Saldanha Nature & History Tours

Something about your guide

Nature, History and Photography is my passion. I have been an Environmentalist, Nature Conservationist and Photographer for many years. I am a registered Guide, a Photographer as well as a Trainer and Moderator.  I had done 6 photography courses to qualify as a Photographer in different categories.

I am now at this stage of my life where I feel that I must share my knowledge and work of art with people as well as to teach and guide them how to improve their own skills.

I hope you will be inspired by my e-books to take part in one of our many guided tours. 

Different  tour options which can be used when visiting the West Coast.

If you would like to hike in the SAS Saldanha Nature Reserve in the military area, you will need to write a letter to the Officer Commanding SAS SALDANHA to obtain authority to do so. In the letter you need to mention the following information:  Names and surnames of people taking part. Date of event. Car(s) registration(s). You must write the letter well in advance. You will also have to produce your ID on the day of the event. Letters can be fax to the following number: 022 702 3503.

We also do similar tours in other areas on the West Coast.

Historical Town Tour in Saldanha 

Historical tour overview.

Put your walking shoes on and come and enjoy this 1 to 2 hour tour in the town of Saldanha.  Our history journey on how our town was built over the years, will start at the Protea Hotel in Saldanha. Many historical places in town will be visited and many stories will be told from Antonio de Saldanha who discovered Saldanha in 1503.

I will tell guests the history of the hotel and how the Silverman brothers became the owners of the hotel which was build in early 1900’s. 

We will visit the Angling church that was built in 1820, which is to this day very active. It also hosts the Seafarers safe haven for sailors who visited the Saldanha port. We will then walk down the road to visit the house/businesses (old buildings), the 1st garage as well as the 1st butchery of mr Tolken a well known business man from the early years.   

We will then walk to the Silverman’s house that was also built in the early 1900’s. A unique house where the 1st telephone and flush toilet were installed in town in 1926.

From here we will walk to Hoedjies Kop. This is a short uphill walk which takes us to the old fisherman’s houses and the town’s museum.

We will walk to the top of Hoedjies Kop where we can see the town as well as the beautiful lagoon before returning to our starting point.

Hiking Tours (West Coast National Park)

Three trails are in the West Coast National Park and one trail in Postberg.

West Coast National Park three trails to choose from:

Trail 1 : This is a 9km circular tour to the dunes and back which start at Geelbek Information Centre.  Many flower species will be seen on our route.

Trail 2: This is a 7 km circular walk which also begins at the Geelbek Information Centre.

Trail 3: This trail is called the “Bakoor Trail”. This is a short walk from the Langebaan gate to the Seeberg View Point, which is 5km long. Along this route bat eared foxes, Ostriches, Eland and many other animals can be spotted, as well as the beautiful view of the Langebaan lagoon. You will also se a lot of flowers during flower season.

Postberg tour (West Coast National Park)

Steenbok trail: (Only during August  and September).

This is a 13.9km tour which starts and end at Tjaarsbank. This is a 5 to 6 hour tour without any breaks. Only 20 people are allowed on the trail. It is therefor essential to book well in advance.

Photography Tours 

1. Flower photography tour. From 1 July to 15 Oct each year.

• Guided by Edwin Dwyer
• Walk lasts up to 3 hours.
• Wear proper shoes and a hat.
• Bring a bottle of water with and something to eat.
• You can bring your camera or your binoculars

Each tourist will receive a copy of the “Most Popular wild flowers in the West Coast Part 1” when doing a flower tour.

2. Bird photography tour.  All year.

• Guided by Edwin Dwyer
• Walk lasts up to 3 hours.
• Wear proper shoes and a hat.
• Bring a bottle of water with and something to eat.
• Bring your camera and a long lens or your binoculars.

Each tourist will receive a copy of the “Birds of the West Coast” when doing a Bird tour.

3. Macro photography. 1 July to 30 Sept each year.

• Guided by Edwin Dwyer
• Walk lasts up to 3 hours.
• Wear proper shoes and a hat.
• Bring a bottle of water with and something to eat.
• Bring your camera and your Macro lens.

Each tourist will receive a copy of “Macro Photography” when doing a Macro Photography tour.

These tours are done in various areas on the West Coast. (Saldanha Nature Reserve, West Coast National Park, Tienie Versveld Nature Reserve).

You bring your camera and I will guide you to take a good picture. 

If you would like to book a Hike/Tour send me an E-mail at      

saldanhanature@gmail.com

Edwin Dwyer

E-Books