BALLITO: THINGS TO DO
Ballito Junction Regional Mall
Ballito Junction Regional Mall is a modern shopping centre located in the heart of Ballito on the beautiful Dolphin Coast. It features a sensational line-up of 200 carefully selected stores together with six anchor tenants including Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Checkers, Edgars, Game and Dis-Chem.
Ballito Junction Regional Mall has three shopping levels, topnotch restaurants and delis as well as a state-of-the-art movie and entertainment centre. Parking at Ballito Junction is free for the first hour.
Where: Dedicated access from Leonora Drive, off both Ballito Drive and Simbithi Drive just off the N2 highway.
Visit Ballito Junction Regional Mall: www.ballitojunction.co.za
Ballito Lifestyle Centre
Ballito Lifestyle Centre is a trendy shopping destination that offers an array of high-end boutiques, surfing shops, restaurants and delis as well as a large SuperSpar and Woolworths.
What makes Ballito Lifestyle Centre different from the larger shopping malls in the area is its vibey ‘street-scene’ shopping experience with beautiful cobbled alleyways linking the outlets. It’s a bold and modern shopping destination with a unique ‘friendly neighbourhood’ atmosphere.
Where: Main Road, Ballito
Visit Ballito Lifestyle Centre: www.ballitolifestylecentre.co.za
Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve
Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve is a 76 hectare reserve, home to the largest forest of mangrove trees along the KZN coastline. It’s located on the northern side of the Umgeni River Mouth as it completes its terrestrial course and drains into the Indian Ocean. The river is the divider between Durban, with its impressively revamped beachfront on the southern bank and Durban North, a large residential area.
It’s a hidden gem in the heart of the busy KZN capital city, only open to the public every 3rd Saturday of the month from 08h00 to 13h00. The gorgeous nature reserve serves as a Nature Conservation Education Centre and is a protected nature sanctuary for black, red and white mangrove indigenous to the region.
For a relaxing nature walk, there is an elevated boardwalk that winds its way through the dense mangrove forest. This means that even when the tide is in, it’s still possible to explore Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve. Three are three individual trails that lead to a swamp and bird hide. Bring you birding binoculars.
Visit Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve: 082 559 2839
Beanstruk Boutique Coffee Roastery
Beanstuk Coffee Roasters is located at the popular Litchi Orchard Market. The owners of Beanstruk are passionate about the art of making coffee and provide a personalised coffee bean roasting service as well as Barista courses. The company supplies freshly-roasted coffee beans to avid coffee lovers, guest houses, corporate offices, hotels and restaurants in the Durban area.
The coffee bean-loving couple have travelled the world to the source of the best coffee beans, including Guatemala, Honduras, Malaysia, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama. Back home at their Durban-based coffee roastery, you’ll get nothing but the emphasis is on freshly-roasted beans and producing the most delicious rich, aromatic and full-bodied cups of coffee for their customers.
Where: Seaforth Avenue, Umhlali
Visit Beanstruk Coffee Roaster: www.beanstruk.co.za
Burnedale Farm Coffee Shop
This lovely country coffee shop offers something for everyone. A petting farm, café and deli, clothing store, pottery and painting studio and saddlery. Enjoy fresh, healthy meals with friends while the kids play in a safe playground. Free uncapped Wi-Fi and excellent service are just two reasons why locals love Burnedale Farm Coffee Shop.
Where: Burnedale Farm, Old Main Road, Umhlali
Catfish Beach
Catfish Beach is a secluded beach in Shakas Rock, mainly used by residents and holidaymakers staying in the seaside town which is located right next to Ballito. It’s popular for families and couples who prefer to escape the crowds of the busy Ballito beach as well as surfers, snorkelers and fisherman. It’s a designated boat launch site. Kids love paddling in the rock pools because they’re safe and the water is warm.
Catfish Beach in Shakas Rock has plenty of parking, the sea is warm almost all-year round, the beach is wide and sandy and the waves are perfect for surfers. It’s close to Granny’s Pool which is a great place to let children paddle and play safely because the tidal pool is relatively shallow and the sea water is warm and calm.
Where: Shakas Rock, Dolphin Coast
Clarke Bay
Clarke Bay is a popular beach located a 15-minute walk from the main beach of Ballito and Willards Bay. Qualified lifeguards are on duty in the busy summer season and the beach is protected by shark nets. It’s a popular beach for families with young couples and sun worshippers wanting peace and quiet from the crowds at the busy main beaches in Durban. There’s a lovely tidal pool that’s a safe area for youngsters to swim.
