The famous and popular holiday town of Ballito, situated just over 40km north of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, is blessed with a whole lot of holiday hotspots and top tourist attractions that revolve around its beaches, subtropical climate, and outdoorsy way of life.
Talking about being holiday hotspots, it is also naturally endowed with a beach paradise, filled with gorgeous beach spots, alongside a lot of fun local attractions and good restaurants for visitors to enjoy.
If you want to find out more about fun things to do and places to visit in Ballito, below are some of the unique and affordable options to consider trying out. Here are the top 20 outdoor activities to enjoy in beautiful Ballito:
Fun Things To Do In Ballito, KZN
1. Pay a visit to the Flag Animal Farm
Taking a leisure walk to pay a visit to the flag animal farm also makes its way into our list of fun things to do in the area—a wonderful outing that should be befitting to friends and close relatives, as well as family members at large.
Embarking on this particular visit gets you in close touch with the different animal species present on the ground, as well as being part of its fun adventures of pony rides and the chance to feed chickens, ducks, rabbits, goats, sheep, pigs, and more.
Finally, it has also got provisions made for facilities such as a rain-proof indoor play center and accommodation options for its guests to experience its adventures to the fullest, especially on its playgrounds, jumping castle, and tea garden.
What to expect?
Visiting the flag animal farm guarantees you a relaxing day out in the company of family and friends, as you either picnic or braai.
Address: N2 Ballito-Umhlali, Salt Rock turn-off, Exit
2. Take a stroll on the King Shaka Heritage Route
The King Shaka heritage route bears some sort of historic significance and cultural heritage in the region, one of which is dedicated to celebrating one of the greatest Zulu chiefs, King Shaka.
I was wondering if there was any reason you might want to consider showing up here. Well, there are plenty of reasons why you should show up here, most notably taking into consideration the fact that you are going to be handed the rare privilege and opportunity of coming across Observation Rock or Shakas Trees.
What to expect?
Guests showing up here get to explore and check out the Shakas tree, which has been in existence for over two centuries now and is a popular spot in the area where Shaka was allegedly killed way back in 1828.
Address: King Shaka Heritage Route, Ballito, Dolphin Coast, KZN.
3. Have a nice time on Clarke Bay Beach
The Clarke Bay beach, which is just a short distance and a stone’s throw away from Ballito’s main beach, in what is considered to be just a mere 15-minute drive, also makes its way into our list of fun things to do in the region upon visiting the area.
It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area, famous for its quiet and calm nature. Its quieter beach is protected by both lifeguards and shark nets, accompanied by a lovely tidal pool.
Guests showing up here mostly do so in the company of their kids, as it grants them that rare privilege as well as keeping in close touch with its natural sea life.
What other things happen here?
Both visitors and tourists alike are at liberty to take a walk into any of the restaurants nearby to settle down and enjoy a meal.
Address: Ballito, Dolphin Coast, KZN.
4. Catch some fun at the Ballito Tidal Pool
The Ballito Tidal Pool, just as its name points out, is yet another recreational hub in the regional area of Ballito, one that, unlike others, has got its doors wide open to welcome individuals of all age groups, be they kids, teenagers, or young adults.
Speaking of individuals and their age groups, at this moment, the Ballito Tidal pool is made up of two different pools, with the larger one for adults and the smaller one in the same manner for kids.
What to expect?
Guests showing up here get to enjoy a nice time on its large family beach while also catching a glimpse of what its sea life is all about in a very protective setting.
Address: Ballito, Dolphin Coast, KZN.
5. Stroll along the
The Ballito Boardwalk is not a place to consider paying a visit to, but rather one designed for both its residents and visitors to come to take a stroll and enjoy a long walk, perhaps in the company of family and friends.
Talking about taking a stroll and enjoying a long walk on its designated pathways, tourists showing up here get to hike to Salt Rock, an experience that is mostly accompanied by the beautiful and amazing views it has to offer them.
What to expect?
Guests showing up here are encouraged to come alongside their camera lenses so they can soak up the beauty of its cool coastline, which might even see them catching the rare sight of dolphins, a huge humpback, or even a Southern Right whale.
Address: Ballito, Dolphin Coast, KZN.
6. Hangout at the Sugar Rush Park
If you are running out of suggestions or recommendations as it concerns where to hang out during your stay in Ballito, then it’s high time you might as well want to consider paying a visit to the tourist attraction of Sugar Rush Park, one designed specifically for you.
There are a whole lot of activities and adventures to catch up on upon visiting, but Sugar Rush Park is particularly concerned with hiking and biking at large, with the presence of over 150 mountain bike trails.
Why you should visit?
