Ballots Bay, Garden Route
Ballots Bay is a small coastal neighbourhood nestled in the verdant abundance of the Garden Route in the Western Cape. This area forms part of the magnificent shores of the Southern Cape of South Africa, and benefits from being sheltered from winds coming from almost every direction. The beach of the same name is secluded amongst the rocks, making it particularly enchanting (not to mention especially protected from the weather condition).
Ballots Bay is also set against the backdrop of rolling jade-coloured hills. This makes the entire area and its beaches ideal for those who love the natural splendour of South Africa.
Ballots Bay was previously known as Christina Bay, but was renamed after Ds Ballot, who was committed to serving the community of George for decades. It was his dream to develop a self-sustaining fishing village here, and to develop it into a harbour for George. Today, it remains quiet and untouched; the haven of a few dedicated fishermen and angling hobbyists. Its tranquillity transcends every aspect of it, and visitors will soon be lulled into a peaceful respite from the city life.
Ballots Bay is home to more than 130 recorded bird species, which are a delight to spot in their natural habitat. In addition, visitors can enjoy the many colours, fragrances and varieties of fynbos, which is endemic to South Africa. The waters of the Indian Ocean also yield some fabulous sightings, including scores of dolphins. Every year, between July and December, pods of whales make their way past the shore too.
George and Knysna are both established towns close to Ballots Bay. There are malls, restaurants, medical facilities and tourist attractions aplenty for those who long to experience the vibe of the Garden Route.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Paradise Cove Country House
Paradise Cove Country House offers accommodation in a nature reserve in Victoria Bay. There are breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean coastline,...
Earth Wind & Ocean 33
Earth Wind & Ocean 33 offers accommodation within the George Private Nature Reserve in Ballots Bay. Minutes away from the city of George, this tr...
Silver Spray Beach Accommodation
Silver Spray Beach Accommodation provides accommodation in three separate units. The village of Victoria Bay has wonderful surfing, swimming, fis...
Ballots Bay Treehouse
Ballots Bay Treehouse is a unique beach home set in milkwood trees, perched above a protected pebble beach and the Meul River mouth. Find yoursel...
Silver Spray Beach House
Silver Spray Beach House offers Victoria Bay accommodation right on the beach. Kids will love the rock-pools just a stone throw away. Active gues...
Earth Wind & Ocean 8
Earth Wind & Ocean 8 is a luxurious property located in the quaint area of Victoria Bay on the Garden Route. Situated mere minutes from the city ...
Things to do in the area
Bergplaas MTB Route
Where: Bergplaas State Forest, 26 km from George (get there along the 7 Passes RoadLevel: easy to difficult (there are steep climbs)Type of route...
Forest Buzzard Trail
Start: Witfontein forestry station, Witfontein Nature Reserve, north of GeorgeFinish: Witfontein Nature ReserveDuration: 2.2 kmFitness: easy, ide...
Outeniqua Beach
The coastline of the Garden Route is dramatic and raw, with massive sandy beaches and the wild waves of the Indian Ocean crashing on the sands. O...
Noteworthy attractions
The Links at Fancourt
Gary Player, who has been a part of the design team since the original courses at Fancourt, came on board to add the Links in 2000 and has gone o...
Montagu Golf Course at Fancourt
The course is typical parklands and one of three Gary Player designed courses offered at Fancourt. Montagu is highly acclaimed and has in recent ...
Outeniqua Golf Course at Fancourt
Named after the Mountain that overlooks this magnificent Garden Route golfing gem, the Outeniqua Course at Fancourt is one that barely needs intr...
George Golf Club
Nestled in the foothills of the magnificent Outeniqua mountains, George Golf Club is among the oldest courses in the country. George country club...
Goose Valley Golf Club
Originally a 9 hole course set at the heart of a real estate development, The Gary Player Design Company has created an 18 hole layout of note on...
Knysna Golf Club
The Knysna Golf course is probably the only golf course in South Africa which can boast holes that are below sea level. The Knysna Golf Club is s...
Mossel Bay Golf Club
The 18-hole links course has recently been remodeled and upgraded and is getting rave reviews. The golf club is situated above a peninsula that j...
Oubaai Golf Club
Situated only 8 kilometres from George, in the design of the Oubaai 18-hole Championship Golf Course and Driving Range, Ernie Els and his team ha...
Pezula Golf Course
Situated in the very heart of the Garden Route, on sweeping coastal cliffs, east of the charming town of Knysna, Pezula encompasses a world-class...
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