Where: Compensation Beach Road, Ballito, Durban North Coast
Club Venture
Clubventure is an adventure playground for the whole family. It’s located 15 kilometres inland from Ballito and is great for a whole day’s entertainment. Zip along on a 1.5 kilometre Zipline Tour which includes the first zipline in the world of its type called the PARAZIP. You get a bird’s eye-view of the stunning Ballito area and Indian Ocean.
Another highlight at Club Venture is the scuba diving training centre which has a 800 000-liter scuba training pool. You can do a PADI scuba diving course as well as the 3-hour “Discover Scuba Diving” course.
Comefly Microlights
If you’ve always had a yearning to fly along the coastline of the North Coast of Durban which includes the beautiful bay of Ballito, then book a microlight flight with Comefly Microlights. The view of the coastline is spectacular and you’ll love the wind and sun in your face.
A microlight flight with Comefly Microlights is a safe and exhilarating adventure and one of the exciting things to do on a holiday to Ballito.
Crocodile Creek
Crocodile Creek is tucked away in lush coastal bush overlooking the Utongati River flood plain which lies mid-way between Ballito and Tongaat. It’s home to over 10 000 crocodiles as well as a selection of orphaned and rescued animals. You’ll see Nile, West African Dwarf and slender-snouted crocodiles as well as American alligators.
Other animals and reptiles at Crocodile Creek include a range of snakes, tortoises, rabbits, wild monkeys and banded mongoose. There’s a Learning & Party area at Crocodile Creek as well as a great restaurant which serves simple, affordable meals for the whole family. A 1-hour tour and demonstration at Crocodile Creek is full of fun, fear and fascination.
Visit Crocodile Creek: www.crocodilecreek.co.za
Fat Traxx
Fat Traxx is a fun family destination in the country. Catering for groups of up to 200 people, Fat Traxx offers tours on semi-automatic and manual quad bikes on trails through the rolling sugarcane fields in the Ballito area. The Sugar Trail takes visitors of all ages on a wonderful quad bike ride across four private sugarcane estates. Different trails are chosen for the group depending on levels of experience and confidence riding quad bikes.
Team building activities offered by Fat Traxx include:
- paintball
- horse riding
- dolphin viewing
- archery
- quad biking
- obstacle course
- soccer
- volley ball
- fear factor competition
- tractor rides
- reptile park
Flag Animal Farm
Flag Animal Farm has been voted the best animal farm in Kwa-Zulu Natal and not only is it a fun outing for the whole family, it’s also home to animals that have been rescued and given a safe place to live.
The animal sanctuary has been running for 16 years and in that time over 13 500 orphaned, injured or abandoned animals have been saved by the people who work at Flag Animal Farm. Supporting the animal farm means they can keep up the good work saving animals in distress.
There are not many places in South African where young children can enjoy a real farm experience and at Flag Animal Farm, kids can walk freely and safely among so many wonderful animals.
Other facilities at Flag Animal Farm include children’s entertainment shows, a pirate ship, indoor play centre, reptile room, tractor and train rides, an obstacle course and a prayer facility. There’s a lovely coffee shop and deli which also serves certified Halaal food.
Visit Flag Animal Farm: http://www.flaganimalfarm.co.za
Gateway Theatre of Shopping
Gateway Theatre of Shopping is a mega retail mall and recreation centre on Durban’s Dolphin Coast and possibly one of the best Super-Malls in Africa. Gateway has over 360 retail outlets, mega cinema complex, a great selection of restaurants and delis and an activity centre that’ll keep the kids entertained for hours.
Outdoor activities run out of Gateway include The Rock, Skatepark, Wave House and Fantasy Forest. Art is exhibited by the prestigious Kizo Gallery, exhibitions hosted by Old Mutual Science Centre, theatre shows by Barnyard Theatres and off-road riding at the Nissan 4×4 Track.
Visit Gateway Theatre of Shopping: www.gatewayworld.co.za
Hawaan Forest
This beautiful forest on the outskirts of Durban is a unique woodland area bounded by the Ohlanga River and the sea. After centuries it still remains unspoiled and is home to a large number of animals and birds.
The Hawaan Forest contains many different tree species and is a must for nature and bird lovers. In an attempt to continue preservation of the area, the Hawaan Forest trails are not open to the public but one can join a guided trail through the unique ecosystem inhabited by bush pig, genet, duiker and sometimes, pythons.
KwaZulu Natal Sharks Board
The KwaZulu Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence (KZNSB) is an institution in Durban and well-known for the role it plays in protecting bathers swimming at the many Durban beaches from shark attacks.
