The Best of Ballito
Ballito is a residential suburb and popular seaside holiday town located on the east coast of South Africa in the province of KwaZulu Natal, about 40 kilometres north of Durban. What was once a quite seaside village nestled in a vast evergreen sugarcane plantation is now a thriving ‘mini city within a city’.
Ballito is completely self-sufficient, boasting excellent schools, medical centres, banks, massive shopping centres and a wide variety of accommodation, restaurants and entertainment for residents and holidaymakers. It’s the outdoor and entertainment hub of Durban North, otherwise known as the Dolphin Coast.
Why is Ballito so popular?
In recent years, Ballito has experienced a boom with many residents relocating from Johannesburg and Durban to the beautiful gated estates in Ballito and surrounding towns which offer excellent security and an incredible lifestyle for the young and old.
New hotels and apartments have been built to accommodate the large number of South African holidaymakers and international tourists that descend on Ballito every year, and the town’s roads and facilities has been upgraded to offer visitors a topnotch holiday experience.
Ballito is more than a seasonal holiday destination in Durban that’s jampacked with visitors in the busy holidays and empties out when everyone goes home. It’s home to a vibrant outdoor-loving residential community who have chosen to live in Ballito for its fabulous outdoor lifestyle.
Ballito and the closely-connected surrounding towns offer visitors excellent facilities and attractions, including a large regional shopping mall and smaller lifestyle shopping centres, 5 world-class golf courses, superb beaches, 350 kilometres of pristine mountain biking trails, equestrian facilities and a host of country clubs and sports clubs. In the last few years, 4 new schools have been built as well as the modern Netcare Alberlito Hospital.
Ballito is an easy 25-minute drive on the highway to Umhlanga which is the business hub of Durban North, and 15-minutes from King Shaka International Airport. The coastal town is positioned within easy reach of the major safari destinations on the east coast of South Africa, including Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve and the Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park World Heritage Site.
Ballito is also within easy driving distance of the beautiful Drakensburg mountain region, lush Midlands and the gorgeous coastal downs in Durban South. KwaZulu Natal’s world-class highways make travelling to Durban’s favourite holiday destinations easy and convenient.
What we love about Ballito
City living in a quaint seaside village
Ballito is a beautiful seaside town with a ‘modern city’ feel. You have the best of both worlds staying in Ballito with a magical combination of idyllic beaches and lush wilderness areas and the convenience of world-class shopping centres with well-stocked supermarkets and big retail outlets, medical centres and banks as well as a wide selection of trendy restaurants, beach bars and cafes, surfing shops and boutique fashion stores.
Nestled in a lush valley between the warm Indian Ocean and Durban’s Outer Ring Road that’s flanked by rolling evergreen sugarcane plantations, Ballito is a haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city of Durban.
Wide choice of accommodation
You’re spoilt for choice for accommodation in Ballito. Highrise apartments on the beachfront offer visitors spectacular views of the glistening Indian Ocean and easy access to a collection of gorgeous beaches that are all within easy walking or driving distance from each other.
Otherwise, you can opt to stay in a secure residential estate or guest houses in the lush suburbs of Ballito. Everything is close in Ballito so it doesn’t really matter where you stay. The town has everything you need, so much so that many residents don’t venture far from Ballito except to travel to work.
Convenient location
It’s a quick 5 to 10-minute drive to the beaches, shops and restaurants and the town is located just off the Outer Ring Road which takes you to Durban central business district, the popular Gateway Theatre of Shopping, King Shaka International Airport and the other popular seaside resorts along the Dolphin Coast.
It’s a 35 to 40-minute drive from Ballito to the Golden Mile in Durban, which is popular stretch of beachfront in Durban that stretches from South Beach to the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World. The N2 highway is state-of-the-art so the drive to the main attractions and beaches in Durban and South Durban is easy and quite pleasant.
Year-round gorgeous weather
The Dolphin Coast enjoys a warm tropical climate, with gorgeous sunny days and blue skies for much of the year. The best thing about a beach holiday at Ballito is the Indian Ocean is warm so you can swim or surf throughout the year, apart from odd days when a cold front blows in from the south.
