Ballito

Ballito is the animated hub of the Dolphin Coast, located north of Durban. The town's name originated from an Italian hosiery brand's slogan ('Ballito' means little dance), and today the town truly dances to the rhythm of the ocean. The coastline is famous for the bottlenose dolphins that play in the surf year-round and can frequently be spotted from the shore. Ballito's beaches, such as Willard Beach and Thompson’s Bay, provide world-class conditions for surfing and swimming. A unique highlight is the 'Hole in the Wall' rock formation at Thompson’s Bay and the numerous safe tidal pools that are excellent for families. Every July, Ballito becomes the center of the international surfing world when it hosts the prestigious 'Ballito Pro' competition. In recent years, Ballito has evolved from a sleepy holiday village into a modern lifestyle town with excellent shopping malls and a diverse restaurant scene. It is conveniently located just 20 minutes from King Shaka International Airport. The humid subtropical climate makes it a great destination even in winter (June/July), with pleasant temperatures ranging between 20-25 degrees Celsius.

Nearby cities

Durban

The third largest city is located on the Indian Ocean and has South Africa's busiest cargo port.

Pietermaritzburg

The capital of KwaZulu-Natal is distinguished by its Victorian architecture and historical significance.

Newcastle

The third-largest city in KwaZulu-Natal is a major industrial center, historically known for coal mining.

Richards Bay

A port city on the north coast that operates the country's largest coal export terminal.

Ladysmith

Located on the banks of the Klip River, the town is best known for the long siege during the Boer War.

Port Shepstone

The largest town on the southern coast of KwaZulu-Natal serves as the gateway to the tourist 'Hibiscus Coast'.

Margate

The vibrant heart of the Hibiscus Coast, famous for its Blue Flag beaches and lively nightlife.

Ramsgate

A charming coastal village on the South Coast, known for its tranquil atmosphere, excellent dining, and whale watching.

Empangeni

A hilly town located not far from Richards Bay, traditionally a center for sugarcane and timber.

Howick

Famous for the spectacular Howick Falls and as the place where Nelson Mandela was captured in 1962.

Ulundi

Once the capital of the Zulu Kingdom and later of the KwaZulu bantustan, rich in cultural heritage.

Salt Rock

A popular holiday destination on the Dolphin Coast with excellent surf spots and natural tidal pools.

Scottburgh

A charming coastal resort on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, famous for its safe swimming beaches and proximity to Aliwal Shoal.

Umkomaas

Umkomaas is a vibrant coastal town in KwaZulu-Natal, renowned worldwide for its spectacular scuba diving and beautiful beaches.

KwaMakhutha

KwaMakhutha is a bustling South African township in KwaZulu-Natal, situated conveniently close to the famous South Coast beaches.

History & landmarks

Shakaland

A living museum and cultural village that authentically showcases the traditions and history of the Zulu people.

More places

Nelson Mandela Capture Site

This memorial marks the exact spot where Nelson Mandela was arrested by the apartheid police in 1962.

Isandlwana Battlefield

The Isandlwana Battlefield was the site of the first major encounter in the Anglo-Zulu War, where the British army suffered a decisive de…

Rorke's Drift

Rorke's Drift was the site of a famous defense in 1879, where a small British garrison repelled a massive Zulu attack.

Blood River Heritage Site

The Blood River heritage site commemorates the historic 1838 battle between the Voortrekkers and the Zulu Kingdom.

Majuba Hill

Majuba Hill was the site of the final and decisive battle of the First Boer War in 1881, resulting in a Boer victory.

Spion Kop Battlefield

Spion Kop was the site of a bloody battle during the Second Boer War in 1900, where British troops vainly attempted to relieve the besieg…