Chas Everitt International - Property in Saldanha

Saldanha is situated at the northern corner of the largest natural bay in South Africa and boasts a coastline with gorgeous, cosy beaches. Saldanha, formerly known as Hoedjies Bay, has a fascinating history. More than 500 years ago, Saldanha Bay was discovered by the Portuguese. For centuries, geographic isolation and the lack of water prevented large-scale urban and industrial development. This has meant that much of the area is still in pristine condition, despite changes commencing during World War II.

Water sport enthusiasts will find it a paradise: Langebaan is a resort town where the blue Langebaan Lagoon stretches for 17km parallel to the Atlantic Ocean. The lagoon plays host to activities varying from water skiing to spear fishing and birdwatchers join the queue: flamingos, sandpipers and plovers are some of the feathered friends who like to feed on the shrimp and prawn living in the mud banks.

The Saldanha Basin also offers an ideal location for a variety of water sports, in the form of marinas, moorings and waterfront developments.

Apart from the obvious sea and water activities like fishing, diving, surfing, yachting, water-skiing, sailboarding and what have you, there are also numerous historical and eco-attractions, as well as hiking trails, mountain biking and 4x4 trails.

Saldanha's local economy is strongly dependent on fishing, mussels, seafood processing, the steel industry and the harbour. Its sheltered harbour plays an important part in the Sishen-Saldanha iron-ore project in which Saldanha Steel is a large part of. Saldanha is also host to a Naval training base and the South African Military Academy due to its strong historic military links. Wildflowers display themselves during late winter and spring at the SAS Saldanha Nature Reserve and Southern Right Whales visit the waters in and around the nature reserve. Saldanha also has a second reserve called The Postberg Private Nature Reserve (open August and September) and is not only home to spectacular wild flowers, but also hosts several antelope and game species, including zebra, kudu, gemsbok, blue and black wildebeest and eland. The current population of the town is estimated at 72,000.