The Sugar Rush Park also has provisions made for hot showers, toilets, and even a bike wash, meaning guests showing up here are expected to enjoy this wholesome experience to the fullest. Not forgetting the fact that they are also presented with the options of relaxing and enjoying a quick coffee or light meal
Address: Sugar Rush Park, Esenembe Road, Ballito, KZN
7. Go biking at the
There are quite plenty of routes in the deserted region of Ballito to come explore biking, but one route that stands out as unique among them all is the Holla Mountain Bike Trails, which passes through various mountains, farms, and the Upper Tongaat regions.
Measuring at a staggering length of over 100 km of improved terraces, this is an ideal location to come explore biking to the fullest, be it as a novice or professional biker.
What to expect?
Guests showing up at the Holla trails should expect to enjoy biking on a variety of tracks with beautiful and amazing scenery, an outdoor experience that is suitable for individuals of all age groups, except kids
Address: Ballito, KZN
8. Have a nice time on the Willard Beach
Casually paying a visit to Willard Beach also makes its way into our list of fun things to do in the regional area of Ballito, a tourist destination that holds the bragging rights of being Ballito’s biggest attraction.
There are a whole lot of wonderful attractions waiting for you should you choose to visit, accompanied by activities and adventures that are fun and can be very relaxing as well for a family day out.
What to expect?
Guests showing up here gets to have a nice time on one of the finest beaches in the area that has got its waters warm, surf good and nearby restaurants.
Address: Ballito, KZN.
9. Go golfing at the Umhlali Country Club
Why stop by at the city of Ballito without having a go at the game of sport of swings. Enjoying golfing at the Umhlali Country Club comes in next on our list of fun things to do in the area, a tourist destination Established in 1961 as a 9-hole golf course, only to be refurbished into an additional 9 holes.
Showing up here is solely to come be part of its amazing golfing experience on its world-class 18-hole course, that comes with a halfway house, golf cart hire alongside bowling greens.
What other things happen here?
The Umhlali Country Club also has over five tennis courts. swimming pool, two glass-backed squash courts, and even a pro shop too, meaning there is a whole lot to enjoy here other than golfing.
Address: 1 Compensation Rd, Ballito-Umhlali, Dolphin Coast.
10. Visit the Karibu Nursery
There is no rounding up your stay in Ballito without stopping by to pay a visit to Karibu Nursery, a designated location for nature lovers and flowers enthusiasts generally, to come shop for plants that is of a certainty going to have them getting potty with excitement.
This attraction, which bears some sort of historic significance of being the longest-standing nursery on the North Coast, caters to providing flowers for gardeners, green-fingered experts, and landscapers alike to be used in beautifying gardens.
What other things happen here?
The Karibu Nursery has also gotten neighboring coffee and champagne bars, delis, spas, home interior decorating stores, art studios, and more for its guests to check out.
Address: Main Road, Shakaskraal, Umhlali.
11. Take part in the Dirty Harry Fishing Tours
The Dirty harry fishing tours is a tour agency in Ballito offering something entirely different from that of other tour agency, in the sense that they cater for giving a memorable and long lasting experience that concerns sea excursion and all other manner of water related activities.
What should I expect?
Tourists showing up here are left under the care of its knowledgeable and capable captains, ushering them into its memorable experience on top boats and well-maintained sea equipment
Address: Ballito, KZN
12. Treat your body right at the ZenJu Day Spa
While having fun and getting thrilled with every single one of the crazy and wild adventures the top tourist attractions in Ballito have to offer, the body still deserves a relaxing treatment, which can only be gotten at the Zenju Day Spa.
Though it might happen to be a small and exclusive day spa, it is quite huge in its operations, which it usually carries out in the most tranquil setting of Ballito/North Coast Natal.
What do they offer?
The Zenju Day spa does offers all manners of holistic treatments that revolves around massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing/tinting, body scrubs and other lovely spa packages.
Address: 63 Compensation Beach Road, Ballito, KZN.
13. Enjoy a sunny day out at Salmon Bay Beach
There is no denying the fact that the regional area of Ballito is blessed with a whole lot of beaches and coastlines suitable for tourists, particularly those who come to hang out in the heat of the day while also enjoying the cool breeze of nature.
One such beach is the popular Salmon Bay Beach, which is just south of Ballito and is perceived by its residents to be a heavenly paradise, coupled with the presence of Ballito’s newly launched Inflatable Boat Clubhouse.
Why you should visit?
It creates the perfect avenue and platform to come hang out in the company of family, close relatives, and friends generally, with provisions also being made for ample parking at its southern
Address: Ballito, KZN
14. Be part of the adventures of Tidal Tao Snorkeling Safaris
The Tidal Tao Snorkeling Safaris offers the very best of fun activities and top adventures to engage with during your stay in Ballito, one of which, just like that of the Dirty Harry Fishing Tour, has to do with going on an excursion on water.
