has a team playing in The Zululand Golf Association league.

Tours and Safaris

Anytime Africa | 078 290 4418 | www.anytimeafrica.co.za
Anytime Africa is ideally situated as the Gateway to KZN, whether you would like to go on a Safari, visit a Traditional Zulu village, the historic Battlefields, or the breathtaking Drakensburg Mountains. We offer half-day, full day and overnight tours. Every tour is thoughtfully planned suggesting options that we can personally recommend.

Dream Tours & Safaris | 083 497 5274 | www.dreamsafaris.co.za
Dream Tours & Safaris is a family owned and operated business by Ron and Norma Boyd. Ron is a driver operator who has been in the business since 1993. Norma is a qualified Tour Guide for Kwa Zulu Natal. She conducts her tours in French or English. We are based in Ballito, situated on the North Coast, about 50 km's from Durban. Our Tours are well planned and the memory of the tour will remain with you forever.

Zulu Sun Safaris | 032 946 0265/082 552 5745 | www.zulusunsafaris.co.za
We are Lori and Tom Kelly - registered and experienced guides who have been involved in South African tourism for nearly a decade. We offer bespoke, personalised tours and safaris for all budgets within KwaZulu-Natal. We offer transfers between any destinations within KwaZulu-Natal and a professional meet-and-greet service to our guests arriving at either Durban, Richards Bay or Johannesburg airports.

Adventure and Sport

Bundu Paintball | 084 240 3318
Bundu Paintball is Durban's BRAND NEW paintball range located 10 minutes South of Ballito. It is owned and operated by Paintball enthusiast Philip Wolmerans, and is situated at the Ndlondlo Reptile Park in the hills of Kwazulu Natal's lush green Dolphin Coast.

River Quad & Sky Trails | 032 942 8014
An official Suzuki Quad Partner, voted one of the TOP 10 QUAD TRAILS in South Africa. You'll find us in the heart of the Esenembe Valley, situated 15km inland from Ballito. River Quad Trails offers eco-friendly, daily guided quad tours especially for Nature lovers. We cater for family fun, team building, entertainment of your special clients, and for all those special occasions.

Ballito Microlights | 082 659 5550 | www.microlights.co.za
The School is less than 30 minutes drive North of Durban, and only 5 minutes drive from the golden beaches of Ballito Bay on the Dolphin Coast. Ballito Microlight School is run professionally by Full Time A Grade Instructors (Class 1), who are dedicated to providing safe and fun training in a friendly atmosphere at affordable prices.

Zimbali Horse Rides | 083 510 5890
Zimbali horse rides explore the coastal forest estate and the beach on well-trained horses. The expert horse-handler will ensure you have a memorable ride, no matter what your previous experience is. Rides are one hour long.

Dirty Harry Fishing Tour | 082 579 3878 | www.dirtyharry.co.za
Dirty Harry is a 19ft Tomcat powered by two Yamaha 115 motors. The boat has the latest Lowrence GPS and depth finder on board, along with first class fishing equipment that is all provided. We are registered to take six people on board including the skipper. Our skippers are all qualified and have more than 15 years of experience behind them, so you are assured of being well looked after at all times.

Scuba Diving & Dolphin Viewing | 082 553 2834
Join us on a 2-hour journey of exploration and education into the warm Indian Ocean, to uncover secrets of the deep... we'll go in search of marine life to give you the best chance of encountering dolphins, whales, sharks, whale sharks, rays or birds! Cruising the backline most days of the year are our resident pods of Indian Ocean Bottlenose dolphins, and from June to November Humpback and Southern Right whales grace us with their majestic presence on their long journey north from their Antarctic home.

Fat Traxx - Quad Bikes | 082 477 5877 | www.fattraxx.co.za
Established in 1998. We cater for family fun out rides, corporate incentives, directors packages, entertainment of overseas guests, continuous customer entertainment, top achiever incentives, team building, group outings, product launches, birthdays and special occasions. We will take groups from 2 people to 200 people.

Harley Davidson - Bike Rides & Rentals | 032 946 3271
Lean back on the comfortable passenger seat of a Harley Davidson, let the unmistakable sound and this world famous rhythmic driving experience "glide" you along the beautiful coastline of KwaZulu Natal, with the wind in your face and the sun on your skin ...