There are 37 beaches along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline that are equipped with bather safety gear which is owned and maintained by the KZN Sharks Board.
There’s a fascinating museum at the facility with interesting shark exhibits and you can watch a dynamic audio visual presentation which shows aerial footage, slow pans and tight close ups of shark behaviour off the Natal coast. You can also book an early morning Boat Tour which takes you up and down the glorious Golden Mile of Durban. You are out at sea before the sun rises and back 2 exciting hours later.
The KZN Sharks Board runs boat tours from Monday to Friday. The audio visual presentation is hosted Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday every week and the first Sunday of every month.
Visit KwaZulu Natal Sharks Board: www.shark.co.za
Litchi Orchard Market
Litchi Orchard Market is located on an established litchi farm. The market is a firm favourite for locals and visitors, offering a divine spot in the countryside to spend quality time with family and friends. A day at Litchi Orchard Market is a celebration of delicious food, décor and design with an emphasis on supporting the local artist and artisan community.
What started as a humble wholesale nursery in the middle of over 300 litchi trees and a rustic farmer’s market, Litchi Orchard Market is now one of the most popular places to visit in the Ballito area. You’ll find a range of food and lifestyle shops and eateries, pottery and art studios, vegetable and fruit market. the upgraded Muddy Boots Garden Centre and a wonderful open space where the kids can play safely.
Watch out for the seasonal night markets at Litchi Orchard Market. Held on regular intervals from 14h00 to 21h00. It’s perfect for a laid-back evening with family and friends with love music and delicious local food.
Where: Seaforth Avenue, Umhlali
Visit The Litchi Market: www.litchiorchard.co.za/home
Mama G’s
Mama G’s is a popular restaurant situated inside Umhlali Country Club. All meals are prepared with the freshest ingredients. Popular dishes include hearty curries, rich pastas, mouthwatering pizzas and the Chef’s Insanity burger.
Visit Mamma G’s: www.mammags.co.za
Moses Mabhida Stadium
Moses Mabhida Stadium is an impressive sports stadium located in the heart of Durban city and has become a popular tourist destination, offering a host of fun activities for the whole family. The massive state-of-the-art stadium was built to host games for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Tournament.
The range of activities offered on a tour of Moses Mabhida Stadium include:
- Sky Car & Viewing Platform; take a 2-minute ride in a Sky Car to the top of the iconic stadium arch, step out onto the platform and enjoy a panoramic view of Durban and the gorgeous Indian Ocean coastline.
- Adventure walk and viewing platform; walk up 500 steps to the top of the stadium arch for the best view of Durban city and the beautiful Indian Ocean.
- Stadium tour; a guided tour around the magnificent stadium
- Big Rush Swing; take the plunge on a 80-metre free fall from the top of the stadium arch to the sports bowl. It’s the tallest free-fall swing in the world.
- Segway Gliding Tours; enjoy a tour of the stadium and the beach surrounds on a Segway. The tours range from 45 minutes to 2 hours. Children 10 years and older welcome to join the Segway Gliding Tours.
Visit Moses Mabhida Stadium: www.mmstadium.com
North Beach
North Beach is the main beach in Durban North. It refers to the actual beach and a stretch of beautiful coastline that stretches from north of the bottom of West Street to the Suncoast Casino.
It forms part of the famous Golden Mile is a lively holiday destination, offering a wide selection of trendy bars, restaurants and cafes as well as leisure attractions such as a popular skate park, ice-skating rink, Mini Town and a saltwater swimming pool. You can walk along the pier for a gorgeous view of the Indian Ocean.
Where: Durban’s Golden Mile
Salmon Bay
Salmon Bay is located south of Ballito on the Dolphin Coast. It’s a designated launch area for boats and inflatables and is home to the Ballito Inflatable Boat Club. Salmon Bay is one of the best beaches to visit when you’re staying in Ballito for a gorgeous sunset view.
Where: Salmon Way, Ballito, Dolphin Coast
Salt Rock Beach
The beach at Salt Rock is accessed through a private farm. It’s protected by shark nets and qualified lifeguards are on duty during the busy holiday season. There’s also a large tidal pool called Granny’s Pool which is perfect for young children because the seawater is fairly shallow and calm.
A reef runs parallel to Salt Rock beach which is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. With so many fish around the reef, Salt Rock beach is also hugely popular with avid fisherman.
Where: Salt Rock main beach, Durban North
Sheffield Beach
Sheffield Beach is located just north of Salt Rock and a 15 to 20-minute drive from Ballito. The beautiful beach is small and intimate, and known for its tranquil coves and beautiful, safe rock pools. It’s a popular beach for families with young children as kids can spend hours snorkeling in the safe waters and paddling in the rock pools.
