Ballito
The North Coast suburb of Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, has great beaches and is close to a game reserve.
Just 40km from Durban on the Dolphin Coast (named for sightings), Ballito is a superb location for snorkelling and exploring hidden pools, with loads of fish, octopus, sea hares and corals. Two of Ballito’s three beaches are blue flag; though beware of backwash and currents.
There’s a game reserve just 15 minutes inland from Ballito, offering open-air game drives and guided bush walks. Smell the African bush while viewing zebra, giraffe, wildebeest or antelope, or view them while horse riding, an adaptable activity for kids. If these aren’t on target, try archery.
Snorkelling, game drives, bush walks and horse riding.
A quiet June and July - there’s a popular international pro surfing event held then.