Salmonsdam Nature Reserve, managed by Cape Nature, is a small nature reserve not far from Stanford in the Western Cape of South Africa. There are three hiking trails available.
The longest is a mountain trail from the foot of Perdeberg Mountain and at the top they say there is a view of Walker Bay (that’s for sure, as you can see Walker Bay from pretty much anywhere in the reserve), and the country towns. of Caledon and Bredasdorp. The second trail is the 4km Ravine Trail through Keeromskloof and through small patches of native forest. The final trail is the waterfall trail of about 3km through thick fynbos to the falls and back. All three trails have short links, so experienced and fit hikers can tackle all three in one day.
As an overweight 62 year old on a severe diet that includes at least an hour of walking or biokinetics a day, the logical thing to do after 10 weeks of the regimen was to do a bit of walking, so we set out on a beautiful Saturday. Salmonsdam tomorrow.
We did part of the ravine trail but came back where it joins the mountain trail. The part we did was pretty easy, but the next stage seemed pretty tough, though probably not hard at all for experienced hikers. The fact that the Salmonsdam hiking trails do not have a large presence in hiking and related sites confirms that assumption. I think if he had had a cane he would have gone further. So we will have to go back at some point.
There are very basic facilities in the Salmonsdam Nature Reserve for overnight camping, including some small chalets. There is an ablution block and 10 camping sites.
Around the southeastern edge of the reserve there is a “mountain road”: which leads up to the Perdeberg and meets the mountain trail. I was hoping to be able to drive to the top in a common motor vehicle (a Mercedes C-Class), but it seems that only 4X4 vehicles or maybe even 4X2 LUVs will be able to get to the top with ease.
The flora and fauna are varied and the reserve is a good example of a mountain catchment area. We spent an entire morning in the reserve and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It is often used as a training site for school children because the catchment area is so easily visible. Baboons and other small mammals are often seen in the reserve. We saw signs of Baboons feasting on newly opened Protea flowers and also flowers from a Protea blooming just below the surface.
Salmonsdam was named after Captain Robert Salmond of HMS Birkenhead, which sank a few miles from Salmonsdam on February 26, 1852, killing around 450 sailors and soldiers. from that tragic event came the now famous call of ‘Women and Children First’ and the ‘Birkenhed Drill’
Get there.
From Cape Town head to Hermanus via the N2 and R43 and then to Stanford via the R43. As you enter Stanford, turn left onto Caledon Road (R326). From the intersection drive 4.4 km until you reach the turnoff “Papiesvlei, Elim” on your right. From here the roads are gravel. the road condition is not good and caution should be exercised. Travel approx 6km on this gravel road then turn left at the Salmonsdam turn off. Travel for approximately 3.5 kms. You will pass the entrance to a property called Beloftebos and 1.5 km from there you will reach the Salmonsdam Nature Reserve.