16 Best Things to Do in Ballito

Ballito is a charming coastal towd in KwaZulu-Natal (KZ,in South AfricaJustst 24 miles from Durban, this affluent locale is a top pick for a relaxing beachfront vacation with easy access to some othe country’s’s top highlights.

Whether you’re looking to surf or scuba dive in glistening turquoise waters, explore rugged terrains by bike or 4 x 4 or indulge in relaxation and retail therapy, you’ll find all that and more right here.

Let’s explore the 16 best things to do in Ballito.

1. Play a Round of Golf

Photo Credit: yourgolftravel.com via Google Images CCL

South Africa is a golf lover’s paradise, and Ballito is home to some of the best courses in the entire country. Don’t miss the opportunity to swing your clubs at these top golf courses:

• Zimbali Country Club – this is widely thought to be the best golf course in KwaZulu-Natal and one of the top 100 in the country. The course is as beautiful as it is fun to play.
• Simbithi Country Club – this 18-hole course was designed by Peter Matkovich and boasts pristine fairways and thoughtfully placed greens that’ll have you reaching for every club in your bag.
• Umhlali Country Club – this is a great choice for a laid-back game in a welcoming environment. This course was also designed by Peter Matkovich and offers 18 fun and challenging holes.
• Princes Grant Golf Estate – had north of Ballito to play a round on this challenging course. Named as one of the top five golf courses in South Africa, this isn’t one to be missed.

2. Take to the Skies on a Microlight Flight

Photo Credit: Mark Atkins

Enjoy the best possible views of Ballito by taking to the skies on a microlight flight. Ballito Microlights is a top-rated boutique flight school, and you’re guaranteed a fun and safe time with the team. Scenic flights glide over the Dolphin Coast and North Coast, where it’s common to experience sightings of marine life, including whales, dolphins, and turtles.

3. Go on a Road Trip to Umhlanga

Photo Credit: Timothy Hodgkinson

Umhlanga is a popular South African town located less than 30 minutes from Ballito. Known for its pristine white-sand beaches and glistening Indian Ocean, a day trip is a great way to experience all that this coastal gem has to offer:

• Join a conservation boat trip – KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board works to keep swimmers safe along the KZN coastline, and visitors with an interest in their conservation work can join the team on their early morning boat trips to service their shark safety gear.
• Explore the Hawaan Forest – this unique coastal dune forest dates back 18,000 years and is said to be the last of its kind in the world, so don’t miss a chance to visit.
• Stroll along Whalebone Pier – Umhlanga’s 80-meter pier has a ribcage-like structure and is said to resemble whalebones or a boat’s hull.

4. Explore Ballito’s Beaches & Tidal Pools

Photo Credit: Salt Rock Digital

If you’re considering visiting the beachfront destination of Ballito for your next beach vacation, you’re in luck! There are dozens of places to pick from, and you’ll never get tired of discovering new stretches of sand. These are a few of our favorite beautiful beaches:

• Thompson Bay Rock Pool – the tidal pool here is used by locals and holidaymakers as a natural swimming pool thanks to its generous 90-meter length. The adjoining beach is also protected by shark nets to keep swimmers safe.
• Willard Beach – located in the Shaka’s Rock neighborhood, this is the main beach in town and is popular with surfers.
• Hole in the Wall – a beautiful beach known for being a tranquil stretch of coastline. There aren’t many amenities here, so bring water and snacks if you plan to stay for a while.
• Salmon Bay Beach – an unspoiled beach that is a great place to spend a day relaxing with family and friends. Anglers also frequent this spot in the early mornings and late afternoons, so you can watch them getting their catch of the day.
• Salt Rock Beach – the waters here are perfect for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding, making it a popular place for active beachgoers.

5. Experience Ballito on Four Wheels

For a fun way to explore Ballito’s natural beauty, climb aboard a quad bike. Scenic guided tours wind over sugar cane hills and through atmospheric forests to take in some of the best landscapes in the area. Novice quad bikers are welcome to join, and kids can ride with their parents, making it a great activity for families.

6. Go on an Adventure to Clubventure

For an adrenaline-fueled adventure, head to Clubventure at Adventure Valley. Here, you can take a one-mile zipline tour on a “parazip” — a zipline with a parachute attached so you can experience the sensation of parachuting while being safely attached to the zipline cable.

Novice scuba divers can also test their skills in a safe environment here in the scuba pool — this is especially popular with younger visitors.

7. Spend a Day in Sugarrush Park

For family-friendly outdoor activities aplenty, look no further than Sugarrush Park. This popular spot is set among Ballito’s farmlands and offers mountain biking, putt-putt golf, archery, paintballing, and much more. Parents will be glad of the on-site coffee shop where you can refuel ready for your next adventure.

