Ballito

Ballito is a coastal town of 19,000 people (2011) on the North Coast (KwaZulu-Natal) of South Africa. Dolphins are common on this stretch of the North Coast shoreline, hence the nickname Dolphin Coast.

Understand
It is a holiday destination with hotels and self-catering accommodation, swimming (Willard) and surfing beaches (Boulder).

By car
From Durban, take the N2 north and follow the signs.

Get around
As there is no public transport available you need a car to get around. But as most of the hotels are close to the beach you can walk there. Ballito is a quiet safe area (compared to other areas in South Africa); even a walk at night is possible without a warrant of concern.

Do

 * Crocodile farm
 * Microlight flights and tours
 * A promenade about 2.5 km (1.6 mi) long along the beach front is great for walking and jogging.
 * The Gunston 500 surfing contest, renamed Ballito Pro and sponsored by Billabong, is held annually in July.
 * The Gunston 500 surfing contest, renamed Ballito Pro and sponsored by Billabong, is held annually in July.

Go next

 * Travel south to Durban
 * Go further south along the Hisbiscus Coast through Port Shepstone, visit the Oribi gorge and blue flag beaches.
 * Go up the North Coast and visit St Lucia, the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park or drive further on to Eswatini (Swaziland).