The Litchi Festival
The Litchi Festival, Ballito happens annually during the December festive season and is a popular event that attracts a host of visitors. This was our first time visiting and it was such a fun family friendly experience. It was their 20th annual festival so they have been doing this for a while.
Where is it?
It’s located in Ballito, Kwa-Zulu Natal. The road is paved and well maintained. When we visited there was some construction happening, so there was a slight dirt road detour but nothing to hectic that would warrant being unable to use an ordinary car.
Parking and Arrival
The parking can be found 500m down the road from the actual festival. There is ample parking available on a grassy plain. In addition, there are “car guards” present for peace of mind.
Tip: Try to cover your steering wheel since you are parked in the blazing sun and will return to a hot vehicle.
Since you are parked away from the venue, a free return tractor trip is included in the ticket price. Upon arrival, you make your way to a trailer where you are provided with a slip noting how many people are entering, i.e adults and children, which you are meant to present at tractor.
There are two options available for the tractor ride, one is a standing uncovered option and the other has seating and is covered. Since we went on a particularly hot summer day, we chose the covered seated option. The ride is smooth and comfortable and you will be there before you know it. Just mind your step, as there is a bit of climb into and out of the covered option. There are, however, workers who will help you if you need.
Ticket Prices
The tickets for the litchi festival can be purchased online or at the venue. There are two tickets options which gives different weights of take home litchis. And you can eat as much as you want at the event.
- R130-00 – 800g take home litchis
- R180-00 – 1.6kg take home litchis
- R400-00 – combo deal (hidden forest tour & 1,6 kg litchi picking)
- Kids under 3 years of age are free
The other option included both tickets to the litchi festival as well as entrance to the adjacent Hidden Forest. This is the one we use as it was definitely value for money.
Litchi Picking at The Litchi Festival
After the short 5 min tractor ride, you present your tickets for validation and are given a carry sack in accordance with the size you chose to pick.
We also received a complimentary bottle of Aquelle Litchi, which is both refreshing and apt for the flavour. Also since you are not allowed to carry your own food and drinks, this was ideal.
You can then proceed to traverse the vast litchi orchards, explore and pick as much as you can fit into your bag. They also allow you to eat as much as much you can while you are picking. There is no time limit for how long you spend there so you can take as much time as you need. Although since it was in the midst of summer, the temperature was high, so you may not want to spend lots of time in the sun. There are lots of trees all around though and I was pleasantly surprised by the extent of how large the litchi orchard was.
We got there at 10am so that we would be done before the sun was at its height. We also noticed when we were leaving that it was starting to get busier, not sure if that is an everyday occurrence that the afternoons tend to get fuller, so keep that in mind.
Tip: Carry or wear a hat and wear sunscreen
Once complete, you tie up your bag and secure it properly.
There were a few vendors selling food and drinks and there is a sign board which you can use to take your picture.
Overall it was a great family experience and definitely something we will be doing again. It was well organised and the entire process was managed ideally.
The Litchi Festival details:
Where: Dolphin Coast, Verbara Farm, Glendale Road, Ballito, 4420
Website: https://litchifestival.co.za/
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 064 763 6457
And if you enjoyed the post, share it with someone who will enjoy it. You should also check out the post on Things to do in Salt Rock
* Please note that all prices and contact information are correct at time of publication. Please check the venues websites as prices may change without notice. *
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