FAMILY-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO IN BALLITO

TRAVEL REPORTER

A short drive from Durban is Ballito, a family-friendly destination worth exploring if you are visiting the city.

Here are 8 family-friendly things to do while you’re there

Flag Animal Farm

If you or your kids love animals, head to Flag Animal Farm in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The Durban attraction is dubbed one of the best animal farm experiences. Home to more than 1000 animals, birds, reptiles, wolves and alpacas, the Ballito attraction offers daily shows, including reptile interactions, a milking show and wolf interaction. There are also outdoor areas for kids to play. Visit flaganimalfarm.co.za/

Flag Animal Farm

Sugar Rush Park and Jump Park

Sugar Rush Park incorporates adventure, adrenaline and family fun. Attractions include paintball, a reptile park and petting zoo, a trampoline park and a spa for the moms. Visit sugarrush.co.za or thejumppark.co.za

Holla Trails at Sugar Rush

Sugar Rush Park also has Holla Trails, a vast series of trails for mountain bikers or trail runners from entry level to experienced. The trails cross through the neighbouring farms with many places to stop, rest and take in the scenery. Visit sugarrush.co.za

Holla trails | Jon Ivins

Monkeyland-KZN

Discover different species of exotic monkeys at this free roaming primate sanctuary. The organisation aims to educate and foster a greater understanding of primates and the challenges they’re facing. Guests can enjoy a guided walking tour while spotting capuchin monkeys, ringtail and black-and-white ruffed lemurs, buff-cheeked gibbons, squirrel monkeys, black howler monkeys and spider monkeys. Visit monkeylandkzn.co.za

Luthuli Museum

Luthuli Museum, a national cultural institution, preserves the philosophies and legacy of the Nobel laureate, the late Chief Albert Luthuli. The tour starts with a 15 minute video of his life, followed by a tour of the property.

The guide shares insight into his days as a struggle icon. There is a life-size wax sculpture of Luthuli at his desk where travellers can snap selfies with the late struggle hero’s statue. Visit luthulimuseum.org.za

Burnedale Farm and Nursery

This is a beautiful venue where visitors can enjoy a great meal at the café and indulge in some high-end retail therapy while the little ones run freely around the farm, exploring the playground and meeting the many farm animals. Visit the ‘Burnedale Farm’ Facebook page.

Crocodile Creek

Crocodile Creek is home to more than 6 000 Nile crocodiles, alligators, snakes and other crocodilian species. There’s a curio shop and a great restaurant overlooking the crocodiles’ den. Visit crocodilecreek.co.za

Crocodile Creek

The Market at Lifestyle Centre

If you enjoy artisanal food and a great shopping experience, head over to The Market eatery at the Lifestyle Centre. This alfresco-style shopping centre has a range of stores to browse, and a wonderful range of quality food options suited to all tastes. Visit ballitolifestylecentre.co.za