The North Coast - Jewel of the Zulu Kingdom
$7.81 | £15.53 | €12.41 | | Time: 6:00 |  |
Climate
KwaZulu-Natal and the Dolphin Coast in
particular enjoys a warm sub-tropical
climate for most part of the year.
Summer (Nov - Feb) temperatures are
hot, from 24 - 30 degrees Celsius and
Winters temperatures average at 20
degrees Celsius.
Sea temperatures vary from 25 degrees
in summer to 18 degrees in winter.The
average rainfall for the year is in
the order of 900mm.
The average minimum and maximum temperatures and rainfall
figures for
this area are as follows:
Month Min. Temp Max. Temp Rainfall (mm) January 22 33 157 Febuary 22 34 172 March 22 32 118 April 21 30 77 May 19 29 68 June 17 26 83 July 15 25 71 August 17 27 83 September 19 28 74 October 20 29 128 November 22 32 129 December 22 33 99
You can also visit the Weather Bureau for more details.
zoom Sunset as viewed from the Ballito Promenade. |
Distances from Ballito
City Distance Johannesburg 600km Pongola 327km Hluhluwe 257km Richards Bay 147km Durban 40km
zoom |
Population
The Dolphin Coast has a population in the order of 500 000 people
Official Languages
There are eleven official languages in South Africa. On the Dolphin Coast English and Zulu are widely spoken.
Banks
Banking hours are from Monday to Friday 09h00-15h30 and Saturday 08h30-11h00. Automated teller machines (ATMs) operate 24 hours and can be found in most shopping centres on the Dolphin Coast. The specific banks that are found in this area are Standard Bank, ABSA, Nedbank and First National.
Credit Cards
Most departmental stores, shops, hotels and restaurants accept international credit cards i.e. American Express,VISA, Diners Club, Mastercard
Currency
The currency in South Africa is the Rand. Bank notes currently available are R200, R100, R50, R10 and coins of R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c, and 1c. There are 100c in R1.
VAT
14% tax is charged on most purchased goods and services. However, foreign tourists are able to reclaim this money on their departure from the country provided that the goods purchased exceeds R250. Ask for more information at the airport on arrival.
Hospitals
Stanger Provincial Hospital (032 5512222), Victoria Hospital in Tongaat (Tel: 032-9445061 ) and Umhlanga Hospital.
Libraries
There are libraries situated at Ballito, Salt Rock, Shakaskraal
IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Code 032
EMERGENCY: 0800 00 28 28 Flying Squad (Police) 10 111 FIRE & RESCUE: Ballito 946 2711/ 3188 Stanger 551 3413 Mandeni 456 3191 ELECTRICITY: Ballito 946 8000 Stanger 437 5000 Mandeni 456 2004 POLICE: Ballito 947 9900 / 946 3737 Stanger 551 8200 Blythedale (032)946 3737 Zinkwazi (032)946 3737 Mandeni 456 7000 AMBULANCE: Ballito 551 8800 Stanger 10 177 Blythedale 10 177 Zinkwazi 10 177 Mandeni 456 7000 LIFE GUARDS: Ballito 9461963
Other: Durban Airport Flight Information 031-4516583
Train Enquiries (Durban) 031 - 361 7609
Taxi's: Dolphin Coast Taxis 032-5259449
Car Rental Firms Avis 032-9460155 Capital Car Rental 031 - 4624047
Essentials to pack
- Light cotton clothing (shorts, short sleeve shirt)
-
Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Swimming costume
-
Binoculars
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera and lots of film
TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE
The Dolphin Coast Publicity Association
PO Box 534
Ballito
4420
Tel/Fax Local:
032-9461997
Tel/Fax International:
27 32 9461997
e-mail:
info@thedolphincoast.co.za
IMMUNISATION
Malaria is only endemic in the low-lying areas of coastal Zululand and Maputuland, especially as you get close to the Mozambique and Swaziland borders. It is advisable to take precautions when visiting these areas, especially in the hot summer months. Consult a doctor or pharmacist.
ACCOMODATION, RESTAURANTS, etc
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