Situated in the northern corner of South Africa’s largest natural Bay, Saldanha is known for its contrasts and natural beauty.
Located on the West Coast Way Foodie Route
West Coast Way is Your Route To Nature
West Coast Way is your ultimate gateway to experiencing the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Cape West Coast of South Africa. As a premium tourism brand, we offer six uniquely themed trip plans that promise an unforgettable journey: Cape, Culture, Foodie, Tractor, Berg, and Wild.
Discover over 101 incredible things to see and do with West Coast Way:
Savour the delights of wine, craft beer, olives, and Rooibos tea tastings. Indulge in authentic Weskus cuisine and the traditional braaivleis (barbecue). Feel the thrill of swinging into Citrusdal on a zipline or challenge yourself with Cederberg bouldering. Rejuvenate in natural warm pools and embark on serene cruises across lagoons and rivers. Explore the diverse landscapes of nature reserves and a National Park, or embark on exciting game drives. Hone your skills in archery and angling, or amp up the excitement with sandboarding and quad-biking. Enjoy horse riding, immerse yourself in the unique San culture, and experience the vibrant Riel dancing. For water sports enthusiasts, kite- and windsurfing, surfing, and kayaking trips await. Go beach hopping, learn about bees and whales, and delight in birdwatching in a twitcher’s paradise – all within South Africa’s renowned wildflower reserve.
For more information on the best places to visit on the West Coast, road tripping routes, hikes, tours, and trails, explore westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Follow us on on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn @WestCoastWaySA.Saldanha Bay is located on the West Coast Way Foodie Route on the south-western coast of South Africa, about 105 kilometres north west of Cape Town. Watched over by Adam and Eve, two massive granite vertical rocks on the mountainside, on a clear day you can see Table Mountain from this unique vantage point.
Saldanha Bay is named after António de Saldanha, captain of a vessel in Albuquerque’s fleet which visited South Africa in 1503. The name was first given to Table Bay, where Saldanha’s ship cast anchor. On Table Bay being given its present name in 1601, the older appellation was transferred to the bay now called after Saldanha. In 1781 a British squadron under Commodore George Johnstone seized six Dutch East Indiamen, which, fearing an attack on Cape Town, had taken refuge in Saldanha Bay. This was the only achievement, so far as South Africa was concerned, of the expedition despatched to seize Cape Town during the war of 1781-1783.
The bay also hosts a naval training base and the South African Military Academy, in which can be found a pristine nature reserve which becomes a floral wonderland in spring. There are well-established hiking trails and several great vantage points from which to view the majestic Southern Right Whale in calving season.
Travel tip:
The Hoedjeskoppie Nature Reserve, located on a hill in the middle of Saldanha, houses traditional fisherman’s’ cottages and offers sweeping views of the surrounds, as far as Table Mountain on a clear Day.
Saldanha is a holiday hotspot for water sport lovers as well as those who just want to unwind and the big bay is a favoured venue for regattas and sailors to test their skills, and provides a scenic backdrop to the town.
Find Saldanha on the on the West Coast Way Foodie Route
Distance from Cape Town: 142km
Where: R27 to R399
Coordinates: 33˚ 0′ 30” S 17˚ 56′ 40” E
Where to stay & interesting things to do and see in Saldanha:
Protea Hotel by Marriott® Saldanha Bay
The hotel is luxurious and spacious with a homely atmosphere, the big lounge is a favourite spot with their cosy fireplace and the terrace provides a 260 degree view and on a clear day you can see the Table Mountain.
• Restaurant • Lounge with a Fireplace • 9 hole Putt Putt • Indoor Kids Entertainment Area: Foosball; Table Tennis; Darts • Board Games
Where: Main Road, Saldanha
Contact: +27 22 714 1264 | [email protected] | www.proteahotels.com
Blue Bay Lodge
Beachfront accommodation with a restaurant where drinks are served to guests as they relax watching whales glide by from the broad terraces, before being served delicious meals in its charming a la carte restaurant, the well known ‘Blue Bay Café’. Their beach chic restaurant’s food style is relaxed a la carte with all the top favourites and flavours, great local meat cuts as well as locally sourced mussels served in two different styles.
The bar is true West Coast beach chic, stylish, modern, authentic and relaxed.
• Restaurant • Conference Centre • Lounge with a Fireplace • Play Area: Trampoline; Dam with ducks • Kiddies Menu • Pet-Friendly (Small Breeds) • Tennis Court • Satellite TV • WiFi • Swimming pool • Boat Launch Access
Where: Henry Wicht Avenue, Blouwaterbaai, Saldanha
Contact: +27 22 714 1177/8/9 | [email protected] | bluebaylodge.co.za
West Coast Way is Your Route To Nature
West Coast Way is your ultimate gateway to experiencing the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Cape West Coast of South Africa. As a premium tourism brand, we offer six uniquely themed trip plans that promise an unforgettable journey: Cape, Culture, Foodie, Tractor, Berg, and Wild.
Discover over 101 incredible things to see and do with West Coast Way:
Savour the delights of wine, craft beer, olives, and Rooibos tea tastings. Indulge in authentic Weskus cuisine and the traditional braaivleis (barbecue). Feel the thrill of swinging into Citrusdal on a zipline or challenge yourself with Cederberg bouldering. Rejuvenate in natural warm pools and embark on serene cruises across lagoons and rivers. Explore the diverse landscapes of nature reserves and a National Park, or embark on exciting game drives. Hone your skills in archery and angling, or amp up the excitement with sandboarding and quad-biking. Enjoy horse riding, immerse yourself in the unique San culture, and experience the vibrant Riel dancing. For water sports enthusiasts, kite- and windsurfing, surfing, and kayaking trips await. Go beach hopping, learn about bees and whales, and delight in birdwatching in a twitcher’s paradise – all within South Africa’s renowned wildflower reserve.
For more information on the best places to visit on the West Coast, road tripping routes, hikes, tours, and trails, explore westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Follow us on on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn @WestCoastWaySA.