In need of sand, sea and sun? Welcome to Ballito also known as the Dolphin Coast: a beautiful little beach town in Durban, South Africa on the east coast.
Ballito is well known for its tropical surbuban feel, clean beaches, tidal pools, waves, mansions, resorts and much more; a holiday town that is visited by all corners of South Africa and neighbouring Southern African countries when it’s time to get down and chill. Set in a mountanous oasis of tropical green and palm trees, and infamous for its New Years bashes and festive getaways, this well maintained ocean side town is not only a holiday hotspot but enjoyable most of the year.
While I’ve been to Durban several times, this was my first trip to Ballito, and like a hidden gem it’s got everything you need to feel like you are away from the city yet in reach of all the amenities and necessities. Everything you need is available in Ballito, but most importantly it’s got a relaxing feel of its own in comparison to other beach towns like Umhlanga Rocks and Durban due to the non-existance of high-rise buildings and abundance of plush vegetation. You don’t need to go elsewhere for a perfectly good time, however you can still pop down to both nearby towns for an interesting switch up to your trip and for the infamous Ushaka Marine.
So let’s get down to the good stuff. This is not a comprehensive list but definately my favourite recommendations of places to eat, swim and have a night or day out:
1. Salt Rock (Swimming)
My favourite beach of the many beaches to choose from is Salt Rock. It has beautiful sand, a nice length of flat ocean floor to swim or catch waves without hurting yourself on rocks, and a nice vibe. This is definately the swimming beach of them all.
2. Chaka’s Cove (Snorkeling)
Tidal pools are dotted around Ballito’s coast and Chaka’s Cove is a hidden beauty with a little more privacy than other tidal pools. If you want to snorkel, it has got a lot of beautiful, pleasant sea life, rocks to put up your beach chairs or blankets and sea sand if you prefer.
This is a really wonderful place to snorkel or go for a calm and relaxing swim. I saw a lot of beautiful sealife while snorkeling. It’s especially nice to visit if the beaches are too windy or choppy but you still want to swim.
3. Beach Bums (Bar)
Simply the best place to have drinks, is a stunning bar on the beach called Beach Bums. Nothing gets better than relaxing at a table on the beach, feet in the sand with the ocean a few feet away, and having your favourite drink or cocktail.
Look out for their infamous jam jars and cocktails, and a little less known secret is that their seafood baskets are absolutely divine. Everything is super fresh, super tender, and bursting with flavour even if it’s been dunked in bread crumbs and batter.
4. Shakers Cocktail Bar (Bar & Night Club)
If you are looking for a night out on the town on a Friday, Shakers Cocktail Bar is a good choice. Situated on Compensation Beach in a little commercial village filled with restaurants, takeaways and bars, they have really affordable drinks, a DJ and a dance floor. I’d recommend arriving a bit later at between 10pm & 11pm if you like to rock up when there is a bit of a crowd and vibe.
5. MO-ZAM-BIK (Afro-Portugese)
A Portuguese-Mozambiquan restaurant that is superb and passionate about their food. One of the most popular restaurants in Ballito, this restaurant is a must visit especially for dinner on the upper deck. They do a wide range of food but I absolutely love their chicken, calamari and coconut rice (they are obviously quite well known for their chicken and seafood). Just be sure to book as this restuarant gets full in the evenings.
6. The Galley (Seafood)
Seafood by the ocean front with a magically relaxing view, The Galley must be visited for some classic seafood. They dub themselves the best seafood in Ballito. I’m not going to say they are, but they are pretty good and the view can’t be beaten.
A nice touch is you can bring your dog, they have cushions and water bowls for them.
7. Sawagat (Indian)
Visiting the Durban region would not be complete without a good Durban curry. Sawagat, also located in the same village as Shakers Cocktail Bar and the Galley has got some really great curries. One can sit in or order takeout, and they also have a stocked out bar. Their portions are not as big as other Indian restaurants but their meat is some of most tender meat I’ve ever had in a curry. Their signature pickles, chutney and poppodoms are a delicious appetizers while you wait.
The only qualm I had is that I had the strangest tasting butter chicken and I would not recommend ordering it. It tasted like smoked sausage and nothing like the many butter chickens I have tasted or cooked myself. It didn’t taste bad just very different and not like butter chicken. When my boyfriend tasted it first and mentioned the taste, I thought he was being silly, but I got the same taste after trying it. I’m not telling anyone this not to visit this restaurant, because honestly their food is great and I’d go back again and again, but I just would not order their butter chicken again. Their lamb curries are superb and salads are super cheap.
8. Pizza Pronto (Pizza)
Ballito has a few pizza places, but I would recommend Pizza Pronto especially for quick takeout. They are perfectly pronto, but more importantly they have perfect pizza. I don’t think there should ever be an excuse for a sub pas pizza, whether it’s the dough or sauce, and I’m glad we ordered from this small place that packs a punch as in the beginning we ordered at a more popular place that dissapointed. They do have a few bar style seats buy they are better for takeout on the days you just want to eat back your hotel room or on the beach.
9. Butcher Block (Steakhouse)
Also situated on compensation Beach is a newbie called Butcher Block. Modern and warm with just the right feel, a super choice for burgers or steaks if you are wishing for something meaty.
I would suggest that this be your first choice before you visit any of the fancy boutique hotel grills. We made the mistake of looking for a good steak at gourmet boutique hotel grills only to be disappointed. You will definately enjoy the food and the passion of the this restaurant.
Just outside Ballito but still within close reach:
While this may not be in Ballito it’s close enough and is an absolute must-visit to complete your Durban adventure.
10. Ushaka Marine World (Water & Marine Activities)
Situated in Durban, this marine world full of epic water slides, pools, sea animal shows, aquariums and tonnes of other activities is a must-visit even if you are staying in Ballito. It’s less than a 30 minute drive and will be a full days activity because there is just so much to do.
Great for adults and children alike this activity will be super full of fun and getting wet. You probably won’t be able to finish all the activities even if you are there the whole day, but hey who said you can’t try.
Now that you know a few great places to eat, beach and me merry in Ballito, let me know if you tried any of the recommendations and what your experience was. Share your experiences and recommendations in the comments below and don’t forget to Follow the blog.
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