Saldanha Property & Home Sales

Saldanha at a glance

Saldanha is a harbour town situated in the northern corner of the Cape West Coast, approximately 140km from Cape Town.Originally occupied by the CochoQua (nomadic herders) more than 1600 years ago, Saldanha was discovered in 1601 by a European Dutch explorer, named Van Spilbergen. Its name is derived from Antonio de Saldanha, a Castilian-Portuguese 16th-century captain and first European to set anchor in Table Bay.

This unique and thriving coastal town is home to the deepest natural harbour and largest bay in the Southern Hemisphere. As such, Saldanha is renowned for its shipping of iron ore for which a dedicated railway line was built to transport iron ore from Sishen to Saldanha Bay. 
Significant Investment

Identified by the government as a Strategic Integrated Project, Saldanha has received substantial investments for its development. The new Saldanha Bay Industrial Development Zone (IDZ), which is expected to create more than 21 000 jobs, forecasted to be completed in 2021, has made Saldanha very popular amongst residential buyers from around South Africa.

Essentially motivated by its fishing industry and iron exports, several industries have emerged from its natural potential including companies such as Namakwa Sands, Duferco and Sea Harvest. Saldanha also boasts an active military academy and base dedicated to training the South African navy, army and air force. 

Conveniently situated, Saldanha is in close proximity to its neighbouring towns - Vredenburg, Langebaan, Hopefield and Paternoster are but a few Coastal villages bordering Saldanha, each offering many attractions and activities, as well as shops and restaurants. 

Attractions

Due to its convenient location Saldanha and its surrounding areas, there are many fun and interesting attractions on offer for the whole family. For a few months every year the West Coast becomes coated in a riot of colours with its world famous spring flowers, as memorable and famous as the lavender fields of Provence or the tulip fields in the Netherlands.

Due to its beaches and mild weather, Saldanha is the ideal place for any water sport enthusiast; with jet skiing, kite surfing and fishing spots dotted all along the coastline. There is truly something on offer for everyone.

Whale Watching

Although Hermanus springs to mind when you think about spotting whales, the West Coast, in particular Saldanha, is one of the best places to see these gigantic mammals. Though a seasonal phenomenon, you can catch sight of southern right whales, humpbacks, Bryde’s whales and schools of Heaviside’s, dusky and common dolphins between May and December each year. In the past, the impact whaling industry in the West Coast was severe, but since the whaling station in Donkergat closed in 1967, pods of these magnificent creatures can now be seen all along the coastline. 

Hoedjieskop Nature Reserve

Hoedjieskop Nature Reserve is a hill located in the heart of Saldanha, a short hike will take you to a breath taking vantage point that offers a panoramic view of the bay, town and offers excellent photo opportunities. On a clear day you could even be lucky enough to spot Table Mountain from this lookout.

North Head Lighthouse

Starting out in 1939 as a gas lantern mounted on a square concrete pillar, North Head Lighthouse is one of two at the entrance of Saldanha Bay and has been a guide to ships and fishing vessels ever since. Now standing at 21 metres, painted in white and black diagonal stripes it dominates the seascape. Seen from the coast this lighthouse is particularly striking and lies within the naval base and can be accessed by nature trail.
Its counterpart, South Head Lighthouse is situated in the Langebaan National Park near the southern entrance of Saldanha Bay, it is different only in colour scheme of red and white.

The West Coast Fossil Park

Located next to the R45, in Langebaanweg, 30min from Saldanha, the West Coast Fossil Park offers an opportunity to experience history hands-on.  With fossils of sabre-tooth cats and bears on display, you can take a look at the animals that inhabited the West Coast five million years ago. Guided tours through the digging site (where you can help look for fossils) to mountain bike/walking trails are also available. This is a once in a lifetime experience that should not be missed

Saldanha Bay Yacht Club

The Saldanha Bay Yacht Club is located in the shielded Smitswinkelbaai in Saldanha Bay, known for being family friendly and Club members enjoy spending time socialising while overlooking the South Atlantic Ocean.  The Club hosts several regattas yearly with different classes of keelboats participating. Cruises are also on offer and sails to Langebaan, round the lagoon, to Paternoster, to Dassen Island and on occasion out to sea.

Weskus Mall

You can find the stylish Weskus Mall just off Saldanha Road, making it an easy and convenient stop. It provides an exceptional shopping experience with upwards of 70 shops to choose from. This is the perfect place to take the kids sounds for a day of shopping and fun. With ample free parking and 24hour security this is the perfect place to grab a bite while doing some retail therapy.

SlipWay Waterfront Restaurant

Saldanha is well-known for its fresh seafood and charming eateries one of which is the SlipWay Waterfront Restaurant. Nestled in a cosy alcove in the Saldanha harbour right on the water’s edge, it is the ideal setting for those who enjoys watching the boats in the harbour and a great ambiance, while delighting their taste buds with an array of fresh seafood including home grown muscles and oysters from the bay.

Schools

There is a variety of public and private schools in the West Coast area, all in close proximity. Vredenburg Primary and Vredenburg High School are a mere 10min drive from Saldanha. Originating as a small group of learners in Saldanha 150 years ago, it has since developed into one of the best known schools in the area, with high academic results and brilliant sports and culture departments.
Curro Langebaan also comes highly recommended, and since opening its door in 2007, it has become a choice school on the West Coast. Averaging 25 learners per classroom, their impressive infrastructure includes; IT labs, a Robotics lab, a multi-functional centre, aquatics centre support and their Curro Castle that accommodates toddlers upwards of 3-months-old.

Hospitals

With regards to health care, there are several clinics and practices scattered around the area, with the Life West Coast Private Hospital and Vredenburg Provincial Hospital only 15km away.

Climate

Experiencing most of its rainfall during the winter months, Saldanha enjoys sunny and mild weather conditions all year round, making it the ideal place to enjoy some time outside or on one of its beaches matching the warmth and hospitality of its people.

With its quaint suburbs of Bluewater Bay, Saldanha Heights, Die Lane and Hoogland; Saldanha offers buyers a plethora of property solutions ranging from apartments, houses, complexes and plots with a variety of stunning views of its natural unparalleled beauty, vast expanses of fynbos and stunning coastline. Contact Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty to view your next property in Saldanha.