Not a zoo, not a game park and nothing like a museum, this farm is home to 1000 animals (all kinds), many in kraals (corrals) or pins and several roaming free.

Just like a real farm!

Walking around the 3 ½ hectares of land, you are accompanied by friendly animals, all very pet-like. They are so accustomed to people, they eat right out of your hand.

The African Grey in the entrance hall bent his head over inviting me to scratch the back of his neck. One pig smacked his gums repeatedly to get our attention and the young goats weren’t afraid to beg for a handout.

You’re allowed to bring your own picnic lunch but if you come empty handed they provide small bags of feed for the animals and the café offers real cappuccino and great brownies (To Woolworth standards), along with more substantial fare – all reasonably priced.

Speaking of price, entering the farm costs only R39 per person (children 18 months and younger free). They have intentionally kept their price reasonable and they cater for families, school groups, church groups, birthday parties and more. For groups, the price includes one pony ride for each child.

They really have gone the extra financial mile!

What they offer: [Read more…] about Flag Animal Farm – Near Ballito

The best thing about this market is the availability of honey made from sugar cane blossoms.

Great stuff! Tastes just like cane syrup and this market is the only place I have found it in more than twenty years. That is unusual since I live in the highest sugar cane producing area in South Africa.

But, that’s not the only reason I like this market.

Even though all flea markets are the same in many ways, each one has a personality all its own and that is very true for The Litchi Market.

Situated in the middle of a litchi orchard – literally – along the Dolphin Coast north of Durban – just a few kilometers north of Ballito – it has a vibe as strong as any other. You wouldn’t think it but there is plenty of parking – throughout the orchard – and much of it under shade.

It isn’t large by flea market standards but it offers great variety and the owners are expansion minded. As the market becomes more popular, they don’t hesitate to enlarge and have recently doubled the under cover area for vendors.

They offer: [Read more…] about The Litchi Market – Umhlali (Ballito)

If you want good food, ample portions, friendly service and fair prices the Farmhouse is your place of choice.

Easily accessible from the N2, just north of Ballito, the Farmhouse has a peaceful setting with well established trees (several Monkey Puzzles) in an unmarked parking area. Located at the end of a tree lined dirt road (approximately 150 meters off the main road) gives it an isolated feel.

Two portable wooden huts adjacent to the main building house art exhibits from time to time and the main building offers: undercover patios for open air dining, large screen projection for viewing sporting events, a stage for live music, a pub with a smaller TV for viewing events and a very “down home” atmosphere.

They feature a different lunch special each day of the week and believe me, the portions won’t leave you hungry nor the prices leave you broke. The Monday feature is a hamburger and beer of your choice for R15 ($2.10). The picture here is the Tuesday special (fish and chips) for R35 and the price includes your choice of wine.

The cutlery is a bit mix-and-match and the crockery isn’t fine china but the service is timely and the presentation will surprise you, pleasantly.

Did I say the portions are healthy.

They feature live music on Sunday afternoons. A few chickens roaming the garden give it free-range authenticity. A playground is provided for youngsters and you can sit and enjoy the ambiance as long as you like. They would, however, appreciate it if you made a move before its too late each evening.

Directions:

• Follow the N2 north from the Gateway Mall exit +/- 30 kilometers (18 Miles) to exit 214 (Umhlali – Salt Rock Rd. – Shakaskraal).
• Take the exit and turn right.
• Travel approximately 400 meters to the Farmhouse sign on left.
• Turn left onto dirt road just past sign and follow the road 150 meters to the end.
• Park wherever there is space and enjoy.

Phone: (032) 525-8035

They take all major credit cards.

Times of operation:

• Mon-Fri 8:30 AM till the last customer leaves +/- 9:00 PM
• Sat 8:30 AM till 10 or 11 PM (depending on when the last customer leaves)
• Sun 8:30 AM till 7 PM

I got the sense from my few visits that the Farmhouse was a meeting point for many locals but I was treated like a welcomed guest each time.