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A guide to the Salt Rock area

A guide to the Salt Rock area

Private Property South Africa
Megan Deane

Nestled along the Dolphin Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, Salt Rock used to be a popular destination for holidaymakers, but it has increasingly become one of the many areas attracting new residents, especially families.

This area is a small beachside town that is beginning to offer more than just beautiful beach spots, Salt Rock is evolving to cater for the increase in families moving to this area.

Salt Rock has a mix of old and new homes, buildings and businesses. One of the oldest businesses and buildings in this area is the Salt Rock Hotel. This hotel was started by Basil Hulett, who built it in the late 1930s, and still remains one of the top places to visit in the area. A new development in this area includes Tiffany’s shopping centre which offers locals a place to have coffee, eat, buy groceries or spend some time going through some of the local boutique shops.

Boasting small-town charm, Salt Rock has a few spots that make it special. The first attraction to this area is the beach, whether you are looking for a day filled with fun in the sun or a quiet space, Salt Rock is home to some of Durban’s best beaches. Other places to visit when in the area include The Litchi Orchard, which is a functioning litchi farm that is also a central market space where locals meet and buy fresh produce at the Farmers Market, find plants at the local nursery, or have a casual time eating at one of the cafes around.

Accessible to other areas, Salt Rock is in a perfect location to get onto two of the main highways in Durban, namely the N2 and M4, with ease. Only 10 minutes away from King Shaka International Airport, Salt Rock is also only 15 minutes away from Sibaya Casino and the bustling town of Umhlanga, where you have a myriad things to do. Moreover, you are also in close proximity to top golf courses like Zimbali Coastal Resort Golf Course, Prince’s Grant and Umhlali Golf Course.

Salt Rock is the perfect holiday destination where you can discover some of Durban’s treasures. It’s just as perfect for growing families looking for a close-knit community and a convenient small town close conveniences.

The Salt Rock neighbourhood is one-of-a-kind, as it’s all about family! Family-orientated beaches, restaurants, day and night markets and the most upmarket Tiffany’s Shopping Centre. It has the absolute perfect mix of business’s to satisfy the majority of the consumers’ needs.

Nicky Vorster, manager, Tiffany's Shopping Centre

Best in food:

  • Relaxed market style at Delish Sisters cafe
  • Family dining at Ray’s Kitchen
  • Siggis German Restaurant and pub
  • Families will enjoy going to Sage restaurant
  • Two Shrimps or Jack Salmons: for great seafood

Top schools nearby:

  • Curro Mount Richmore Independent School
  • Ballito Bay Montessori Pre-school
  • Ashton International College

Things to do:

  • Visit the market at The Litchi Orchard.
  • Enjoy the day at the beach, surfing or kite surfing.
  • Take the kids to the Flag Farm Animal Farm.
  • Visit Mahogany Reef for sundowners with beautiful sea views.
  • Tiffany’s shopping centre is great for retail therapy.

Take a trip through Ballito and the surrounding areas:

Estate agent Q&A on Salt Rock

How would you describe the type of property you would find in the Salt Rock area?

“When I think of this area, I think of the beautiful beachfront, walking trails, lovely tidal pools and the perfect place to have a holiday. The property is ideal for holidaymakers, whether you rent a home for your holiday, or visit one of the many holiday destinations. A visit to Salt Rock would not be complete without a meal at the famous Salt Rock Hotel, famous for its wonderful curry, beautiful patio and outlook!"

Pam Eglington: Remax Dolphin

What makes Salt Rock, as a location, such an attractive area to reside in?

Living in Salt Rock gives you the small village feeling with the big holiday vibe. This delightful village is just 20 minutes from King Shaka International airport, and 30 minutes’ drive from Durban on the N2. There is a great mixture of exclusive estate living, secluded complexes, beautiful residential homes and investment properties for holiday letting. Salt Rock is the ideal place not only to invest, but to live.

Celia Tabb: Home Zone Ballito

What lifestyle could someone expect if they lived within the Salt Rock area?

Salt Rock is home to many locals where one can find the surfers riding the early morning waves. Apart from the beautiful seaside homes and beaches, this delightful town offers many restaurants, a shopping centre, gated estates, schools and also a few very welcoming coffee shops and tea gardens, like Sage, Burndale and The Litchi Orchard.

Michael Fann: RE/MAX Dolphin Realtors

Durban property statistics

This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.

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Explore neighbourhoods mentioned in this article

Ballito
Small coastal town with a big personality
Ballito, on the Kwazulu Natal North Coast, has grown quickly recently. Upmarket estates, restaurants and shopping centres now inhabit areas that were sugar cane fields not long ago. Many families are relocating to the area to take advantage of the relaxed coastal lifestyle that the area offers, even though it is just 30 minutes drive from Durban. Ballito has 3 excellent malls offering lots of retail therapy, great restaurants, private schools, private hospitals and ample sporting facilities. Beside the houses and flats in the main residential and beachfront areas, there are many newly built, secure estates that provide a choice of property types for those moving to the area.