The Journey Inward

Ballito is north of Umhlanga on KwaZulu-Natal’s Dolphin Coast, so named for the many dolphins in its warm Indian Ocean waters. It is a tranquil seaside town with very few hotels or apartment complexes along the shoreline. If I saw 2 dozen people, I’m probably overestimating. The tidal pools at Thompsons Beach and Salt Rock are stunning and relaxing.

Balleto is another upscale coastal town, and apparently December and January are when the crowds come.

I finished my hike at a sweet café nearby and then took an Uber to the Lifestyle Center, an outdoor mall with a section designated as Eat Street with all kinds of restaurants, cafés, and bars.