The North Coast is an incredibly rewarding and varied holiday destination, with world-class golf, warm Indian Ocean surf, thrilling adventure attractions and rich wildlife experiences.

Whether you are visiting from out of town or just looking for something to do over the festive period, read on for a few gems within minutes from Ballito.

Water Sports
There are many great ways to get your ocean fix.

For the fishing obsessed, there are popular spots at the Tongaat River Mouth, High Rock in Chaka’s Rock and at many of the local rocky outcrops. Search for the Courier’s weekly fishing column online at #FishEagle to see which spots produce the best quality returns weekly.

There is also a large ski-fishing and deep sea fishing community and deep-sea charters are available with supplied gear and coaching.

For regular surfers who travel with a board, the four breaks around Willard Beach are popular, as is Salt Rock and Umdloti.

If you want to learn how to surf this holiday however, take a lesson from the Ballito Surf School which will supply all necessary equipment. Find them at ballitosurfschool.com.
Snorkelling excursions with Tidal Tao are another popular activity. Contact them at 079 307 0608.

Golf
If you are the type of holidaymaker who prefers greens and tees rather than G&Ts, there are plenty of options to stay active this season.

You can find four excellent coastal challenges at Umhlali Country Club, the Ernie Els Signature Course at Zimbali Lakes, Prince’s Grant Golf Estate or Simbithi Country Club.

The first three offer full 18-hole, Par-71 or Par-72 games, while Simbithi has a unique 18-hole, Par-60 course that will test your short game.

There are also more cost-effective golf options available in Tongaat at Maidstone Golf Club and at Darnall Country Club.

Zimbali Country Club is among the most beautiful in the area, but is only open to members, residents and guests in the estate.

The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary
A different kind of golfing experience is available at the beautiful Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary 20km inland of Ballito – foot golf!

Recently added, FootGolf@HiddenForest offers a 9-hole, par-36 mashie-style course suitable for all ages and skill levels. It’s a fun, active challenge for families and groups of friends, open daily from 8.30am-5pm.

The main attraction on site however, is of course the beautiful primate sanctuary set in 23-hectares of indigenous forest. The sanctuary focuses on rehabilitating captive-raised lemurs and exotic monkeys, including capuchin, howler and spider monkeys. Through fun and informative forest walking tours, visitors learn about primate welfare, conservation challenges and the realities facing animals in captivity and the wild.

The sanctuary is open daily from 8.30am to 4pm, including weekends and public holidays.

For golf bookings contact 032 004 0178 or visit hiddenforest.co.za.

Adventure Valley
Set along the Sampoya River just 15km inland of Ballito, Adventure Valley offers an exciting escape into the countryside.

Headlined by a 1.5km zipline tour with the world’s first ‘Parazip’ – a 400m glide down a cable with a parachute trailing behind you – adventure awaits around every corner. A 70-metre waterslide attracts plenty of adventurous kids and parents alike, while families can relax, picnic and swim on the beautiful property.

The abundant bird life on site adds to the tranquil setting in the heart of nature, which will have you feeling like you have travelled hours, not minutes from Ballito.

Bookings are essential at 032 942 8014, 082 414 2448 or clubventure@mweb.co.za. Visit adventurevalley.co.za to find out more.

Nature
Harold Johnson nature reserve is known for its rich variety of butterflies and birdlife. The reserve is 40km north of Ballito on the banks of the Tugela River.

A small variety of wildlife is located on the reserve such as zebra, bush-pig and antelope as well as the iconic Ultimatum Tree, Fort Pearson and a museum that documents the life of King Shaka Zulu.

For a more luxurious experience you can also enjoy a game drive and fine dining at Rain Farm and Lodge on the Esenembe Road, just outside Ballito.

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