Sheffield Beach is also well known as the fishing hotspot in Durban, attracting a regular crowd of avid fisherman as well as scuba divers and spear-fishing enthusiasts. The beach is beautiful and offers spectacular views of Durban’s gorgeous coastline. There are regular sightings of dolphins and whales in season.
This is one of a few beaches on the North Durban coastline that offers good fishing due to an intricate reef formation which are home to crayfish, oysters and mussels. Remember, you need a license to remove scuba dive or fish off the rocks for these vulnerable marine species.
Where: Sheffield, Durban North Coast
Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom
Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom is a world-class tourist destination located close to Ballito and King Shaka International Airport. It lies nestled in the rolling green hills of the Dolphin Coast, overlooking the gorgeous Indian Ocean.
Central to this grand-scale fantasy environment are the outstanding casino facilities. These include the innovative use of smart cards for the convenience of all players, over 1 000 slots and 37 tables available in three areas; a Main Casino floor, a Smoking Casino and the exclusive Royal Court Privé.
The Privé is the most sophisticated in the country and houses smoking and non-smoking slots and tables, with a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean.
Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom incorporates the Royal Sibaya Hotel, a luxury hotel for the exclusive use by top-end gamers, as well as the Sibaya Lodge which caters for the leisure and conference market.
Visit Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom: www.suninternational.com/sibaya
Simbithi Country Club & Golf Course
There are a few excellent golf courses on the North Coast of Durban but one of the best has to be Simbithi golf course. It’s a magical 18-hole golf course that was designed by Peter Matovich. The fairway is pristine and with the complex layout, you’re guaranteed to play every club in your bag.
The Simbithi Country Club is a great place for the whole family to visit and the Fig Tree Restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Ballito.
Visit Simbithi Golf Club: www.simbithi.com/golf
Sugar Rush Park
Sugar Rush Park is the best destination in Ballito if you want a day of fun and quality time with the family. There’s something for everyone and the whole focus is to get everyone – young and old – to enjoy the outdoors and have some fun.
You’ll find a wide range of activities at Sugar Rush Farm and enjoy the wide open spaces, delicious food at the restaurant and the fact that it’s so easy to get to from Ballito.
Activities at Sugar Rush Farm include:
- Kids Play Zone
- Feathers & Furballs Petting Zoo
- Kids Mountain Bike Track
- Ballito parkrun
- The Sugar Rush Express & Tractor Rides
- Milk Station
- The Digs Kitchen
- Holla Trails
- TUWA Beauty Bar & Spa
- Gymnastics and Trampoline Park
- Ndlondlo Reptile Park
- Sugar Rush Putt-Putt
- Laser Rush
- Garden Decor Zone
Visit Sugar Rush Park: www.sugarrush.co.za
The Jump Park
The Jump Park is located in the Sugar Rush Park in Ballito and is hugely popular with the young and old visiting the Dolphin Coast. It’s a fantastic indoor trampoline park with 700 square metres covered wall-to-wall with trampolines. It’s the perfect place for families and adrenalin-junkies. All the trampolines are designed for 100% and suitable for adults, teenagers and children.
Join your kids for a great workout or take some me-time while they play, enjoying free Wi-Fi and something to eat and drink at the Viewing Lounge.
Visit The Jump Park in Ballito: www.thejumppark.co.za
The Wave House
Located at Gateway’s Theatre of Shopping on Umhlanga Ridge, Wave House Durban is South Africa’s hottest entertainment venue. It’s an awesome fusion of all board sport cultures providing the ultimate place for the cool youth to hang as well as being a great spot for a family day out.
Wave House features the mighty D-Rex, the first-of-its-kind double-point break standing wave and the two beach-break Flowriders for beginners. The entertainment centre also boasts a 4 000-square metre Skatepark, designed by 10-time World Skating Champion, Tony Hawk.
Thompson’s Bay
Thompson’s Bay is a gorgeous beach located just north of Ballito. It has lifeguards on duty and is protected by shark nets which makes it a safe swimming and surfing beach for Durban holidaymakers. A popular attraction at Thompson’s Bay is a large tidal pool called Charlie’s Pool. The water is warm, calm and quite shallow and safe for the young and old.
The beach at Thompson’s Bay is nestled in a protected cove which means its protected from the wind. The reef running parallel to the coastline makes it a popular spot for avid fisherman, snorkelers and scuba divers. Enjoy long walks or a job on the sheltered beach.
