Ballito extends from Zimbali in the south up to the Tugela River in the north and is one of the top destinations in the province.
Ballito lies just off the N2 national freeway, a thriving community with shopping centres, housing estates, holiday flats, hotels, B&B’s, camping sites, and many more holiday accommodation options.
It offers all kinds of holiday attractions, like hiking trails, mountain bike trails, crocodile farm, entertainment, night life, and beautiful beaches, to mention but a few.
All the swimming beaches are protected by shark nets and have regular lifeguards on duty. The many tidal pools are kept clean and well-maintained, which is a safe alternative to swimming in the open sea.
You can read more about Durban tours and the best places to stay in Ballito too.
SAFETY
The political situation in South Africa is not very stable and dangerous incidents can happen. Ballito is part of South Africa and visitors or residents are not safeguarded against crime. It is necessary to be alert and aware of what is going on around you.
Always keep yourself informed of what is going on and monitor the local media. If you are on tour stay in contact with your hotel or tour organiser.
According to statistics provided by https://www.numbeo.com/crime/in/Ballito-South-Africa crime in Ballito is rated as moderate to low, although there has been an increase of 73% crime in this area during the past three years.
Mugging, car theft, stolen goods, being attacked or assaulted and being offered drugs on the street has a very low percentage.
The Ballito Neighbourhood Watch (BNW) has had great success of dividing the area into clusters with residents on various WhatsApp groups monitoring any suspicious situation and reporting it to the authorities.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Although it is safe to stay and take holidays in Ballito, here are some safety tips supplied by the SAPS.
- Do not carry your credit card, travel documents and money together. Rather leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place
- Do not use ATMs after dark, especially if you are alone and check that no one has followed you afterwards
- Be alert, and never turn your back while your ATM card is in the machine.
- Keep a close eye on your personal belongings whether you are in a restaurant, using public transport, are on the beach or in any public place
- Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways
- Walking at night is not advisable
- Private car rental is the safest option for independent travel
- Keep your place of accommodation locked at all times
- Use registered, qualified tour guides
- Travel in groups, especially if you are visiting a nightclub, bar or shebeen you have not been to before
- Report lost passports and visas, without delay, to the South African Police Services (SAPS)
- Always swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard and never swim alone
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
- SAPS KwaDukuza: 032-551 8287
- Ballito Fire & Emergency Services: 032-946 2711/3188
- Ballito UIP 24hr Emergency: 086 111 1588
- KwaDukuza Municipal Emergency: 032-437 5570
- Marshall Security: 086 162 7732
- Enforce Security Ballito: 0860 110 011
- IPSS Security: 0861 32 4777
- Marine Safety (Ballito Lifeguards): 032-946 8000
- Provincial Ambulance: 10177
- Local Ambulance (EMRS): 032-437 6400
- IPSS Medical Rescue: 082 391 1911
- Netcare: 082911