This experience is one to be fully enjoyed by teenagers and young adults in general, one that is going to see them getting to snorkel while also catching the site’s beautiful array of fish.
Why you should visit?
It is something nice to also try out and engage with, should you be running out of options for an ideal location to come to catch up with some good fun in the company of the whole family.
Address: Ballito, KZN.
15. Enjoy horseback riding with the Redwoods Riding School
The Redwoods Riding School is a top tourist attraction in Ballito, playing both the role of a learning institute and a tour agency, one of which is situated just fifteen minutes outside of Ballito, where you get to enjoy all manners of horse-crazy-related adventures.
Playing both the role of a learning institute and a tour agency, the Redwoods Riding School is famous and popular for its friendly staff and passionate stable yard, a welcoming environment generally for horse lovers.
What do they offer?
The Redwoods Riding School offers horse lovers riding gear and lessons, particularly for novices, an experience spiced up with its champagne breakfast rides.
Address: Ballito, KZN.
16. Try out the microlight Flights
Talking about the weird, wild, and craziest of fun activities and adventures, the regional area of Ballito is where you get to find them all. One of those fun activities and adventures is the flight experience on microlights.
Talking about this experience, it has to do with enjoying an exciting ride in any of its microlight flips, offering the opportunity for tourists and explorers, particularly, to come to check out its beautiful area with a bird’s eye view of its coastline and local beaches.
Why you should try it out?
This adventure on Microlite flights is handled by pilots who are considered highly experienced and hold sound safety records, meaning your safety is guaranteed up in the sky.
Address: Holla Trails, Esenembi Rd, 4420 (Colisheen Estate, Next door to Sugar Rush Park, South Africa
17. Go shopping at The Litchi Orchard Farmers’ Market
The Litchi Orchard Farmers’ Market has its operations carried out daily between the hours of 09:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., which is open to all, both its residents and visitors, to come on a shopping spree of mostly homemade commodities.
Aside from enjoying an amazing shopping experience, the Litchi Orchard Farmers’ Market has provisions for food and drink to keep guests relaxed and refreshed upon visiting.
What do they offer?
The Litchi Orchard Farmers’ Market offers unique arts and crafts, outdoor spaces to explore, and live music performances too.
Address: Seaforth Drive, Ballito-Umhlali, KZN.
Also, Read 20 Fun Things To Do In Margate, KZN (KwaZulu-Natal)
18. Do a whole lot at the Litchi Orchard
The Litchi Orchard is one of the top attractions in the area, most notably The Litchi Orchard Farmers’ Market, which is to be discussed later, alongside a country cafe, coffee shop, bakery, and pub.
Moving forward, it has also got plenty of playgrounds as well as recreational hubs being housed within its premises, along with great kids’ facilities to give the kids their fun moments.
Why you should visit?
There are plenty of things to catch up on and be part of, especially its fun events and going shopping in its lovely markets as well.
Address: Seaforth Drive, Ballito-Umhlali, KZN
Other Fun Things To Do Nearby Ballito
19. Come across different wild reptiles at Crocodile Creek
Wondering where you can find Crocodile Creek in Ballito? Well, it is right in between Ballito and Tongaat and is considered to be one of South Africa’s best experiences and adventures at large.
The reason behind this isn’t far-fetched, as it holds the bragging rights of being home to some 7,000 Nile-, West African dwarf-, and slender-snouted crocs, as well as American alligators, deadly mambas and other snakes, tortoises, monkeys, and some more reptiles.
Why you should visit?
Guests showing up here get to enjoy the exciting and wild adventures that have to do with exploring the habitats of some of these wild reptiles in a space with several covered learning and party areas, as well as a cafe and restaurant.
Address: 77 Greylands Road, Greylands, Tongaat.
20. Hangout at Thompsons Beach
Thompson’s Beach is situated between the borderlines of Ballito and Chakas Rock (along Ocean Drive), which has an ideal setting for guests to come to hang out with family and friends on its sunny beach while also enjoying the cool breeze of nature.
Hanging out with family and friends aside, it is also one location ideal for swimming and angling, with plenty of professionals always on standby to help and assist out with swimming practices for novice swimmers showing up there.
What to expect?
Guests showing up here get to enjoy swimming in the presence of on-site lifeguards and shark nets in the waters, meaning their safety is all but guaranteed.
Address: 4399 South 9 Rock Lane, Shaka’s Rock, Dolphin Coast.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, there are a whole lot of holiday hotspots situated in the area and region of Ballito, in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal, one which is ideal to come spend the vacation in the company of family members, friends, and loved ones
