SAS Saldanha Nature Trail

Routes

Red Route (14,5 km)

This trail, being the longest, takes the hiker past a number of interesting historical and natural phenomena. The trail starts at the Bomsgat area which is significant from a geological point of view. The path then skirts around North Bay with its wrecks and continues up the coast line passing a few buildings which date from the Second World War. The route moves away from the sea and cuts between Baviaanskop and Malgaskop after which it goes around the salt pans to Long Point. From Long Point one moves past Camp Klossie and into the area where most of the game is camped. The trail then proceeds over the top of Môresonkop from which one can get a good perspective of the whole area. The trail ends at the West Gate.

Yellow Route (11 km)

This trail is the same as the red route except that it does not extend around North Bay.

Green Route (9,6 km)

This route skirts both of the large hills. One can leave the road and, keeping to foot paths, climb to the top of Baviaanskop to the remains of Baviaans Battery (Second World War). From this vantage point one can get a good view of the whole area, and especially of the entrance to Saldanha Bay. The trail then extends around the salt pans to Long Point and then back up to the old farmhouse.

Blue Route (4 km)

This is a very short path around Malgaskop which captures what is of historical interest as far as the Second World War is concerned. One can also see a number of small antelope and birds of prey.

In all cases, parking is only permitted in the North Gate area and this is done at the vehicle owner's risk.

If you have comments or suggestions, email me at ian@ma2.sun.ac.za This page created with Netscape Navigator Gold