Walk through the ‘Hole in the Wall’ to discover a number of picturesque coves, made striking by the limestone rock formations of the cliffs. A great activity for an active family is to walk from Thompson’s Bay to Willard Beach. Pack a picnic lunch and explore.
There are no restaurants or takeaway eateries at Thompson’s Bay. Bring your own picnic basket and refreshments. There are ablution and changing facilities at the beach.
Where: 9 Rock Lane, Shaka’s Rock, Dolphin Coast
Tiffany’s Shopping Centre
Tiffany’s Shopping Centre is a modern shopping centre in the popular coastal town of Salt Rock which is Ballito’s next-door neighbour. It offers visitors a relaxed shopping experience, with an array of great selection of retail outlets, restaurants and delis.
Where: Salt Rock Drive, just off the N2 highway, Salt Rock
Umgeni River Bird Park
The Umgeni River Bird Park is situated in an old quarry site which was extensively rehabilitated to create a 3.5-hectre tropical paradise. Today, it’s home to over 200 bird species. The beautifully-maintained bird park was created as an educational centre with a focus on conservation.
The Education Station lies in the heart of Umgeni River Bird Park and hosts regular exhibitions where visitors can learn more about South Africa’s biodiversity and beautiful natural resources.
Visit Umgeni River Bird Park: www.umgeniriverbirdpark.co.za
Umhlanga Beach
This is the main beach for the popular beach holiday town of Umhlanga. The water is warm, the bathing is safe, there are lifeguards on duty and the beach is protected by shark nets. Umhlanga Beach is the perfect place to visit in Durban for miles of golden beach and fun in the sun year-round.
A paved walkway takes you to the famous Umhlanga Lighthouse and a selection of trendy restaurants, takeaway eateries and cafes as well as the beachside modern hotels in Umhlanga.
Where: Umhlanga, Durban North Coast
Umhlanga Lighthouse
Umhlanga Lighthouse is an iconic landmark on the beautiful Dolphin Coast. The 21-metre high candy-striped lighthouse has stood sentry on the Durban coastline since 1954, adjacent to the luxury Oyster Beach Hotel. It has a light range of 24 sea miles at a focal plane height of 25 metres above high sea level.
Find out more about the Umhlanga Lighthouse: www.oysterboxhotel.com/blog/five-fascinating-facts-umhlanga-lighthouse
uShaka Marine World
uShaka Marine World is Durban’s flagship tourist destination, offering visitors a world of entertainment that revolves around the wonders of the Indian Ocean.
For fun outdoor adventures, the three most popular experiences at uShaka Marine World are:
Snorkel Experience
See a vast array of tropical fish while floating around the snorkel lagoon or dive through the Phantom Ship to spot the long-lost treasures from genuine cargo ship wrecks, including a Willy’s Jeep from World War II.
Xpanda Shark Dive
Come face-to-face with ragged-tooth sharks from the safety of an Xpanda cage. You’ll also see an array of fish found off the coast of Durban, including the endangered Brindle bass.
Oceanwalker Experience
uShaka Marine World is the only place in South Africa where you can walk among the sea’s finest creatures using an innovative device known as the Oceanwalker. You do this in the Open Ocean Tank which is filled with an incredible array of marine life, including manta rays, sand sharks, tuna and pompano. It’s one of the largest marine exhibitions in the world.
Visit uShaka Marine World: www.ushakamarineworld.co.za
Westbrook Beach
Westbrook Beach is one of the more popular beaches in the Ballito area. It has qualified lifeguards watching bathers in the busy holiday seasons and is protected by shark nets. Westbrook Beach is perfect for long romantic walks on the beach.
Where: 64 North Beach Road, Westbrook
Willard Beach
Willard Beach is the main beach in Ballito. It has been awarded Blue Flag status which is only given to beaches that are safe and clean as well as kept environmentally sound. Willard Beach has qualified lifeguards on duty throughout the year and is protected by shark nets. It’s a gorgeous beach and hugely popular with locals and holidaymakers.
Willard Beach is also a surfing hotspot and hosts the annual Ballito Pro which is the first leg of the world’s largest surfing competition, presented by Billabong. There are four main surf spots on Willard Beach, namely Bathers, Bog, Sunrise and Surfers.
Youngsters can play safely in the small rock pools and shallow waters where the seawater is calm and there are no waves. There’s also a long walkway that runs the length of the beach which is popular with joggers, strollers and families and couples coming down to the beach after work for early evening picnics and sundowners.
Where: 102C Compensation Beach Road, Ballito, Dolphin Coast
