Discover the many ways to relax, explore, and experience the charm of South Africa’s Dolphin Coast — from beach days and local dining to scenic hikes and wildlife adventures.
Beaches
With direct access from the Santorini estate to the beautiful Thompson’s Bay Beach and its famous tidal pool which is perfect for swimming and snorkelling, you’re just steps away from the sand and sea. Several other stunning beaches are also nearby:
Willard Beach – Ballito’s main beach, ideal for families and beginner surfers, with lifeguards and restaurants nearby.
Salt Rock Beach – A quieter stretch just north of Ballito, great for picnics and sunset walks.
Sheffield Beach – Known for its rock pools and marine life, perfect for a peaceful seaside escape.
Ballito’s coastal walkway – A scenic oceanfront path connecting beaches, perfect for morning jogs or sunset strolls.
Shopping & Dining
Ballito offers a vibrant mix of local restaurants, cafés, and shopping centres — all just a few minutes away.
Ballito Lifestyle Centre – Trendy open-air shopping with cafés, restaurants, and boutique stores.
The Market & Eat Street – A lively food and social hub offering artisanal cuisine, live music, and local charm.
Ballito Junction Mall – A large shopping centre with international brands, groceries, and entertainment.
Local seafood restaurants – Fresh catches and ocean views at favourites like Al Pescatore, NIKOS Ballito Bay and Taso’s Bar & Grill.
Durban & Nearby Cities
A short drive south brings you to Durban and Umhlanga, where culture, family fun, and coastal attractions like uShaka Marine World await. Perfect for a day trip during your stay.
uShaka Marine World (Durban) – A world-class marine park and aquarium for all ages.
Umhlanga Rocks – Chic coastal town with a beautiful promenade, restaurants, and bars.
Gateway Theatre of Shopping – One of Africa’s largest malls, perfect for a rainy-day outing.
Hiking
Nature lovers can explore the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, offering opportunities for some of the finest hiking in the world. With its sheer cliffs, its fauna, its flora and its San rock art, a hike in the Maloti-Drakensberg Park is a unique experience. The park allows for all levels of hiking, from a stroll around the camp to the most strenuous hikes onto the escarpment.
Royal Natal National Park – Home to the iconic Amphitheatre and Tugela Falls, Africa’s second-highest waterfall.
Cathedral Peak – The Cathedral range, with its numerous free standing peaks and magnificent mountain scenery, is one of the most favoured parts of the Berg for backpacking and rock climbing.
Monks Cowl & Injisuthi – Discover some of the most spectacular parts of the Central Drakensberg, including Champagne Castle, Cathkin Peak, and scenic valleys filled with waterfalls and forest trails.
Wildlife Watching
From Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park to St Lucia’s wetlands, the region offers unforgettable safari and wildlife experiences. You can also visit nearby reserves and reptile parks for a family-friendly day out.
Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park – One of South Africa’s oldest reserves, famous for its Big Five safaris.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park (St Lucia) – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife.
St Lucia Estuary cruises – Guided boat tours for close-up encounters with wildlife in their natural habitat.
Zulu Croc Reptile Park – An educational and fun experience for families, located just outside Ballito.
PheZulu Safari Park (Valley of a Thousand Hills) – Experience traditional Zulu culture, scenic valley views, and an engaging reptile park — a perfect day trip between Durban and the Dolphin Coast.
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