Shaka’s Rock, between Ballito and Salt Rock, is a small North Coast town that is the perfect place to experience the idyllic KwaZulu-Natal coastal lifestyle.
From bustling areas to relaxed small towns, you encounter the rich history, proud heritage and, of course, enjoy the laid-back beach atmosphere of the North Coast.
King Shaka Zulu is said to have used this area as his outlook during his reign in the 1800s. Shaka’s Rock has changed considerably, but the area has certainly not forgot its roots. From sugar cane fields to Zulu heritage, you can’t help but see the history all around you.
Shaka’s Rock is close to the beach and has one of the most tranquil beach lifestyles you will ever experience. With a range of homes, from apartments, to estate living and beautiful beach houses, Shaka’s Rock is the place where growing families come to live.
Shaka’s Rock is easily accessed from the M4 or the N2, and around 3km away from popular spots in Salt Rock and Ballito, while it is only a couple of minutes’ drive to the ever-popular Umhlanga Rocks area and King Shaka International Airport. With an array of accommodation in the area, including the Ocean Gorge Seafront Chalets and Chakas Rock Chalets, it is a popular beachfront holiday spot as well.
Shaka’s Rock Beach boasts spectacular cliffs and a shallow Olympic-sized tidal pool encrusted with coral for magical exploration. A narrow pathway leads to the ‘hole in the wall’, a natural rock formation popular for photo shoots, and onto a private rocky beach.
Beverly Hiralall, general manager, Chaka’s Rock
Things to do:
- Go for craft beer tasting at the Great Railroad Brewing Company.
- Shop at the new Tiffany’s mall close by.
- Go for exhilarating helicopter flips
- Have fun outdoors on the Holla Mountain Bike Trails
- Enjoy a day at Catfish Beach
Best in food:
- Shaka’s Rock Cafe
- Salt Cafe
- The Gallery Beach and Bar
- Zaras Cafe
- Bistro 98
Best in schools:
- Curro Mount Richmore Independent School
- Ashton International College Ballito
- Prestige Baby and Kidz Academy Ballito
- Ballito Academy
Take a trip through Ballito and surrounding areas here:
Estate agent Q&A on the Shaka's Rock area:
What type of property is available in Shaka’s Rock
Shaka’s Rock is not only a coastal destination with magnificent beaches offering great surfing and swimming, but also offers good fishing, comfortable accommodation and a choice of eateries. It is also an area that offers a wide range of property options. These include beachfront apartments, freestanding residential homes and upmarket secure estates such as the popular Simbithi Eco Estate. Being able to enjoy a relaxed healthy lifestyle, with many leisure options in the local environs, has led to this area enjoying steady growth.
Cameron Leitch: Seeff Dolphin Coast
What lifestyle could someone expect if they lived within the Shaka’s Rock area?
Shaka's Rock makes me think of the sun, sea and surf! People are super relaxed and it feels as if everyone is on holiday 365 days of the year. Whether you wine or dine at the wonderful restaurants or cafes or take a jog or walk on the 2,5km beach promenade, once you've lived here, you wouldn't want to live anywhere else.
Janina Boshoff: Jawitz Properties Ballito
What makes Shaka’s Rock such an attractive area to reside in?
With its magnificent swimming beaches and tidal pools, the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, Shaka’s Rock boasts the best fishing, golfing and entertainment on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast. Catering for all pockets, Shaka’s Rock offers a variety of property that can be found in eco-estates, golf estates, on the beach or in the waving cane lands. The prices of these properties vary due to location, size and age, but be assured there will be a property available to suit all budgets. With growing business opportunities and shopping centres, Shaka’s Rock is becoming an even more popular destination of choice than in yesteryear.
Andrew Grant-Smith: Rawson Ballito
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