Summer temperatures in Ballito average between 28°C and 33°C. Winter temperatures in Ballito are a pleasant 16°C to 23°C. One thing to remember is Ballito’s weather in summer is very humid. Thanks to the warm Agulhas current flowing past the East coast of KZN, humid temperatures in Ballito often reach over 35°C
Protected swimming and surfing beaches and safe tidal pools
The main attraction of Ballito is its beautiful beaches. They’re clean, well-maintained and protected by shark nets that are monitored by the Natal Sharks Board. The busy beaches have qualified lifeguards on duty throughout the year.
On the whole, swimming and surfing at Ballito’s beaches is safe if you’re careful. However, if you’re not that confident swimming in seas with big waves, you have a choice of beaches all within easy walking distance of the town of Ballito that have divine rock pools and manmade tidal pools that are perfectly safe for both young and old holidaymakers.
Gorgeous beaches and natural attractions
Ballito lies on an incredible stretch of coastline that is one of the most beautiful in South Africa. It boasts having one of the few Flag beaches in South Africa, namely Willard Beach. This tranquil beach oasis with sheltered coves and stunning rock pools was awarded Blue Flag status in recognition of its conservation value, gorgeous setting, safe conditions and excellent amenities.
Another popular attraction close to Ballito is Charlie’s Pool, which is an Olympic-sized tidal pool in Thompson’s Bay . It was built by a famous early settler called Charles de Charmoy.
For the more adventurous, a marine trail sets off from a natural rock formation that locals call the Hole in the Wall and leads north to the legendary High Rock, after which the town of Shakas Rock got its name. The large rock is so named because King Shaka famously tested the courage and loyalty of his warriors by making them leap off the rock into the treacherous ocean below.
Outdoor playground of KZN
Ballito is the heart of the ‘Playground Capital of South Africa’, a popular description for Durban. A holiday in Ballito is all about fresh air, sun and exercise in the most incredible natural surrounds, although the nightlife in Ballito and long lunches at trendy beachside restaurants are just as much fun.
It’s the perfect environment for families with young children with safe swimming beaches, warm sea water and the freedom to play and have fun safely under parent supervision. For young adults, it’s fun in the sun by day and the option to party until late at night. For retired people, Ballito is a safe and tranquil environment with the convenience of shops and restaurants within walking distance of residential homes and holiday accommodation in Ballito.
For a nominal license fee paid to the Natal Sharks Board, you can pick your own mussels off the rocks, collect oysters or bring in fresh crayfish from the Indian Ocean. The mountain biking trails along the coast are gorgeous, joggers and walkers get in their daily exercise on the long promenade that stretches the length of the Ballito coastline and avid golfers, surfers and fisherman can disappear for hours at a time to enjoy their favourite sport.
Great restaurants and festive nightlife
You’re spoilt for choice of quality restaurants, cafés, coffee shops and delis, pubs and takeaway eateries on a holiday in Ballito. When the sun goes down in Ballito, the fun doesn’t stop. Ballito has a fine collection of wine bars, cocktail lounges, beachside bars and busy pubs to choose from.
The surrounding towns also offers an endless choice of entertainment for the whole family, groups of friends, young couples and golden oldies. On the rare chance you get bored while on holiday in Ballito, the neighbouring towns have a whole lot more for you and your family and friends to do.
If you’re not outdoors on the beach, surfing, fishing or walking in nature, you can head to the Gateway Theater of Shopping to spend time at the hugely popular entertainment centre and movie houses.
What do you want to eat in Ballito? No problem because there’s a restaurant in town to suit everyone’s taste buds and budget, whether it’s a fancy dinner, hearty breakfasts, delicious pub grub or a quick KFC or McDonalds on the way home from the beach. You’ll find restaurants in Ballito serving some of the best Durban curries and freshly-caught seafood in KZN.
Ballito's next-door neighbours
A cluster of popular seaside towns lie adjacent to Ballito, nestled in what was once undulating hills blanketed with evergreen sugarcane plantations.
