Hey there traveller, expat or newbie in Ballito! What are your plans this week after safely arriving in your Ballito Airbnb?
Ballito central can feel rather overwhelming with the many malls, traffic, ongoing developments, and general crowds especially during peak holiday season. You can easily escape all of that and take a very short drive to Salt Rock to experience an intimate and super cool community. It is the kind of place you can visit mid-week and almost think that no one here actually has a job, and they are simply here to vibe and look effortlessly cool while taking in the stunning KZN North Coast scenery.
Well, here is a place I think you will really enjoy. This is the Slow Roads Collective located at Claremont Farm in Salt Rock, just opposite the stunning Brettenwood Coastal Estate. At this venue, you have a great market (#SaltRockFarmerMarket) which features artisanal foods, farm-fresh produce, cheeses, and so much more. It happens every Thursday morning and Sunday morning, and this is where you can find us, Seamartist, trading in our gazebo and selling some cool t-shirts along with local vibes heritage and weekend shirts.
This market is called the Salt Rock Farmers Market, and you will truly find well-curated traders here. It doesn't feel like a flea market of the kind you find in those downtown parts of any city. Instead, you find unique items, and 80% of the time you even meet the creators of what you are purchasing. The Salt Rock Farmers Market is not just a collective of traders selling you stuff; it is more of a community who share a passion.
A Laid-Back Experience on the North Coast
Slow Roads Collective is such a vibe, hey. I actually feel guilty for revealing such an incredible and untouched venue. It is very laid-back and just a whole experience being there. You have books, rare plants, great coffee, pizza, intimate events, yoga, and so much more. If you don't walk away feeling warm and fuzzy, you are seriously not human, hahah.
Some of the permanent businesses in this awesome venue include:
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@mellownellocoffee – Owner-run and on fire (pro tip here: try to see if you can recognise the person on the takeaway cup amongst the staff 😬).
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@doughpamine_rsa – Love the play on words, hahaha.
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@mfino_by_eugene – Mfino means a herb which is similar to spinach, predominantly used in isiZulu and isiXhosa dishes. A great name for such a place.
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@theplantspace – You will know when the owner is there by her beautiful and friendly dog.
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@kayashalayoga – Always busy and has a great community.
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@thestall_local – This place stocks many of the great products sold by the @saltrockfarmersmarket vendors 🇿🇦.
Finding Local Inspiration and Authentic South African Souvenirs
So, @seamartist is a casual trader here as part of the #saltrockfarmersmarket, and I am writing this article while wearing off from the weekend buzz after being part of the women’s day event held by the market. There was live music, mimosas, and vibes upon vibes upon vibes, which almost made you want to miss that evening Sunday service at church (if you were visiting as a local!).
The venue is set on a farm, so the ground is fertile, surrounded by lush forestry where you can still see bananas growing. You are always welcomed by our favourite vervet monkey, who inspired our #Respect the Locals T-Shirt. Whether you are looking for an authentic South African gift to take home or simply immersing yourself in local culture/vibes during your travels, this spot captures the true spirit of the coast.
So, next time you are in #Umhlali, #SaltRock, the greater #Ballito, or #Sheffieldbeach, come and visit us at the #SaltRockFarmersMarket, or drop by our stockist @theStall_Local, which is located right inside the #SlowRoadsCollective.