Salt Rock is packed with history, dating as far back as 1787 when King Shaka was born. He was King of the Zulu Tribe from 1817 to 1828. Salt Rock was the playground of King Shaka.
The name "Salt Rock has its origin in the legend that the Zulu Maidens used to collect salt at low tide off the rocks, hence the name "Salt Rock". This salt was then used to trade.
Another interesting legend is that Shaka's Rock was actually used by Shaka to test the mettle of his men, by encouraging them to jump to their deaths. The locals don't believe the Shaka's Rock measures up t this majestic and noble name. They consider the few reefs and beach breaks as fun and nothing more.
Just 100 years ago, Salt Rock was nothing but a collection of sugarcane farms and a few beach cottages. As with most developments on the North Coast in the 20th century, sugarcane was an integral part of the process.
Basil Hulett, who was the grandson of Liege Hulett, the sugarcane farming pioneer, Basil was the first real developer of the Salt Rock village in the early 1930s. It was the position of his farm which led to early township development.
Basil, a keen golf player designed a 9-hole golf course on the portion of his farm nearest to the sea, with an old thatched cottage to serve as a clubhouse.
The golf course was such a success that Hulett decided to build a hotel overlooking the ocean at Granny’s Pool. Gwen, his wife persuaded him to move the location of the hotel further south to its current position on Basil Hulett Drive, and the Salt Rock Hotel was born.
The 30-room hotel was completed in 1933 by a builder named Rorvik.
In 1934, he subdivided 75 beachfront plots and sold them at £75 (R140) each.
Basil also bought the beach immediately in front of the hotel from the Fisheries Department and set about building a tidal pool for the use of the guests.
Salt Rock is a small township in Dolphin Coast, north of Shakas Rock and just north of Ballito in KwaZulu-Natal, the jewel in the crown of a vacation destination that has fostered a laid-back, festive feel, and that is true of the locals as well.
Salt Rock is just 6km away from the N2 Highway, taking you to nearby towns Ballito, Shakas Rock, and the King Shaka International Airport. Salt Rock is a 40-minute drive from Durban City, heading north along the N2 past Umhlanga, and right after you pass the turns offs for Ballito and Shakas Rock. Shakas Rock, or Catfish Beach, as the main beach is known here, is just around 40km north of Durban, right beside Ballito.
Salt Rocks palm-lined beaches are calmer and less crowded on most days than those in larger towns such as Ballito. Just above Shakas Rock Beach is a quaint little cafe, Salt, serving excellent coffee, amazing pizzas, and a warm, friendly atmosphere, with a laid-back Mediterranean vibe. Further up the street from Salt Rocks' main beach is a selection of small shops, including some excellent restaurants including MI ACAI, which will serve you the best (hands down) smoothies in the city.
Salt Rock is located close to some of the best beaches on the East Coast and is the area's hottest vacation spot. Just 100 years ago, Salt Rock was little more than a cluster of sugarcane farms and creaky shacks by the shore, far removed from today's vibrant community.
