Salt River, Cape Town

Salt River at a glance

Salt River, a suburb of Cape Town nestled near Table Bay, lies east of the central business district. Its name, derived from the Dutch "Soutrivier," reflects its historical roots. Known for its vibrant schools, businesses, and homes, Salt River exudes palpable allure.

The area's prominent clothing and textiles industry is evident in its numerous factories and warehouses, contributing to the suburb's character. While not conventional tourist attractions like mural walls, these add to the area's identity.

Discover the charming homes that reflect the area's beauty and are close to Cape Town's top locations and amenities. Make this vibrant neighbourhood your home and enjoy its colourful and lively surroundings.

A brief history of the area

The rich history of Salt River began with its native Goringhaiqua Khoikhoi clan and was shaped by the Battle of Salt River in 1510. Driven by the early 1900s rail network expansion, it gradually transformed into an industrial centre close to Cape Town's central business district. Up to the late 1980s, industries like steel, locomotives, textiles, and apparel greatly shaped the suburb's character. The neighbourhood is now an urban neighbourhood with a mix of residential and commercial buildings.

Distance from key points (Airport/CBD)

Several key locations are easily accessible from Salt River, including Woodstock, Paarden Eiland, and Observatory. Woodstock is a quick 6-minute drive (1,5 km) via Albert Rd/M57, Salt River Rd, and Victoria Rd/M4, while Paarden Eiland is just a 10-minute drive away (7,5 km) via M57 and Black River Pkwy/M5. The Observatory is also nearby, reachable in only 3 minutes (1,1 km) via the Lower Main Rd.

It takes about 20 minutes (15,9 kilometres) to reach Cape Town International Airport via Settlers Way/N2. Similarly, reaching the CBD is convenient, as R102 offers a swift route in just 8 minutes (3,9 km).

Climate

Like most of Cape Town, Salt River has a pleasant, moderate climate. During winter, it usually rains more than during summer. The yearly mean temperature is 16,4 °C, and on average, 621 mm of rainfall. February tends to be the warmest month, averaging 20°C, while July sees cooler temperatures, averaging 13°C.

Schools

Parents can feel confident about the excellent schools in the area. For the younger children, options include Cecil Road Primary School, Wesley Practising School, andShereens Montessori Primary School. For the older ones, Salt River Secondary School is the local high school choice that provides a great learning environment.

Programs in the area include Beth Uriel Youth Centre, which is known for providing supportive educational access, positive social opportunities, and life skills training for young boys.

Healthcare

Many healthcare options are available in Salt River, ranging from general practitioners to dentists and optometrists. Nearby, you'll find top-notch hospitals such as Groote Schuur Hospital, Vincent Pallotti Hospital, andNetcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital. For prescriptions, Salt River Pharmacy offers convenient access. As for your pets, they can be treated at the nearby Observatory Animal Clinic.

Shopping centres

Salt River has several shopping spots conveniently located nearby. You can explore Woodstock's mall, known as theOld Biscuit Mill, renowned for its amazing boutiques, food markets, and restaurant offerings. For something different, visit The Neighbourgoods Market, known for its lively atmosphere and variety of fresh produce, spices, and clothing. Moreover, visiting the Observatory reveals Salt Circle Arcade and Observatory Centre, adding even more shopping options.

Restaurants

Discover a wide array of local culinary gems in the area, each with unique offerings to tantalise your taste buds. Particularly noteworthy are the delicious breakfasts and weekday lunches atFreddie Freeloader, which also offers excellent coffee and a daily "chalkboard" menu. Pahari African Restaurant is the place to go if you're looking for a delicious, authentic African meal in a beautiful setting. Likewise, New Food Jams Venue and The Happy Uncles have great food and a fine dining experience.

Special attractions

Salt River's prime location makes it easy to explore the many cultural and environmental attractions of Cape Town. Fascinating paintings cover the vibrant street art of the neighbourhood. Experience exhilarating paragliding at Lion's Head or discover Trafalgar Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1968, renowned for its diverse plant life and family-friendly entertainment. The Cape Town Science Centre, located at the Observatory, offers a variety of interactive science education opportunities.

Reach out to property professionals in Salt River

Why not call Salt River home? This dynamic location offers an array of property options and the ideal combination of affordability and amenities. Discover the perfect property among our delightful listings. Start bybrowsing our listings, orcontact our property professionals today. 

Image credit 1: Community House in Salt River by Discott |Wikipedia | CC BY-SA 4.0 |https://bit.ly/4aw4aYr 

Image credit 2: Bridge Mansions by Stewart Harris |Flickr | CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 |https://bit.ly/3Kbp7MZ 

Image credit 3: Groote Schuur Hospital by A3alb |Wikipedia | CC BY-SA 3.0 |https://bit.ly/3Dttv7m 

Image credit 4: Beth Uriel Youth Centre by Stewart Harris |Flickr | CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 |https://bit.ly/3Kbp7MZ 

Image credit 5: Salt River Fire Station by Axxter99 |Wikipedia | CC BY-SA 4.0 |https://bit.ly/4aw4aYr  

Image credit 6: Stoked Mural, Salt River by Jay Galvin |Flickr | CC BY 2.0 |https://bit.ly/3exqFo4 

Image credit 7: Salt River station by Matti Blume |Wikipedia | CC BY-SA 4.0 |https://bit.ly/4aw4aYr