Sky Adventures | 073 334 7911 | www.skyadventures.co.za
Sky Adventures, based in Durban, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa provide for all forms of aviation rides, flights and experiences throughout South Africa.

Air & Ocean Safari's | 084 257 0835 | www.airandoceansafaris.co.za
Ocean Safaris run every day from uShaka Marine World. The trip is fun and informative with incidental sightings of dolphins, whales, whale sharks and sea birds. We take a look at the shark nets and the old whaling station, with the option of snorkeling on reefs / wrecks along the way.

The Secret Spot - Learn to surf | 082 495 9811/073 562 9279 | www.secretspot.co.za
Perhaps the first of its kind in South Africa in terms of an actual fully-fledged "Surf Camp".

For the Kids

Ushaka Marine World | 031 328 8000 | www.ushakamarineworld.co.za
Featuring up close and personal encounters with ragged tooth sharks, dolphins and penguins to adrenalin-pumping waterslides, decadent dining, unique shopping and cutting edge entertainment, uShaka Marine World is one of Africa's most celebrated playgrounds and renowned tourist destinations.

Flag Animal Farm | 032 947 2018 | www.flaganimalfarm.co.za
During the holidays, and weekends, we have special fun milking shows - with dancing, singing, prizes at 12 and 3pm. During the week we do the milking demo at 12 and 3pm. We have a coffee shop on the farm where we serve light meals. Coffee is freshly ground, percolated on sight.

Gateway - All Entertainment | 031 566 1897 | www.gatewayworld.co.za

Ten Pin Bowling
Pool & Action Bar
Go Carts
Mini Golf
Foofie Slide
Amusement Arcade
Odyssey Internet Cafe
Bumper Cars
Fun Train & Food Court

Crocodile Creek | 032 944 3845 | www.crocodilecreek.net
Crocodile Creek was cut out of dense coastal bush over looking the Tongaat River flood plain in 1983 and is home to 7000 monster crocodiles, alligators, caimen, slender snouted and dwarf crocs. Enjoy an exciting guided tour, never to be forgotten, bush trails, huge pythons and deadly mambas complete the bush experience.

Ndlondlo Reptile Park | 084 240 3318
At Ndlondlo Reptile Park We pride ourselves on our personal hands on approach and every visitor is treated to a guided tour of the facility. Tours are provided by one of our competent team members with narration in either English or Afrikaans, you get to choose. We boast a variety of reptiles, large and small, venomous and harmless and are passionate about education; we offer a snake identification course which includes first aid treatment for snake bites.

Natal Sharks Board | 031 566 0400 | www.shark.co.za
The Natal Sharks Board welcomes and encourages visits by members of the public to its complex in Umhlanga Rocks, where they can view a 25 minute audio-visual presentation on the day to day work done by the Sharks Board as well as on the important role sharks and other animals play in the marine ecosystem. This is followed by a 20 minute dissection of a shark which provides the unique opportunity to see the internal machinery of one of the ocean' most awesome predators'. Visit the display hall and view the large variety of lifelike replicas of sharks, fish and rays, including that of a 892 kg great white shark.

Durban Ice Rink | 031 332 4597 | www.durbanicerink.co.za
The Durban Ice Rink, a new beginning, a place for great fun, entertainment, restoring friendships, relaxation, music and dance. A Place of serious development of the sports of Figure Skating and Ice Hockey.

Butterflies for Africa | 033 387 7356 | www.butterflies.co.za
Butterflies for Africa has been developed to combine the best elements of top butterfly houses from around the world with some unique features of its own. The complex currently houses a walk-through Butterfly House (housing both exotic and indigenous butterflies), Butterfly Craft Shop, Art Gallery, Coffee Bar, African Art & Craft Centre, Butterfly Nursery and a Butterfly Garden planted with a large range of butterfly foodplants.

Duck 'n Deck Animal Farm | 031 768 1029 | www.duckanddeck.co.za
The Duck and Deck Animal Farm is nestled in the Assagay valley just 15 minutes drive from The Pavillion. It provides a superb and entertaining environment allowing children to touch, feel and interact with animals.

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