Twenty awesome things to do on the Dolphin Coast

The Dolphin Coast is famous for its warm weather and golden beaches, but there is more than just the sea to keep you occupied while visiting.

Ballito and surrounds boast plenty of fun activities for the whole family, from horse rides and surfing lessons to laser-tag and petting zoos – the North Coast offers activities that will keep you engaged and enjoying yourself till the day you leave.

Sugar Rush Park

First off, Sugar Rush Park is the premier destination for a variety of fun activities that will not break the bank, they also have a wonderful restaurant and spa on site. There is plenty to fill a day with, including things like:

1. Laser Rush Ballito

Declare war on your family and friends in the fun way and go head to head in Laser Rush’s outdoor arena filled with broken down buildings, rustic obstacles, trees and plenty of peepholes for sneaky snipers.

Laser Rush is open Tuesday – Sunday from 9am-5pm.

Games are played in 30 minute slots and cost is R70pp for 30min and R120pp for 1 hour.

There are also several party packages for larger groups. For more info, visit www.laserrush.co.za or call 083 233 5165.

2. Sugar Rush Putt Putt

Sugar Rush Putt Putt is a full 18 hole course with paddling pools, water fountains, waterfalls, beaches, island greens, ramps and tunnels.

It is a fun challenge for all ages and all recreational needs, so make sure to come on down and sink a ball or two.

Sugar Rush Putt Putt is open Tuesday-Friday from 10am-5pm, Saturday 8.30am – 5pm, Sunday 9am – 5pm.

A game of putt putt will cost R60 per person for children and R90 for adults.

For more information, contact 062 890 1625.

3. Sugar Rush Express train and tractor rides

Which kiddie doesn’t love a little train or tractor ride while mom is enjoying a coffee? Safe and specifically designed for the entertainment of little ones, these rides are a fun filled journey of laughter and adventure.

The mini train rides are available Wed: 10am – 4pm, Thurs & Fri: 10am – 6pm, Sat: 8am – 5pm, Sun: 8am – 4pm and tractor rides are available Sat & Sun: 8am – 4pm and cost R30 per ride.

To book for parties, email parties@sugarrush.co.za

4. Rushing Arrows

Enjoy an adrenaline pump as you get your aim in and eliminate your target on the field at Rushing Arrows.

Based at Sugar Rush Park, the exhilarating game of archery tag is completely safe and ideal for family, friends, team building, parties, school groups or simply just to practice your aim.
It is the ultimate friendly combat experience.

Rushing Arrows is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am – 6pm and walk-ins are welcome.

To book call 083 233 5165 or email rushingarrows@gmail.com

5. Holla Trails

Holla Trails offers one of the best mountain-biking and trail running experiences in the country. With over 360km of marked and signed trails which are continually being improved and added to, there are trails for both novice and experienced mountain bikers alike.

During the summer months (September-April), Holla Trails is open Tuesday-Friday, 5.30am-4.30pm, weekends 5.30am-3.30pm. In the winter (May-August), the trails are open Tuesday-Friday, 6am-4.30pm and weekends 6am-3.30pm.

MTB prices are as follows: R70 for adults, R45 for youth (12-18 years), R45 for pensioners. Children under 12 and adults over 70 may ride for free. After hours honesty permit is R70. Proceeds go to the Snips camera project to improve safety in the area.

For trail running, adults and youth will pay R27 while pensioners and children enter for free. After hours honesty permit is R27. Proceeds go to the Snips camera project to improve safety in the area.

For more information, visit www.hollatrails.co.za or call 074 897 8559 or 082 899 3114.

6. The Jump Park

The Jump Park in Sugar Rush has been a major hit with all who visit. The 700 square metre facility is covered with wall-to-wall trampolines, built entirely for entertainment and recreational purposes, and will offer you endless amounts of bouncing fun.

The Jump Park is open Tuesday – Thursday from 9am – 5pm, on Fridays and Saturdays from 9am – 6pm and on Sundays from 9am – 5pm.

They are open on Public Holidays (including those on a Monday) and every day during school holidays.

Tickets are R120 for 1 hour and you get a 2nd hour for FREE. Children 5 years and younger are discounted to only R80.

