South Africa's largest natural harbour
Set on the north side of a massive bay, the town of Saldanha is a holiday hotspot for watersport lovers to sail and waterski all summer. The big bay is a favoured venue for regattas and sailors to test their skills, and provides a scenic backdrop to the town.
While Saldanha is a busy working town, holiday makers come to relax and unwind, enjoy fresh seafood at the various seafood restaurants at the water’s edge, and to soak up the surrounding natural scenery. Most prominent of the natural attractions is Adam and Eve, two massive vertical rocks on the mountainside overlooking Saldanha. This is also a viewpoint for panoramic vistas of the area.
Saldanha is named after Portuguese sailor Admiral Antonio de Saldanha, but he never actually saw the area. Instead, his claim is the discovery of Table Bay, but a Dutch cartographer misunderstood and named Saldanha Bay after the admiral.
Over 500 years later, Saldanha remains closely tied to the sea and is still dependent on its commercial fishing industry. It’s involvement in the steel industry and its dedicated iron ore quay are also cornerstones of the local economy.
The town also hosts a naval training base and the South African Military Academy, while the popular SAS Saldanha Nature Reserve is a floral wonderland of spring flowers with a marine backdrop. Southern right whales also visit the safe waters near the nature reserve. Hoedjieskoppie Nature Reserve on a hill in the middle of town boasts beautiful views and traditional fishermen’s cottages.
Sailing, fishing, hiking and biking surrounded by spring daisies are all Saldanha specialties. So is relaxing or exploring the quaint town with views all the way to Cape Town. Bring along binoculars to scan the horizon and harbour down below.
Saldanha Information Centre
Telephone: 27 (0)22 715 1142
Email:
cnr Piet Retief & Main Roads VREDENBURG, 7380
Mon - Fri: 09h00 - 17h00 Closed weekends and public holidays
 |
||
|
