The Valley of a 1000 Hills is just 25 minutes west of Durban making it the best place to take the family out on a fun-filled day of market exploration!
Markets have become the new meeting place – a recreational and retail hub for friends and families looking for something fun to do together on a weekend. Post lockdown, creative people have developed side-hustles…. and customers are keen on a bargain. The result is markets have blossomed everywhere – most communities and suburbs host them regularly.
In the current economic climate, and as we emerge out of an exceedingly difficult time, supporting local is crucial. 1000 Hills has a number of really great regular, destination and pop-up markets.
Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market
Shongweni Farmers Market is held every Saturday morning and month-end Sundays and must surely rate as one of the best markets in the country, and hands-down the top market in greater Durban.
Shongweni Market offers a well-curated selection of stalls, an extensive variety of food and refreshments, attentive safety and security, ease of parking and access, great ambiance, and a relaxing vibe.
Shopping Frenzy
It’s easy to get caught up in a shopping frenzy – the conditions are exactly right: friendly stallholders; an astonishing selection of products (at least 200 stalls to choose from); gentle music; happy dogs; plenty of space, huge sit-down areas…. and a talking dinosaur at the popcorn stand.
And when you have shopped ’til you’ve dropped – enjoy a pink gin, live music, and a great view. The market site is perfectly positioned to be able to enjoy the majestic scenery from numerous sit-down spots.
Good to know
- Find Shongweni Market at Lot 457, Mr551 Rd, Shongweni.
- There is on-site parking.
- It is open every Saturday from 6.30 am until 12.20 pm
- And Month end Sundays: 8am until 1pm.
Macnut Farm Fresh Produce Market
The proactive and resourceful team from Macnut Farm in Lello Road, Assagay, is starting a Sunday Fresh Produce Market for locals to buy and sell home grown produce in picture perfect surroundings.
“Neighbours are cultivating fresh produce, so we thought we would create an opportunity for visitors and locals to buy fresh, home grown, farm and fresh produce from source. We are anticipating fresh veggies, herbs, eggs, honey, plants and shrubs. We also welcome baked goods, jams, pickles and preserves; meat products, frozen homemade meals; breads, biltong and plants,” said Market Convenor, Paul Paine.
“We want to offer an authentic community market experience and limit the range of products on sale. We don’t want cooked meals, market food, buy and sell items, garments or accessories; factory made goods, or handicrafts. We really want to keep it fresh and fabulous!”
There will be Sunday lunch, drinks and a bar available. It is hoped that this become a regular weekly Sunday market. There is no charge either to sell or to enter and traders are very welcome!
Good to Know
- For info – call 031 7652572 / 074 603 0000
- Macnut can be found at 13 Lello Road, Assagay.
- The market will be open from 11am until 2pm
- There is on-site parking.
Umgeni Steam Train Track Trading
Part of the attraction of a day spent at Umgeni Steam Railway, is visiting the Inchanga Station market, which takes place on train running days.
The market spans the length of the station platform – so visitors can do some browsing and shopping before or after their train rides. A selection of gifts, décor, homemade clothing, crafts, books, edibles and trinkets can be found at the Inchanga Market. There are many train-themed items – knitted toys, wooden toys, books, garments and collectables with a steam train theme. Adjoining the market is a tea garden offering a selection of food, refreshments and light meals for sale.
Good to Know
- For more information, bookings & schedule visit the Umgeni Steam Train website.
- The Umgeni Steam Railway runs the last weekend of each month, and on select holidays.
- There is on-site parking.
Alternate Pop-Ups Markets
There are pop-up markets in the 1000 Hills area too – Holah is hosting a market on 26 August at their property in Crestholme from 9am until 2pm as a fund raiser for their House of Love and Hope for abandoned babies. The Old Heidi’s in Botha’s Hill host a monthly market featuring stalls, a jumping castle, craft beer and gin, ice cream and coffee, thrift and more. Fig Tree Farm host seasonal markets: they held their Winter Market recently. There are others in the area – so keep an eye on our social media for notifications of them.
Good to Know:
- For more details on Holah market check out their Facebook page.
- Check out Old Heidis Facebook page for more info.