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Read the blog by north coast holiday homes to find a beach to play football at sunset
Marion Esterhuizen

The Story of Ballito

Updated: Oct 12, 2022


Ballito History story of Ballito
An aerial view of the popular Thompsons Bay, date unknown. Photo Cred: Warren Loader

A memorable holiday to the North Coast with endless choices will leave you with lifelong memories.

Located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Ballito is an affluent town about 40 kilometers (25 mi) north of Durban. It is part of the KwaDukuza Local Municipality and the iLembe District Municipality.


Ballito history where Ballito got its name

Founded in 1954 by the Glen Anil Development Corporation/Investments, the town's name was inspired by a glossy advertisement for Ballito hosiery made by Ballito Hosiery Limited of St. Albans, England. The site was once a portion of a sugar cane farm owned by Basil Townsend, which was at Compensation Beach Farm.

In 1954, the Sunday Tribune published an advertisement for Ballito Bay encouraging investors to the North Coast with land prices starting at R790.00. The town plan known as Compensation Beach had already included the zonings of Ballitoville's residential buildings, hotels, and caravan park by 1964, covering Willard Beach, Clark Bay, Salmon Bay, and Port Zimbali. The first marketing brochure with pictures of Ballito was distributed to attract holidaymakers to invest in the area. The slogan was "Buy, Build & Play at Ballito Bay, The Caribbean of the North Coast, Natal."


Ballito history where Ballito got its name
An old photo taken at the hole in the wall at Thompsons Bay, date unknown. Photo Cred: Warren Loader

Local South Africans and foreign tourists visited Ballito, Salt Rock, and Shaka's Rock on their way to Zululand and the historical battlefields.

Fast forward to 2022, and these words could not be more accurate. Ballito has grown exponentially, boasting numerous shopping malls and excellent family adventure attractions such as the Flag Animal Farm and Beach Yoga. There are hotels, self-catering accommodations, swimming beaches, and tidal pools. Walking and jogging are available along the beachfront along a promenade of 2.5 kilometers (1.6 mi).

Ballito has experienced a population boom in recent years. Various secure or gated estates have been constructed, with Zimbali Coastal Estate being the most extensive and Simbithi Eco Estate following behind. It is located on former sugar cane farmland. Many upscale hotels and resorts have opened in the past few years, drawing even more tourists to this picturesque area.

As the gateway to the North Coast region, Ballito is a thriving community and a picturesque coastal town with a laid-back atmosphere where the warm, majestic Indian Ocean soothes your spirit.

A popular tourist destination on the North Coast, Ballito has plenty to offer tourists interested in making their stay unforgettable.

There is plenty to do outside, whether relaxing at the beach, fishing, surfing, cycling, running, or exploring the wildlife. Rock pools and picturesque settings make the outdoors a relaxing and welcoming place.

Ballito history where Ballito got its name
A postcard written in 1966 showing the Salt Rock Caravan Park. Photo Cred: Sandy Coughlan

History of Ballito where Ballito got its name
Ballito Coastline. Photo Cred: North Coast Courier

North Coast Holiday Homes is a leading luxury holiday let company specialising in the Dolphin Coast area, including Ballito, Simbithi and Zimbali. Their expertise is second to none, and you can rest assured that your luxury holiday on the Dolphin Coast will be a memory to last a lifetime.


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