The town was established in 1954 as a private township and has grown to one of the top beach destinations in the North Coast, boasting a population of more than 20 000 today.
Ballito is about 45 kilometres north of Durban and forms part of the KwaDukuza Local Municipality. The town is nestled between the green fields of KwaZulu Natal’s farms to the west and to the east lies golden beaches and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Bottlenose dolphins are spotted along the waters off Ballito’s beaches all year round. The relatively clear and shallow waters are favoured by the dolphins as it allows them to swim close to shore to feed. Whales can also be spotted on their annual migration to Mozambique for the summer.
HOLIDAY DESTINATION
Ballito has some of the top beaches on the North Coast of KZN, with numerous hotels, B&B’s, other holiday accommodation, camp sites, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment for the whole family.
With so many options for accommodation in Ballito, it has become a favourite for the traveller. Whether you stay for a few weeks, a weekend, or just overnight, you will find something to your taste and your pocket.
There are many tourist activities in Ballito. The main swimming beach, Willard Beach provides safe swimming with lifeguards on duty 7 days a week and the protection of shark nets. Various protected beaches can be found to the north and south of Willard Beach. Some have tidal pools for the enjoyment of old and young.
Willard Beach is also a popular spot for surfing and body boarding. It also boasts many fishing spots and licences can be purchased at the local post office.
Other beaches include Westbrook Beach, Thompson’s Bay, Chaka’s Rock, Salt Rock, Sheffield Beach and Umlazi as well as Tinley Manor, Blythedale Beach, Stanger, and Zinkwazi Beach to the north.
The Gunston 500 surfing contest, renamed Ballito Pro sponsored by Billabong, has been shifted from the Bay of Plenty in Durban’s Golden Mile to Ballito where it is held annually in July.
Willard Beach also has a 2.4-kilometre wooden boardwalk that follows the shoreline south with spectacular views of the bays and coves. A more rugged trail goes northwards to Chaka’s Rock that takes you through a hole in the cliff.
Family attractions like the crocodile farm and microlight flights and tours are available all year round. For the more adventurous there are scenic mountain bike and running trails.
THRIVING COMMUNITY
Ballito has grown into a thriving community with the Lifestyle Shopping Centre, Tiffany’s Shopping Centre, and the new Ballito Junction Regional Mall. Many primary and high schools can be found in Ballito and the surrounding areas.
Today various secure or gated estates can be found, the two largest being Zimbali Coastal Resort & Estate, and Simbithi. Numerous hotels and resorts have opened, drawing even more tourists into this part of the North coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
Plans for further development are already on the table for the construction of new schools, a new town centre, a taxi rank, and a larger clinic. It has world class hospitals in proximity offering specialist care.
The main entrance to Ballito from the N2 highway has been upgraded, with the construction of a multi-level interchange to ease traffic. The road has been widened into four lanes in Ballito Drive, and proper pedestrian walkways have been built.
BUSINESS SECTOR
The business sector in Ballito has also grown considerably with a large commercial business park bordering the N2 freeway.
The town caters to a growing business community on the North Coast. Enterprise iLembe has been formed to develop Ballito and has become an investment destination of choice. The development of the King Shaka International Airport also contributed to the growth of Ballito.
CONCLUSION
More and more people who plan to tour Durban, flock to Ballito, whether to holiday, retire, or buy a second home. There has been a steady increase of visitors and permanent residents over the past decade. Although Ballito is bustling with activity it has kept its all-round village charm that sets it apart from most seaside destinations.