Some have remained Durban North’s best-kept secrets and untouched by development while others have ballooned in size, offering visitors a choice of high-end accommodation, large shopping centres, schools, medical centres, office parks and an excellent choice of restaurants, pubs, delis and takeaway eateries.
The most popular beach holiday destinations on the Dolphin Coast are within easy driving distance of Ballito. Most people on holiday in Ballito alternate between the beaches close to where they’re staying and those in the surrounding seaside towns.
Blythedale Beach
Blythedale Beach is one of Durban North’s older settlements and a secret gem. From the large parking lot, follow the walkway to Blythedale’s gorgeous beach and enjoy an idyllic day swimming, surfing, snorkeling and fishing in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Further down the beach, you’ll find the Umvoti River Estuary and a launch site for motorised boats and ski boats. The bird life at the estuary isn’t as prolific as it once was because of urban development but it’s a pretty spot for a picnic and birdwatching.
Salt Rock
Salt Rock is one of the oldest seaside developments on the Dolphin Coast with a quaint town centre and popular swimming and surfing beach. It’s home to Salt Rock Surf Lifesaving Club and Salt Rock Hotel and Caravan Resort, which has a lush green lawn that extends down to the beach and a large tidal pool.
Salt Rock’s name is derived from a time when the San people collected salt off the rocks along the coast, which was then traded inland. There are a number of good restaurants, takeaway eateries and delis in Salt Rock as well as a selection of shops and a variety of accommodation.
Shakas Rock
Shakas Rock is a residential area taken up almost completely by Simbithi Eco-Estate and Golf Course. At the intersection of Ocean Drive and Shakas Rock Main Road, there’s a scenic walkway down to the beach with a lovely tidal pool built between the rocks. It’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and safe for young children.
Travel north along Ocean Drive to find the beautiful Thompson’s Bay. It’s a protected beach and where you’ll find the famous Charlie’s Pool, a wonderful tidal pool that’s warm and safe for swimming. A wilderness trail leads you over rocky dunes and secluded beaches to Willard Beach, which is one of only a few Blue Flag beaches in South Africa.
Shakas Rock is named after a massive rock where King Shaka famously made his warriors test their loyalty and courage by jumping off the High Rock into the sea. Today, it’s a popular spot for rock and surf anglers.
Sheffield Beach
A winding road takes you from the N2 highway through rolling plantations to the beautiful town of Sheffield Beach. A collection of secluded sandy coves are popular with anglers and scuba divers, with an abundance of fish found between the golden sands and the large reef formation out at sea.
Accommodation in Sheffield Beach ranges from B&Bs, self-catering guest houses and exclusive-use homes in a secure, gated community.
Tinley Manor
Tinley Manor is one of the best-kept secrets on the Dolphin Coast. The quiet seaside village is untouched by urban development and has retained much of its village charm. The beach at Tinley Manor is one of the best fishing spots in Durban North and the newly-built tidal pool is perfect for families with young children.
Umhlali
Umhlali is a farming village located on the western side of the N2 highway. It offers visitors a wide choice of accommodation as well as a decent shopping centre with restaurants, delis and takeaway eateries. Umhali is one of the older settlements in Durban North and has a rich agricultural history.
You’ll find Litchi Orchard Market in Umhali which is hugely popular for a family day trip, offering great food, kid’s entertainment and showcasing the creative talents of local artists and artisans.
Zimbali
Zimbali is a premier residential and holiday destination located north of Ballito. The focus of the development is the popular Zimbali Coastal Resort. The beautiful coastal forest lifestyle estate offers a range of accommodation, facilities and entertainment for residents and visitors, built around a world-class golf course that’s flanked by dense coastal bush.
There are seven restaurants on the protected coastal estate, offering a variety of places to eat out in Zimbali. The Valley of the Pools offers a unique experience where one can enjoy the majestic Indian Ocean shoreline whilst inside the estate, swimming in a choice of 3 outdoor pools.
