Ballito

Throughout the year holiday-makers flock to the up-market holiday town of Ballito on the KwaZulu Natal North Coast to enjoy the temperate climate, warm Indian Ocean, sandy beaches, rocky tidal pools and general laid-back atmosphere. Referred to as the Dolphin Coast because of the regular sightings of these intelligent sea mammals, the KwaZulu Natal North Coast boasts some beautiful beaches, a number of which either fall into the municipal area of Ballito or are a stone’s throw away.

Ballito’s main beach is Willard Beach, which due to its high standard of cleanliness, safety and environmental measures, has been awarded the internationally recognized Blue Flag Status. Visitors to Willard Beach have the benefit of qualified lifeguards and a fully equipped first aid station seven days a week, as well as the protection of shark nets. Willard Beach is a prime surfing and body boarding destination and serves as a regular venue for competitions. The Ballito tidal pool, which is popular with all age groups, is located just south of Clarke Bay, another Ballito beach offering the safety of shark nets and lifeguards. Interesting little marine creatures are found in the tidal pool and surrounding rock pools, making it especially appealing to the little ones.

Thompson’s Bay features some fascinating rock formations and a large tidal pool which is favored by families with children. Shark nets and lifeguards are a permanent feature of this lovely beach. Traveling a little further south, Salmon Bay is the home of the Ballito Inflatable Boat clubhouse and is a designated launch area for watercraft, as well as being popular with surfing enthusiasts. Other beaches close by include Zimbali, Westbrook, Shaka’s Rock, Salt Rock, Sheffield Beach and Zinkwazi which is a superb fishing and diving spot.

Those who visit Ballito on the KwaZulu Natal North Coast keep coming back for more, and those who visit for the first time, soon come to understand why.