8. Join a Guided Ride on the Holla Trails

If you’re a serious mountain biker and love to stay active on vacation, Holla Trails are the place for you.

There are more than 230 miles of trails to explore, including technical sections that will test even the most skilled bikers. There are plenty of easier trails to explore, too, and each one offers lots of opportunities to stop off for snack breaks and photo-taking opportunities.

If you prefer not to head out alone but still want a taste of adventure, guided tours are also offered here.

9. Indulge in Some Retail Therapy

If you prefer to get your cardio in shopping malls, you’re in luck — Ballito is home to several. So, exchange some cash into South African rand and get ready to shop ‘til you drop:

• Ballito Junction Regional Mall – this three-story shopping mall offers brand-name shopping as well as a modern movie theater and an eclectic food hall.
• Ballito Lifestyle Centre – a popular place for locals to meet, shop, and relax. This al fresco shopping center has a wide range of stores plus lots of dining options and a vibrant market.
• Quarter Boutique Shopping Centre – you’ll find everything here, from fashion and accessories to art and home decor. There are also several health and beauty establishments, plus an upscale cafe and restaurant.

10. Have a Fun Day Out at Flag Animal Farm

Meet over a thousand rescued animals, birds, and reptiles when you visit Flag Animal Farm. This authentic farm experience rescued more than 80% of its residents, and visiting gives you the chance to cuddle and pet the animals that call this charming place home.

Your visit also supports the important work that this farm does, so taking a trip here is your good deed for the day.

11. Take a Day Trip to Durban

Photo Credit: Emerson Godoi

The vibrant city of Durban is just a 30-minute drive from Ballito, and no trip to South Africa is complete without spending a day or two here. If you’re short on time, don’t miss these three highlights:

• Phezulu Safari Park – take a guided 4 x 4 game drive, visit snakes in the Reptile Park, or enjoy a delicious meal with an extraordinary backdrop of the Valley of a Thousand Hills.
• uShaka Marine World – with a total capacity of 4.6 million gallons containing 10,000 animal species, UShaka Marine World is a must-visit for fans of marine life.
• Durban Botanical Gardens – this is Durban’s oldest institution and Africa’s oldest surviving botanical garden. Allow a few hours to explore the 15 hectares of well-kept gardens and green spaces.

12. Meet South Africa’s Crocodiles

Crocodile Creek is home to more than 2,000 Nile crocodiles, alligators, and snakes, making it one of the best places in the region to see Africa’s most scaly residents. There are four live guided tours per day where you can get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures while learning all about them.

There’s also an on-site cafe if you want to sample a crocodile burger, plus a gift shop where you can pick up gifts and souvenirs to remember your visit.

13. Test Your Nerve on the High-Flying Tree Trails

For a mental and physical challenge, head to Tree Trails high rope obstacle course.

This circuit course has no time limit but typically takes around 1.5 hours to complete. During the course, you’ll tackle six speedy zip lines and three exciting bridges.

As well as the thrill of completing the course, you’ll also be rewarded with spectacular views of the area.

14. Relax at a Beauty Spa

A day at one of Ballito’s best beauty spas can’t be beaten when you’re in the mood for some rest and relaxation. These three establishments come highly rated, making them our top picks for a dose of tranquillity:

• Zen’Jul Day Spa – this exclusive day spa is located in The Boathouse resort in the center of Ballito and is the ideal spot for some serious pampering.
• Fraiche – this beauty spa is surrounded by nature and offers a wide range of services, including facials, massages, and reflexology.
• Simbiosis – head here for a truly relaxing experience with hot stone massages, manicures, facials, and more. Spa packages are also available if you’re in the mood for a full day of decadence.

15. Take a Stroll Among Nature in the Hidden Forrest

The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary is the sister sanctuary to Plettenberg Bay’s Monkeyland, which is the world’s first free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary.

In this nature reserve, you can see a huge number of animals in their native habitat, allowing you to appreciate them in a more authentic way than in a zoo. This is a can’t miss opportunity for wildlife lovers.

16. Taste Fresh Litchis

Photo Credit: CoreRock

Salt Rock’s Litchi Orchard is a charming place to spend a few hours shopping, eating, and relaxing.

The fresh litchis are, of course, the highlight here, and it’s possible to buy 2 kg bags of this delicious fruit if you’re lucky enough to visit during a harvest.

The on-site restaurant is open from 6 am and is a popular place to fuel up ready for a fun day of exploring Ballito. There’s also a playground where kids can burn off some steam and a beautiful garden for strolling on sunny South African days.

Fall In Love With Beautiful Ballito

You’ll find yourself falling in love with beautiful Ballito from the moment you land at King Shaka Airport. With so many fun things to do, you’ll have no trouble filling your vacation days with memorable moments. What activity will you embark on first?