You get two whole hours of fun on the trampolines – this special offer runs all year round!

For more information, call 071 137 0285 or visit www.thejumppark.co.za.

7. Ndlondlo Reptile Park

Another crowd favourite at Sugar Rush are all the slippery, slithery inhabitants of Ndlondlo Reptile Park which boasts a wide range of indigenous reptiles on display including the most dangerous and venomous such as the Black Mamba, Cobras, and Puff Adder’s as well as a few exotics: a huge anaconda, pythons, tarantulas and scorpions.

For the very brave, you can even hold a tarantula or a snake. Ndlondlo is education and conservation based, with shows daily to display the nature of cobras.

Ndlondlo Reptile Park is open Tuesday-Sunday, from 9am-5pm.

For more information, contact Neville Wolmarans at 082 561 4969 or Helen Wolmarans at 079 453 3557.

8. Feathers and Furballs – Animal petting zoo

Who does not love to get up close and personal with a pig?

Or, if that’s not your cup of tea – maybe a few bunny rabbits?

The petting zoo at Sugar Rush will provide plenty of fun for the little ones.

It is open every day from 9am – 5pm and a mere R30 will see your little one enjoy a day of laughs with the animals.

9. Rain Farm Game and Lodge

Rain Farm Game and Lodge is situated a mere 15 minutes inland from Ballito and it is the perfect destination for families and couples alike.

Whether you are looking for a quick getaway to enjoy nature at its best or a fun day out with the kids, Rain Farm offers it all.

Activities include game drives, walking trails, picnics, accommodation, restaurant, swimming pool, kids area, kids parties, mini golf, conferencing, weddings and private functions.

Situated on Esenembe Road 20km inland from Salt Rock on the Umhlali River, Rain Farm truly is a piece of paradise right here on our doorstep

For more information, contact 032 815 1050 or visit www.rainfarm.co.za.

10. Flag Animal Farm

If you love animals, then Flag Farm is the number one destination for you! With everything from tortoises to cows, this farm is a wonderful place for both children and adults.

Over the last 16 years Flag Animal Farm has saved over 13 500 lives and they continue to do amazing worth throughout the Dolphin Coast.

So make sure to pop in to visit with some of the many friendly, furries and enjoy a pony ride, some face time with the animals and an ice-cold ice-cream to top it all off.

Entrance to Flag Farm is R48 per person (babies under 18 months free). You can also go on a wonderful pony, train or tractor ride at R12 per person.

Flag Farm puts on a whole series of shows every day, including: (Monday-Friday) 11am wolf interaction, 12pm milking demonstration, 2pm reptile handling and 3pm milking demonstration; (weekends and public holidays) 11am wolf interaction, 11.30am Paw Patrol show, 12.30pm milking demonstration, 1pm meet and greet with Minie and Mickey Mouse, 2pm reptile show, 3pm special guest show, 3.15pm milking demonstration and 3.45pm wolf interaction.

For more information, visit www.flaganimalfarm.co.za or call 032 947 2018.

11. Crocodile Creek

Take a trip back in time to see some ancient predators who have walked the earth for millions of years at Crocodile Creek.

With one of the largest collections of Nile Crocodiles in South Africa, as well as a host of other interesting animals, Crocodile Creek provides a wonderful and educational tourist attraction.

There are five tours daily, at 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm and tours cost: R95 for adults, R75 rand for youth aged 13-17, R60 for children aged 4-13 and kids under four for free.

For more information, visit www.crocodilecreek.co.za or call 032 940 4444.

Ballito Junction

12. Ace Karting

Sometimes we all feel the need for speed, but drag racing on public roads is certainly a no-no. Luckily, you can get that need out of your system at Ace Karting in the Ballito Junction Regional Mall.

The indoor track offers all the twists and turns you could hope for and promises a thrill a second as you zoom around the course.

Ace Karting is open from 9am-6pm daily and costs R100 for five minutes (10-15 laps) or R150 for ten minutes (20-30 laps).

For more information, visit www.aceentertainment.co.za or call 082 867 9955.

13. 22 Jump Street 

Channel your inner adventurous spirit and enjoy the thrill of the 22 Jump Street indoor entertainment centre at Ballito Junction.

