Ballito

4.9/5

Based on 867+ reviews

4.8/5

Based on 533+ reviews

Right on South Africa’s Dolphin Coast, Ballito is the meeting point of a dazzling Indian Ocean with the lush sugarcane fields of KwaZulu-Natal. Overlooking golden beaches from the top of the hills, this tranquil coastal town sits in the east of the country, 40 kilometres north of Durban. Definitely holding the recipe for the coolest beach escape, it has a range of family-friendly attractions both on and off the water. So get your flip-flops on, and surf those waves, stroll on that beach, shop in the malls and markets, or sip that cocktail. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins – they might “wave” at you!

Surf and swim

After Jeffrey’s Bay and its famous supertubes, Ballito is South Africa’s second surfer’s favourite. Every year, Ballito’s Willard Beach is home to the world’s oldest-running professional surfing event: the Ballito Pro. But its homely and family-friendly vibe makes this town a great place for both pros ánd beginners. Warm waters, consistent and approachable waves and lifeguards to supervise the swimming and surfing make it a great beach escape for all ages. What’s more, the tidal pools are ideal for less confident swimmers and little explorers, with plenty of sea creatures to discover!

Plenty of fun for all

When you’ve had enough beach time, hop on a quad or a mountain bike, go hiking, ziplining, or go-karting. And why not explore one of the sanctuaries? The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary is Africa’s largest free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary. And in Crocodiles Creek, you can observe those predators in their natural habitat. Now if you’d rather shop and discover local products, Ballito’s Farmers’ Market offers foodstalls, art and sculpture, crafted goods, lifestyle products and outdoor activities as well as live music. To top it all off, Ballito has multiple shops, bars, and restaurants to keep the fun going once the sun goes down…!

Big fish on sight!

Bottlenose dolphins love the Dolphin Coast (what’s in a name?), and they are visible all year round frolicking in the ocean. The clear and shallow waters invite them to play and find food. Surveys have recorded over 200 dolphins in the area, divided into smaller groups. It is known that the Dolphin Coast has multiple shark species in its waters, but the main beaches are protected with nets. Last but not least, from Ballito, whales can be spotted on their annual migration to Mozambique (May to September). This amazing sight is best enjoyed over a delicious lunch in one of the ocean-facing restaurants!

Information and facts

Ballito is the perfect action-packed beach escape, ideal for families and people searching for laid-back entertainment. Here you can relax, swim, surf, fish, explore, shop or even party all night. From fun-filled attractions for children to active adventures for adults and slow-paced activities for elders, everyone finds their fit in Ballito, at any time of the day and the year!

Facts about Ballito

Over 23,000 people call it home
It sits on the Dolphin Coast of KwaZulu-Natal
It yearly holds the oldest-running professional surfing event in the world: Ballito Pro
It has beautiful rock formations and tidal pools, home to many amazing sea creatures
Fun-filled activities year-round: water activities, leisure parks, shops, vibrant markets and entertainment venues

Activities in Ballito

Ballito offers a variety of activities:

Surfing, for beginners and pros
Swimming in tidal pools while discovering all sorts of sea creatures
Crocodile Creek, a wildlife sanctuary where visitors can learn about crocodiles in their natural habitat
Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary, Africa’s largest free-roaming, multi-species primate sanctuary
Shopping at Ballito Junction Mall, Ballito’s Farmer’s Market or the Lifestyle Centre

How to get there

Easily accessible by air, you can fly to King Shaka International Airport in Durban, and it’s then only a 20-minute drive to Ballito. You just take the N2 and follow the signs for 40 kilometres.

Climate

From May to September, Ballito has a pleasant climate with its winters dry and mild. Temperatures range from 13°C at night to 22°C during the day. October and November see spring emerging, with the temperature slowly rising until the hot summer months start in December. From then on, expect daytime temperatures to reach 35°C and high humidity as summer rains hit. Finally, in March and April, the weather is cooler and drier again. But thanks to its coastal location, Ballito benefits from a windy sea breeze all year round.

Best time to visit Ballito

Any time is great to visit Ballito, with its awesome sub-tropical weather! Gorgeous, sunny days and a warm ocean guarantee year-round fun. The mild winter season, from May to September, is best for whale watching as humpback whales migrate along the coast.

Where to stay in Ballito

Relaxed, sun-soaked, inviting: from cosy stays to refined beachfront escapes, Ballito has something for every traveller. Experience comfort along South Africa’s Dolphin Coast.

Frequently asked questions, answered by us!

: There can be big, strong waves around Ballito, but with lifeguards monitoring the waves and currents on the main beaches, swimming is safe. Furthermore, the oceans are equipped with shark nets to ensure neighbouring sharks don’t come too close, and Willard Beach has a First Aid station. For less confident swimmers, the tidal pools with their shallow waters are perfect.
: It’s known for its big waves, and as such, it’s a big surfing hotspot. But it’s not just known as a surfer’s paradise, as dolphins and whales regularly steal the show.
: It lies 40 kilometres north of Durban.
: There are plenty of accommodations in town and at the seaside. Enjoy barefoot luxury at Sala Beach House or modern amenities at First Group La Montagne!