The Bushbuck Club is a trendy café serving quality coffee and light meals as well as jungle gyms and trampolines for the kiddies to enjoy. You’ll also find a range of outdoor sport facilities at Bushbuck Club, including 4 tennis courts and 2 indoor squash courts for adults as well as water slides and a playground for the kids.
An enclosed seating area built around two sparkling swimming pools at Bushbuck Club is perfect for private functions and parties.
Zinkwazi
Zinkwazi is a popular holiday destination in Durban North, known for its magical beach and tranquil lagoon. A protected indigenous forest flanks the Zinkwazi River and is home to an abundance of birds and small buck. As an alternative to a day on Zinkwazi beach, you can hire a canoe and paddle several kilometres up the river.
Accommodation in Zinkwazi ranges from upmarket holiday homes to self-catering cottages, guesthouses, B&Bs and a well-maintained caravan and camping park.
Weather in Ballito
Ballito has a humid subtropical climate with year-round warm, pleasant weather. The best weather in Ballito is over the end-of-year holiday season between December and January. Ballito experiences summer rainfall between end-September and March, characterised by tropical thunderstorms that don’t last too long.
The most humid month in Ballito is February, caused by the warm Agulhas current and northern and southern upswells that pass along South Africa’s East Coast. Summer temperatures generally average between 28° C and 33° C, peaking at 35°C in February.
The winter season in Ballito is between mid-April to end-August. The weather during the day is warm and pleasant with a high-temperature of 22-23°C, dropping to a low of 11°C at night in July which is the coldest month in Ballito.
Ballito’s weather is one of the best things about this popular seaside holiday town. The second-busiest period in Ballito is over the June-July school holidays and even thought it’s mid-winter, you can still swim and surf in the warm Indian Ocean.
Weather in Ballito
There’s so much to do in Ballito and the surrounding seaside towns that it’s not necessary to travel anywhere else for fun entertainment. The holiday vibe in Ballito revolves around going to the beach, taking lovely nature walks in the coastal forests, playing golf, surfing, fishing and generally enjoying the brilliant outdoor lifestyle that Ballito is famous for.
However, if a cold front comes in and you’ve got restless children in the apartment, the incredible Gateway Theatre of Shopping centre is a scenic 25-minute drive from Ballito. Gateway offers a world of entertainment for youngsters while the older crowd can enjoy a choice of excellent restaurants and cafes as well as catch up on some retail therapy.
The choice of outdoor adventures and activities are endless in the Ballito area. Head out into the country and discover gorgeous markets and coffee shops on working farms or plan a trip to Durban’s famous uShaka Marine World for a whole day of entertainment at the world-class facility.
Check THINGS TO DO for a list of places to visit in the Ballito area.
Where to stay in Ballito
Ballito Holiday Homes offers you a wide choice of accommodation in Ballito to suit everyone’s budget. The most popular places to stay in Ballito are the high-rise apartments on the beachfront, overlooking the beautiful Indian Ocean. You’re in walking distance of the best beaches in Ballito and a short 10-minute drive from the shopping hub.
Other options of accommodation in Ballito range from guest houses and B&Bs in the suburbs to exclusive-use holiday homes and apartments in a variety of secure, gated estates in close proximity to Ballito. These upmarket holiday homes offer a magical combination of lush tropical vegetation, lovely nature trails, safe parkland areas, pristine golf courses and restaurants and entertainment at the popular golf clubs.
Check ACCOMMODATION in Ballito for a wide choice of places to stay for holiday.
Best Residential Estates in the Ballito Area
Enjoy the incredible lifestyle and security of any one of the upmarket security estates in the Ballito area. The gorgeous gated communities lie nestled in the lush coastal forests, surrounded by rolling sugarcane plantations.
Simbithi Eco-Estate • Shakas Rock
In its 15 years of existence, Simbithi Eco-Estate has become a sought-after eco-friendly residential community that co-exists harmoniously with wildlife and nature. It’s the residential estate of choice in Durban North, offering permanent and holiday homes for the discerning buyer.
