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The attractive South African beach town of Ballito is one of KwaZulu Natal’s most scenic vacation spots. Situated on what’s known as The Dolphin Coast, it’s renowned for its stunning beaches that rival Cape Town’s famous coastline, including dozens of calm tidal pools and tranquil bays where swimming and snorkeling are popular pursuits.
There’s plenty to do further inland, too. The likes of Ballito Lifestyle Centre and Ballito Junction offer exciting opportunities for shopping and dining, while attractions like Ndlondlo Reptile Park, Flag Animal Farm, and Sugar Rush Park keep families and animal lovers entertained for days on end.
For those who are planning a trip to South Africa and prefer to venture a little off the beaten path, Ballito also has plenty of hidden gems to explore. Here are ten lesser-known Ballito attractions to add to your sightseeing itinerary.
1. The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary
- Website: hiddenforest.co.za
- Address: Salt Rock Rd, Ballito, 4399
- Opening Hours: 8 am – 4.30 pm daily
There are several animal-themed parks and attractions in the Ballito area, and many allow visitors to have a hands-on experience in specially designed enclosures. The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary, however, is a much different experience because it allows you to see its resident animals in their natural forest environment.
The sanctuary is home to a large population of primates, including capuchin monkeys, ringtail lemurs, ruffed lemurs, squirrel monkeys, buff-cheeked gibbons, howler monkeys, and spider monkeys. The animals are free to roam rather than be contained in enclosures, which gives visitors a far more authentic idea of how they behave in the wild than typical zoos and animal parks.
Informative guided tours give you the chance to learn about the characteristics and behavior of each species living here, as well as the threats they face in the wild and in captivity.
2. Tinley Manor Beach
Photo Credit: lcswart
- Address: Tinley Manor, Dolphin Coast, KZN
- Opening Hours: 24/7
The likes of Willard Beach and Thompson Bay Beach attract big crowds of holidaymakers in Ballito, but Tinley Manor Beach is a great alternative. It lies north of Ballito, so it’s a little further away from the town center and has a more tranquil atmosphere.
It has a gorgeous lagoon for swimming, but there are also choppier waters that are great for surfers. Plus, the beach has designated zones for swimmers and surfers to help everyone stay safe and make the best use of the waters.
Tinley Manor has a quaint charm, and it’s worth exploring the area’s coastline if you have time. It’s minimally developed with just a handful of guesthouses and vacation lets, and there are very few eateries and shops available, so pack a picnic and plenty of refreshments if you plan to spend a peaceful day here.
3. The Grand Exotic
- Website: thegrandexotic.com
- Address: Sheffield Beach Road, Dolphin Coast, 4320
- Opening Hours: 8 am – 4 pm daily
The Grand Exotic is a unique venue in Sheffield Beach, which lies just outside of Ballito. Its vintage-themed stylings make it a trendy spot for hosting the likes of weddings, parties, and birthday celebrations, and you won’t have any trouble spotting its iconic pink tin walls and Moroccan-inspired dome roof!
Luckily, you don’t have to wait for an invite to check out the Grand Exotic because it’s open to the public daily. Drop into its Grand Cafe to enjoy a tasty breakfast, light lunch, or indulgent homemade cake along with freshly brewed tea or coffee. There’s also a day spa onsite where you can pamper yourself with skincare treatments, manicures, and pedicures.
4. Ballito Farmer’s Market
- Website: ballitofarmersmarket.co.za
- Address: Portion 5, Lower Oaklands Farm, Umhlali, Ballito, 4391
- Opening Hours: 8 am – 3 pm Saturday & Sunday
Ballito Farmer’s Market lies in the rolling hills north of Ballito, just beyond the unspoiled village of Umhlali. More than 150 local traders and producers set up shop here every weekend, and there’s a wide range of products on offer, including fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh-cut flowers, clothing, toys, paintings, crafts, and home goods. There’s also a great mix of food stalls serving tasty, savory, and sweet dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
The whole family is welcome at the market. Kids can blow off steam at the Little People’s Paddock, which boasts two jungle gyms — one for toddlers and another for older kids. Plus, the entire site is pet-friendly. There’s usually live music being performed by local performers, which creates a fun, laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for enjoying a bite to eat and a couple of drinks under the sun.
5. Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve
Photo Credit: Jaydon Hartman
- Address: Umhlanga, Hawaan, Blackburn, 4319
- Opening Hours: 6 am – 5 pm daily
Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve is a small but mighty stretch of wetland and coastal forest that lies around 15 minutes away from Durban. It is lined with wooden walkways that allow visitors to explore the protected wilderness and keep an eye out for wildlife.
You’ll also see a great variety of native bird species here, such as herons, warblers, fish eagles, and African rails. Plus, the trail takes you past trees labeled with their species names, some of which are incredibly rare, such as the coastal red milkwood.
