| Saldanha is the name given to this Bay which is one of the safest and deepest natural harbors in the world. It can take large ships and this has contributed much to the growth of this town. Massive harbor works have enabled the handling of ore and the docking of ore-carriers. The ore is loaded from trains which carry the iron manganese and other ores from the mines of the Sishen area in the Northern Cape.
Fishing is a major industry and the factories process the lobster, mullet, tunny and snoek, much of which is for the export market. Around the entrance to the bay can be seen the islands of Vondeling, Jutten, Malgas and Marcus. This area of sheltered water hosts a large population of fish, seals and sea-birds.
In recent times, treasure hunters have recovered small fortunes from the wrecks like the Meerestyn which sunk in 1707. The Dutch warship Middelburg was sunk by the British in 1781.
Boat trips depart regularly from the harbor and water-sport enthusiasts frequent the lagoon. Yacht races and regattas are held annually. Anglers are obviously well represented in this area.
Hiking trails, including the SAS Saldanha and Oranjevlei are in abundance. The reserves are a bird-watchers paradise. July to September are the months when a colourful display of wild-flowers are in bloom |