The land on which Simbithi now stands was once a farm, owned by two British officers who named it ‘Beverley’ after their hometown in Yorkshire, England. The farm boasted a vast acreage of indigenous forests, bush and natural wetlands and two artesian wells, all of which were left untouched. At the time, the farm owner believed the only way to protect the farm’s water supply was to keep the surrounding vegetation in place.
Today, the indigenous forest that Simbithi Eco-Estate is built around is home to a plethora of animal and birds. There are five walking and cycling trails in Simbithi as well as green parklands and fishing ponds in the wooded area, offering safe outdoor entertainment for the whole family.
Simbithi Eco-Estate has a modern gym on the property that has cardio, functional and free-weight sections as well as an aerobics studio, tennis courts and sparkling outdoor pool with a view of the Indian Ocean.
However, the jewel of Simbithi Eco-Estate is undoubtedly the Simbithi Country Club. The magnificent 18-hole golf course was designed by Peter Matkovich and offers avid golfers thoughtfully-placed greens that hold a well-struck shot, pristine fairways and a layout that allows you to play every club in your bag. Simbithi golf course has a par of 60 comprising par-3s, par-4s and one par 5.
Simbithi Country Club offers residents and visitors a selection of eateries as well as wedding and conference venues, with gorgeous views of the pristine 18-hole Executive Golf Course. Also located at the Country Club is the Simbithi Office Park.
Brettenwood Coastal Estate • Sheffield Beach
Brettenwood Coastal Estate is a secure, gated community situated along a quiet stretch of Sheffield Beach. The luxury estate offers residents and visitors a modern lifestyle set in peaceful, natural surrounds. Residential homes are situated within easy driving distance of the lifestyle shopping centre and office park but far enough to enjoy a wonderful country lifestyle.
Attractions in the town of Sheffield Beach and seaside towns close by include pristine golf courses, biking trails and equestrian and polo facilities as well as easy access to the ruggedly beautiful coastline which is popular for swimming, fishing and water sports.
Sheltered coves and tidal pools at Sheffield Beach are perfect for families with young children, and with a year-round temperate climate and warm ocean, a holiday at Brettenwood Coastal Estate promises to be nothing less than perfect.
New Salt Rock City • Salt Rock
New Salt Rock City is a multi-faceted residential and commercial development located between Salt Rock and Ballito on the Dolphin Coast. It boasts 188 hectares of rolling hills and incredible sea views with approximately 57 hectares of greenbelt, wetlands and conservation area and easy access to a collection of stunning beaches.
New Salt Rock City has excellent security with 24-hour gated access to homes in the residential estate. The commercial section of the development comprises the newly-completed New Salt Rock Shopping Centre, a large office park and the prestigious Curro School. New Salt Rock City caters for freehold and residential homes as well as permanent rental and holiday apartments.
Seaward Estates • Ballito
Seaward Estates is nested in the heart of Ballito on the side of a hill, offering holidaymakers upmarket accommodation with incredible sea views and lovely nature trails through an indigenous coastal forest which is home to an abundance of bird and wildlife. There is a Church on its grounds as well as a prestigious school, private hospital and large lifestyle shopping center.
Homeowners have peace of mind knowing that their surroundings are well taken care of by a professional management team including a leading safety and security firm. Seaward Estates continuously invests in the latest technologies ensuring the best efficiency, health and safety, security as well as convenience.
Residents of Seaward Estates don’t have to travel too far to enjoy the best that Ballito has to offer as the best restaurants, nightlife and shopping centres are all within a 3-kilometre radius of Seaward Estates.
Zimbali Coastal Resort • Zimbali
Zimbali Coastal Resort is a lifestyle estate offering a range of accommodation and entertainment for residents and visitors, from 5-star hotels to self-catering apartments. The premier coastal estate is built around a world-class golf course that’s flanked by dense coastal bush.