From bumper cars and arcade games, to open jumping, dodge ball, basket ball and sponge pits, there is plenty on the go to keep both you and your children entertained for hours.

Open from 9am until 10pm, open jumping starts from R100 for one hour. For the full price list visit www.22jumpstreet.co.za/activities

14. Movies

There is nothing quite like digging into a box of warm buttery popcorn while enjoying that new flick you’ve been dying to see.

From romance to horror, kiddies to drama, Nu Metro Ballito Junction has all the latest movies on show – in 2D, 3D, VIP and Scene Xtreme.

Whether you’re planning a romantic movie night, or you feel like laughing to a chick flick with your girlfriends, book your tickets online at www.numetro.co.za or visit them at the Ballito Junction, lower level, third entrance.

Tickets range from R80 to R140 each.

15. Tidal Tao snorkeling safaris

One of the best known attractions on the Dolphin Coast are the amazing snorkeling safaris offered by Tidal Tao. You will be taken on a guided snorkeling trip in some of the most beautiful spots on the South African coastline and can expect to see at least 20-50 species of fish, corals, a wide variety of invertebrates and big shoals swimming around, including Moray Eels, Parrotfish, Damsels, Surgeons, Butterflyfish and loads of other colourful fish.

Snorkeling safaris are arranged by booking, and cost R320 per adult or child over 10 years old. R150 for children between six and 10 years old. Children under five are free as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

For more information, visit www.tidaltao.co.za, call 079 307 0608 or send an email to snorkel@tidaltao.com.

16. Luthuli Museum

One of the greatest names ever to have come out of South Africa, chief Albert Luthuli became the first African to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent stance in the fight for liberation. Now, his former home in Groutville has been turned into a museum commemorating both the icon himself, and the struggle against apartheid in SA – while also providing a platform for cultural expression in KZN.

The Luthuli Museum often plays host to a variety of events and exhibitions that will help you get in touch with the roots of South African culture and history.

The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 8.30am – 4pm and on Sundays and public holidays from 11am-3pm. Entrance is free.

For more information on current exhibits and events, visit www.luthulimuseum.org.za or call 032 559 6822.

17. Clubventure

Situated just 15km inland from Ballito, Clubventure offers a whole host of fun and adventurous activities, including 1,5km zipline tours at R599 per person where you can enjoy a bird’s eye view on the world, a super fun 70 metre long waterslide – great to be hired out for parties, as well as a variety of scuba courses.

Visit www.clubventure.co.za, email clubventure@mweb.co.za or call 032 942 8014 or 032 815 1027 or 082 414 2448.

18. Ballito Cable Ski Park

Who says you need a power boat to go water skiing?

For just R150 you can get an hour’s worth of skiing fun at Ballito Cable Ski Park.

They also offer stand-up paddle boarding at R120 an hour, a fantastic water slide for the kiddies at R20 for the whole day, flyboarding at R550, airsoft bush warfare (similar to paintball) at R250 per person, jet ski rides at R200 and even more.

Booking is essential, contact 032 815 1165, email info@cableski.co.za or visit www.cableski.co.za.

19. Redwoods Riding Centre

Few things can instill a sense of tranquility like a relaxing horseback ride.

Rides with Redwoods generally last about and hour and a half and start at 8.30am in summer and 9am in winter.

Naturally, booking is essential for this sort of activity.

For more info, visit www.redwoodsridingballito.wordpress.com, call 032 942 6031 or 0833015532 or email redwoodsbookings@gmail.com.

Trail rides cost R300 per person (R390 in peak season).

20. Water sports

Surfers call it the home of stoke while holiday makers know it is the warmest place to be thanks to the sunny winters, friendly people and wide variety of activities on offer.

From surfing and body boarding, to kayaking and kite surfing, the Dolphin Coast is the perfect spot to test out those water skills – whether you are a pro or just getting started.

Head down to Salt Rock beach for an early morning wave, or to launch your kayak for a few hours of off-shore fishing with the mates.

Or take a drive down to Willard beach in Ballito, home of the Ballito Pro presented by Billabong, and catch some gnarly waves.

If you want to learn how to surf click HERE.