Although this reserve covers just 64 acres, the trail that winds through it offers an incredibly beautiful walk, so it’s not to be missed. As you venture out of the dun forest, across the lagoon, and reach the beach, you’ll be met with the impressive remains of a seashell midden that dates back to the Stone Age.
6. Ballito Promenade
Photo Credit: Salt Rock Digital
- Address: Compensation Beach Road, Ballito 4399
- Opening Hours: 24/7
Ballito Promenade is a wooden walkway that traverses along the beachfront, allowing you to admire the Indian Ocean views and the impressive properties that skirt the beach. A large pod of dolphins can often be seen just offshore, and it’s possible to spot humpback and southern right whales between June and November.
The promenade runs all the way up to Salt Rock from Ballito and it takes just over an hour to walk the full length. There are lots of interesting rock formations to admire along the way and plenty of rock pools and tidal pools to dip in when you want to cool off. You might also spot sand sculptures on the beach, which are a regular project of talented local artists.
7. Big Swing at Moses Mabhida Stadium
Photo Credit: South African Tourism via Flickr CC 2.0
- Address: Masabalala Yengwa Ave Shop No. 15, Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban
- Opening Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily
Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, which hosted several major games during the 2010 World Cup, is a must-see sight for football fans and is also a great attraction for adrenaline junkies. Its Big Rush Big Swing is the only swing in a sports stadium of this kind, and it’s considered the biggest swing in the world. Once you take the leap off the platform, which is positioned 350 feet above the pitch, you’ll swing in a 720-foot arc underneath the stadium’s famed arch.
Once you’ve completed the Big Swing, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase a photo of yourself jumping. There are other activities at the stadium, too, such as taking an adventure walk along the arch and a guided tour around the stadium and grounds.
8. Burnedale Farm & Coffee Shop
- Website: burnedalefarmcentre.co.za
- Address: Burnedale Place, 1 Old Main Rd, Umhlali Beach, Ballito, 4390
- Opening Hours: 8.30 am – 4.30 pm daily
Burnedale Farm is a historic working farm that dates back to the 1800s when it was originally established by Irish settler John Burne. Peaceful gardens surround it, and it’s a wonderful way to escape from the bustle of central Ballito.
Wander the grounds to say hello to the farm animals, let the kids run around the play areas, try your hand at crafts like pottery and painting, then head to the farm’s coffee shop for a bite to eat. There are also multiple stores on site selling clothing, gifts, toys, wine, and sweets, so you can pick up some supplies or souvenirs.
9. Simbithi Country Club & Golf Course
- Website: simbithi.com/the-country-club/
- Address: Club Cres, Shaka’s Rock, Ballito, 4390
- Opening Hours: 6.30 am – 9 pm daily
Most Ballito visitors have heard of the Zimbali Estate — a sprawling gated resort renowned for its luxurious amenities and scenic country club. Simbithi Country Club is a lesser-known alternative that golf fans shouldn’t miss.
This 18-hole golf course was created by renowned golf pro and course architect Peter Matkovich, and its complex layout is known to challenge enthusiastic golfers. It really makes the most of the rolling landscape of the attractive Simbithi Eco-Estate, and there are some tricky bunkers and water features to navigate, making it one of Ballito’s most interesting golf experiences.
Simbithi Country Club is very welcoming of families and has lots of great facilities on offer for non-golfers. There’s a large pool, a lawn bowls rink, full-sized tennis and squash courts, and a gym. Plus, there are multiple eateries to try, including the gourmet Fig Tree Restaurant and the relaxed Halfway House. Finish your day with a couple of refreshing sundowners at the Drop Zone Bar.
10. The Quarter Boutique Shopping Centre
- Website: thequarterballito.co.za
- Address: Stewart Dr, Ballito, 4420
- Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 9 am – 4.30 pm / Saturday 9 am 1 pm / Sunday closed
There are several shopping centers to explore in the Ballito area, but while most flock to Ballito Lifestyle Center, those in the know drop by The Quarter Boutique Shopping Centre. This multi-level mall has a broad range of stores on offer — fashion, beauty, and specialty shops all represented, and several popular beauty salons also operate here. Plus, there are dance and fitness studios for those who want to squeeze in a workout while on vacation.
When you’re ready for lunch, head to the piazza-style food court, where you can choose from indoor and al fresco dining. You’ll find classic South African dishes and drinks on offer, which is handy if you’ve developed a taste for the local cuisine during your Ballito adventure. There are also several coffee shops if you simply need a quick caffeine fix to fuel your retail therapy.
Explore Ballito’s Hidden Gems
These ten must-visit gems are well worth exploring if you want to get away from the crowds and see a different side to Ballito. Which gems do you plan to experience when you visit this region of South Africa’s North Coast?