The jewel in the crown is Fairmont Zimbali Resort, situated inside the elite Zimbali Coastal Estate is a tranquil retreat offering the utmost in stylish comfort and unrivalled service. Built around Zimbali’s prestigious golf course and overlooking the Indian Ocean, Fairmont Zimbali Resort boasts 154 deluxe guest rooms and suites with a Penthouse and Presidential Suite as well as 18 Fairmont Heritage Place villas.
There are seven restaurants at Zimbali Coastal Resort, offering something for everyone’s taste buds and budget. The Valley of the Pools offers a unique experience where one can enjoy magical views of the Indian Ocean shoreline whilst hanging out and swimming in a choice of three outdoor pools.
The Bushbuck Club is a trendy café at Zimbali Coastal Resort, serving quality coffee and light meals. It has a safe entertainment area for children with jungle gyms and trampoline. You’ll also find a range of outdoor sport facilities at Bushbuck Club, including 4 tennis courts and 2 indoor squash courts for adults as well as water slides and a playground for the kids.
An enclosed seating area built around two sparkling swimming pools at Bushbuck Club is perfect for private functions and parties.
History of Ballito
King Shaka’s rule
The first recorded indigenous inhabitants of the Ballito area were the Nguni tribe who migrated south from Central East Africa to the East Coast. Many of the Nguni migrants settled in the region north of what is now the capital of KwaZulu Natal. The area was virgin subtropical wilderness teeming in wildlife, with fertile soils perfect for farming activities.
For many years in the 1800s, more than a hundred Nguni chiefdoms occupied the rolling savanna grasslands and peacefully co-existed. That was until Shaka, one of the most brilliant and ruthless military leaders in the history of Africa, assumed leadership of the Zulu Kingdom and set about building his empire.
Shaka built a formidable army and set about conquering surrounding chiefdoms and incorporating them into his realm. He introduced longer shields and a shorter stabbing spear than the traditional throwing spear and established long-range battle tactics that prevailed at the time.
Shaka Zulu’s army ranged far and wide and, at his peak, controlled a vast area from the East Coast stretching westward and northwards to what is now Zimbabwe. In 1825, Shaka moved his capital to KwaDukuza near the present day town of Stanger which is a mere 15 kilometres from Ballito.
Rise of the sugarcane industry in Durban North
On Christmas Eve in 1487, the intrepid explorer, Vasco da Gama, sailed up the eastern seaboard of southern Africa with a flotilla of three Portuguese ships. They moored overnight in the lee of a headland which later became known as the Bluff. Da Gama named the land “Terra do Natal”, meaning Christmas Country in Portuguese.
In 1824, some 337 years after Da Gama and his men enjoyed a few days respite on the gorgeous eastern coastline, the first White settlers started arriving on the same stretch of coast by boat from the Cape. King Shaka gave them land around the bay on arrival and a trading settlement was established, called Port Natal. The settlement was later renamed Durban after the Cape Governor Sir Benjamin D’Urban.
The settlers of Port Natal traded beads, trinkets, blankets and brass with the Zulus for ivory, animal skins, meat and carvings. After Shaka was assassinated in 1828 by his half-brother and successor Dingane, the settlers started venturing out to live in the surrounding countryside and further up the north coast.
Two significant industries were set up in the late 1830s by Edmond Moreland who had started farming on the outskirts of Port Natal. Moreland had travelled to Reunion and Mauritius and the potential of sugar cane farming in the Durban district got his attention. On his return to Port Natal, Moreland arranged for stock of seed cane to be sent from the two islands to Port Natal and he started growing sugar cane on his new farm called Compensation.
At the same time, Moreland built a crude sugar mill from masts salvaged from a shipwreck and in 1851, took his first consignment of sugar to the Durban market. From then on, Natal’s sugar industry grew in strength and by 1854, there were six large sugar mills operating in the farming region north of Durban.
The economic development of what is now affectionately called the Dolphin Coast grew off the back of the thriving sugar industry. For decades, the region was characterised by rolling emerald-green sugarcane plantations that stretched as far as the eye could see.
Arrival of Indian labourers in Port Natal
By the 1850s, the burgeoning sugar industry in Natal had outgrown the available pool of farm labour. Permission was received from provincial authorities to bring indentured labour from India to work in the sugarcane plantations.
