The Salmonsdam Nature Reserve lies 20 km east of Stanford, at the foot of the Perdeberg mountains. Stanford is a small village 17 km east of Hermanus on the south-western Cape coast. Salmonsdam's mountainous landscape is renown for its bird life, mountain fynbos and beautiful waterfalls, and attracts bird-watchers, hikers and other nature enthusiasts. It offers tranquil camping and self-catering accommodation.
The Salmonsdam Nature Reserve was established in 1962 and comprises an area of 834 ha. It forms part of the catchment area of the Paardenberg River, which eventually joins the Uilenkraals River south of the reserve. The reserve's topography clearly illustrates how a mountain catchment area functions, making it ideal for environmental education.
The reserve lies 20 km east of Stanford, at the foot of the Perdeberg mountains. Stanford is a small village 17 km east of Hermanus on the south-western Cape coast. According to local tradition the area was named after Captain Robert Salmon of the ill-fated HMS Birkenhead, which sank at Danger Point in 1852 with a loss of 454 lives.
Salmonsdam's mountainous landscape is renown for its bird life, mountain fynbos and beautiful waterfalls, and attracts bird-watchers, hikers and other nature enthusiasts.
The vegetation in the area is predominantly mountain fynbos, with species such as ground proteas, disas, everlastings and waboom. Forest patches occur in many of the kloofs, with tall Cape beech and spoonwood trees. In the low-lying vlei area one finds fountain bush, reeds, water heath and various geophytes.
The reserve hosts various antelope, including, klipspringer, grey duiker and grey rhebuck, as well as baboons and numerous small mammals. Endangered bontebok are regularly seen grazing around the campsite. More than 120 bird species have been recorded, notably various sunbirds and kingfishers, Cape rockjumper and black eagle (a bird list is available on request).
Hikers have a choice of three one-day routes, leading through spectacular scenery.
Mountain Trail:
Ravine Trail:
Waterfall Trail:
Overnight Facilities
The reserve has three rustic huts and six camping sites. The huts have beds, mattresses, gas stoves and fridges, but visitors should bring bedding, and cooking and eating utensils. Ablution and washing facilities with hot water are available. Electricity is not provided.
CNaccom* Out and back route, leads through thick fynbos to the waterfall. Indigenous trees such as Cape beech and spoonwood will be seen (± 2 km, 1 hour). Out and back route, leads through Keeromskloof, past interesting rock formations and caves, and small patches of indigenous forest (± 3 km, 1,5 hours). Circular trail, begins at the foot of Perdeberg and leads to a look-out with views of Walker Bay, Caledon and Bredasdorp (± 4 km, 2 hours).
