Five incredible ways to explore the great outdoors at Ballito

Whether you like the ocean, bush, sky or sugar cane, Ballito has a fun way for your to explore all that nature has to offer.

Check out these five adventures for you to pursue

1. Hike or picnic at Harold Johnson Nature Reserve

The Harold Johnson Nature Reserve in Stanger is situated north of Ballito on the banks of the Tugela River and north of Zinkwazi.

The nature reserve offers a selection of hiking trails of varying distances.

A small variety of wildlife is located on the reserve such as giraffe, zebra, bush-pig and antelope.

Harold Johnson is known for its rich variety of butterflies and bird-life.

Camping and picnicking / braai facilities are available.

Where: Situated off the R102, between Stanger and Mandeni, Dolphin Coast, KwaZulu Natal.

When: Daily from 6am to 6pm

Contact:  032 4861574

Cost: R30 per person.

2. Holla Trails

Holla Mountain Bike Trails are situated on sugar cane farms just outside of Ballito.

Holla Trails consists of over 340 kilometres of marked and signed trails.

Both novice and experienced mountain bikers are catered for;  the tracks are varied and the scenery spectacular.

The venue also has facilities for you to shower or freshen up after your ride before enjoying a well earned lunch or drink on the terrace.

Please note that only permit holders are allowed access to the trails but day permits are available from about R100.

Where: Sugar Rush Park, Esenembe Road, Ballito.

When: Monday: Closed (unless you’re a member and have an access disk).
Tuesday to Friday from 6am to 5pm (last permit sold at 4pm)
Saturday from 5.30am till 12pm.
Sunday from 5.30am till 3pm

Contact: 074 897 8559, 082 899 3114

Cost: Entry fees range from R20 – R55, but children under 12 enter free.

3. Rain Farm Game Drives

The Rain Farm Game and Lodge is situated inland from Ballito and is home to a variety of animals including zebra and giraffe who are happy to stop and pose for a photo.

There are a various drives with two luxury options – a sunrise and a sundowner drive – which includes snacks and drinks.

Where: F9 Rain Farm, Esenembe Road

When: The luxury sunrise drive is at 7.30am, while the sundowner drive is at 3pm and 4pm.

The normal game drives are at 7.30am, 9am, 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm.
Booking is essential.

Cost: Prices range depending on the package you choose and start from R180 per adult and R90 per child.

Contact: 032 815 1050

4. Dirty Harry Fishing Charters

Gather the boys, pack in the fishing rods and book a tour on Big Dirty Harry – a magnificent 24ft Tomcat powered by X2 200 Suzuki outboard motors – to check out the North Coast from the warm Indian Ocean’s side.

Choose between a five or eight hour trip, or go for the adventurous night fishing option.

Where: Hook Line & Sinker, The Circle shop no 3, Douglas Crowe Drive, Ballito.

When: Weather permitting, the tours are available upon request and they only cater for private charters so you pay for the boat and they do not fill up the boats with individuals to make up numbers. Make sure to contact them in advance to book a trip.

Contact: Craig Harris at 082 579 3878 or Hook Line & Sinker at 032 946 2303.

Cost: Prices range depending on the type of trip and the amount of people, but start from R4500.

5. Microlight flights

Treat yourself to an unforgettable microlight flip along the Dolphin Coast.

The Ballito Microlight School operates seven days a week, weather permitting.

Flights leave from the school and range from 10 to 30 minutes long.

You will take in magnificent views KZN’s, the stunning coastline, and if you are really lucky, might even spot dolphins, turtles or whales as you fly over the ocean.

Where: Ballito Microlight School, Ballito, Dolphin Coast.

When:  Seven days a week, weather permitting. Booking is essential.

Contact: 082 659 5550

Cost: Price on request