The first of 384 vessels carrying Indian labourers arrived from India in Port Natal in November 1860. Many more arrived in Durban over the next half a century, giving rise to a large Indian community that has had a significant impact on the cultural and economic makeup of KwaZulu Natal. In fact, Durban and surrounds is home to the “largest Indian city outside of India”.
Did you know?
Development of Ballito
The Port of Durban became an important shipping hub in the late 1880s following the discovery of gold in the interior of South Africa. When a railway line between Johannesburg and Durban was established to link the two cities, Johannesburg holidaymakers started coming down to Durban for summer holidays.
This gave rise to a flourishing tourism industry to the south and north of the city of Durban which saw sleepy seaside villages on the coast turning into popular beach holiday destinations. The road that ran parallel to the Indian Ocean initially passed through these towns. For many years, motorist and motorcyclists reached these towns by driving through private farms. They had to open and close farm gates along the way.
The town of Ballito was initially part of a sugarcane farm that was owned by Basil Townsend. In the early 1950s, a group of businessmen identified land to develop a private township in the Compensation beach area. Plots of land for sale were offered for R790 and Ballito was formally proclaimed a town in 1954, reaching borough status in 1986.
The name Ballito means “little ball” in Italian. It was taken from a glossy advertisement for hosiery made by Ballito Hosiery of St Albans in England. For many years, Ballito was a sleepy seaside town until its reputation grew as the year-round playground of Durban North.
Today, Ballito is the largest residential town and most popular holiday destination on the Dolphin Coast. It has experienced exceptional economic growth and continues to grow from strength to strength every year.
The road to Durban’s popular seaside resorts
As road and cargo traffic increased between Johannesburg and Durban, the then National Road Agency was tasked by government to upgrade the arterial road to accommodate the growing number of vehicles. The result was the world-class N1 highway that today is one of the finest highways in South Africa.
It took holidaymakers to the heart of Durban and for many decades, what is now called the Golden Mile flourished. As more and more people flocked to Natal for holidays, the stretch of land to the north of the central business district became home to a variety of modern hotels, upmarket restaurants and large shopping centres.
Tourism in Durban North took off when the N3 Freeway was built, originally known as Durban Outer Ring Road. It links the north and south coasts of KwaZulu Natal and is the major arterial highway for the Durban metropolitan area.
Completed in 1984, the present four lane highway closely follows the route of the original pass from Durban central business district to the northern and southern towns along the beautiful eastern coastline. The upgraded N2 and N3 will see the construction of four or five lanes in each direction and the redesign of interchanges.
The road infrastructure upgrade is anticipated to cost close to R30 billion and will be completed over a period of 8 to 10 years. The objective of the N2 and N3 upgrade is part of a national project to strengthen the logistics and transport corridor between South Africa’s main industrial hubs in Durban and Gauteng. It’s also designed to improve access to Durban’s export and import facilities.
Ballito: Important Number for Visitors
- Ambulance 10177/ +27 032 9462711
- IPSS Ambulance & Medical Rescue +27 082 391 1911
- Netcare Ambulance & Medical Emergence +27 082911
- Ballito Control Room +27 032 9462711
- Emergency Call Centre +27 032 9463188
- Life Guards Ballito +27 032 9468029 / +27 032 9468000
- SAPS – Police: Emergency 10111
- Refuse collection +27 032 9461254
- Ballito: Sea Rescue +27 060 305 4803
- Durban: Sea Rescue +27 031 361 8567
- Fire Brigade +27 031 3610000
- Tourist Protection Unit +27 031 3682207
- Electricity Faults +27 0801 313 111
- Telephone Faults 10212
- SPCA Emergency +27 031 2616509
- Water emergencies +27 032 9462088
Ballito Hospitals
Netcare Alberlito Private Hospital +27 032-9466700
Victoria Private Hospital – Tongaat +27 032-9445061
Umhlanga Private Hospital +27 031-5605500
Busamed Gateway Private Hospital +27 031 4921130