Ballito

Ballito is a holiday town on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, about 40 km north of Durban and 15 km from King Shaka airport. It began in 1954 as a private township and took its odd name from a British hosiery advert. The stretch of shore here is called the Dolphin Coast because dolphins are seen in the surf line so often. The point is the sea: tidal pools, netted beaches and a boardwalk linking them.

Getting there

There is no useful public transport. Drive north from Durban on the N2 toll road and follow the signs, or take the slower M4 along the coast, which becomes Ballito Drive through town. From the airport it is a 15-minute drive. Uber works from Durban and Umhlanga, but for exploring the coast you want a hire car. Zimbali, Umhlali and Salt Rock are the neighbouring settlements; KwaDukuza, the old Stanger, is 24 km inland.

When to go

Summers are hot and humid with afternoon storms; winters are dry, sunny and mild, and the sea stays warm enough to swim. The sardine run passes this coast in June and July. The Ballito Pro, a World Surf League qualifying event, is held every July. December and January are the domestic school holidays and the town is full and loud; book well ahead or come in the quieter months either side.

What to do

Willard Beach is the main bathing beach, with lifeguards and shark nets. Clarke Bay is smaller and also netted and guarded. Thompson’s Bay, towards Shaka’s Rock, has a large tidal pool and the Hole in the Wall rock formation, and is the favourite with families who have small children. Salt Rock has its own rock pools. Salmon Bay is for surfers and anglers rather than swimmers, and Boulder Beach is the surf spot.

A 2.5 km promenade runs along the shore, so you can walk from beach to beach without the car. Dolphins are often in the water right off the rocks, and whales are seen offshore in season. Beyond the beach there are microlight flights and a crocodile farm. Collecting mussels and oysters needs a licence. Sibudu Cave, a rock shelter with human artefacts dated to 60,000 to 70,000 years ago, is a short drive away.

Good to know

Ballito is one of the quieter and safer places on this coast and locals do walk about in the evening. Still, lock the car and do not leave things on the beach. Swim only where lifeguards are on duty; outside school holidays some beaches are unguarded. The tidal pools are the safe option for children. Restaurants and shops cluster around Ballito Drive and the Lifestyle Centre. Most accommodation is within walking distance of the sand, which is worth paying for in December when parking runs out.

Last updated 6 October 2026. Sources: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage, SA-Venues, First Group Hotels, Tripbase.