A typical Cape Town itinerary might include iconic spots like Lion’s Head, Table Mountain, Robben Island, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, and Cape Point. But if you’re in town on the first Sunday of the month, I’d argue that a visit to the Vegan Goods Market at The Range Function and Conference Centre in Tokai deserves a spot at the very top of your list.
Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking for a fun and fulfilling Sunday activity, the Market has something for everyone. It offers a wonderful ambiance, with breathtaking views, live music, outdoor yoga sessions, and friendly vendors who care deeply about animals, the environment, and each other. Here are six of the lovely businesses I learned about during my visit—and what I picked up from them.
Skincare from Green Dawning
The Business(es): Green Dawning is the only South African retailer offering multiple skincare and wellness brands that are all Beauty Without Cruelty accredited, vegan, natural, ethically sourced, and locally manufactured. Founder Bev Dawn created the platform to make it easier for like-minded customers to access affordable, plant-based products that support personal health, the environment, and the local economy. A percentage of each sale is donated to the Greyton Farm Animal Sanctuary, which rescues abandoned, abused, and neglected farm and domestic animals.
Gaia Organics: A third-generation family business founded in 1997, Gaia Organics produces natural, organic, and hand-crafted skin and health products. Committed to sustainability, the company bases its formulations on the antioxidant and anti-aging properties of organic green tea and wild kelp from South Africa’s West Coast. If you’re in Plettenberg Bay, you can book a complimentary skin consultation with Claudia Henderson—owner, marketer, and manufacturer of the skincare range.
Back 2 Nature: Founded by Chanel Dankert, Back 2 Nature was born out of a desire to reduce environmental impact, promote conscious consumerism, and help people reconnect with nature. The brand prioritizes ethical sourcing, cruelty-free practices, and non-toxic ingredients, while also focusing on community upliftment. All products are made locally using sustainable methods, with packaging that’s eco-friendly, recyclable, and biodegradable.
The Products: The Alpha-Hydroxy Fruit Acid Toner from Gaia Organics offers deep cleansing and gentle exfoliation using organic fruit acids and essential oil solvents. Gaia’s Moisturising Cream Cleanser Makeup Remover features natural citrus oils that lift away makeup while leaving the skin soft and clean. The Detox and Balance Face Cleanser from Back 2 Nature revitalizes and purifies with South African ingredients like kaolin clay and rooibos.
Orange, Ginger, and Carrot Kombucha from Wild Leaf Kombucha
The Business: Wild Leaf Kombucha was founded in 2018 by Tiffany and Neil, who studied herbalism and fermentation, respectively. When Neil moved to Sacramento, his parents—Gordon and Verne Mackay—took over the business. They’ve since created their own unique flavors, but their original mission remains the same: to spread the joy of healthy, small-batch fermented drinks. Wild Leaf’s raw, organic kombucha is brewed with fresh herbs, fruits, foraged plants, and berries, and any leftover ingredients are composted in the family’s garden.
The Product: The Orange, Ginger, and Carrot Kombucha delivers a mix of tangy, spicy, and sweet notes, making for a refreshing, feel-good beverage.
Dehydrated Prepacked Meals from Dri Food Co
The Business: Run by husband-and-wife team Lizelle and Jullian, Dri Food Co offers dehydrated meals ideal for hikers, busy professionals, and everyone in between. Their product range includes gourmet oats, pasta- and rice-based meals, hummus, and puddings—all packaged in reusable pouches. Free from sugar and artificial ingredients, these meals are easy to prepare (just add boiling water and wait!) and have a long shelf life. The globally inspired menu features dishes such as Nepali dal bhat, Cape Malay coconut dal, Thai green curry, and Moroccan lentil tagine.
The Products: The Smokehouse Mash Hummus delivers a rich, smoky twist on classic hummus. The Northern Indian-inspired Brinjal Masala features beautifully spiced basmati rice, chickpeas, and brinjal, Afrikaans for eggplant. The Chocolate Orange Pudding with almonds is an indulgent yet healthy treat, naturally sweetened with dates and sweet potato.
Homemade Crushed Garlic and Chilli from Cedar Love
The Business: Husband-and-wife team Tyrone and Cassidy Oosthuizen founded Cedar Love in 2021 with the dream of purchasing a farm in the Cederberg Mountains and raising awareness about regenerative agriculture. Their product line is free from enzymes, preservatives, and refined sugar, and features locally sourced ingredients. Offerings include pickled jalapeños, olive oil, olives, tapenade, and pesto.
The Product: The Homemade Crushed Garlic and Chilli is a versatile condiment that not only tastes delicious but also adds beneficial bacteria to your gut and boosts your immune system, thanks to the fermentation process it undergoes before being jarred.
If you’re in Cape Town on the first Sunday of the month, be sure to support these and other businesses at the Vegan Goods Market. Otherwise, check out their websites and socials below to learn more and get their goodies delivered to your home (some even offer international shipping)!
Green Dawning
Website: https://greendawning.com/
Instagram: @greendawning
Gaia Organics
Website: https://www.gaiaorganics.co.za/
Instagram: @gaiaorganicsskincare
Back 2 Nature
Website: https://www.sa-back2nature.com/
Instagram: @back2nature_sa
Wild Leaf Kombucha
Website: https://wildleafbrew.co.za/
Instagram: @wildleafkombucha
Dri Food Co
Website: https://drifoodco.com/
Instagram: @drifoodco
Cedar Love
Instagram: @cedarlove2
Market Hauls and Local Noms 