A tour of SALDANHA, South Africa - Journey of a Natural Harbour Town

Hi everyone! In this video, I explore the charming town of Saldanha, located on the West Coast of South Africa. Known for its iconic natural harbour -arguably the most famous in South Africa - it’s also the final destination of the legendary Sishen-Saldanha Railway Line, which transports iron ore.

The vlog kicks off with a walk through the Hoedjies Bay area, where I delve into Saldanha’s fascinating history, including the story behind its name. Did you know there’s a tale of a historic mix-up here? In short, the name Saldanha (stemming from Antonio de Saldanha) originally applied to modern day Table Bay, before Joris van Spilbergen transferred the name to modern day Saldanha. So Cape Town was once Saldanha, and in fact, Saldanha could have been Cape Town. That will make sense if you watch the vlog :)

I also put the town’s past into the larger context of European rivalry among the Dutch, British, and French. Along the way, I touch on Saldanha’s economy and the role of various industries.

Next, I stumble upon a unique church practically on the beach before heading to the central business district (CBD). I share the story of Saldanha’s royal visit in 1926 and the special arrangements made for this momentous occasion.

I then visit the Gerald Stoffberg Saldanha Cultural Village, where I dive deeper into the town’s rich history and the contributions of its early pioneers. While exploring Hoedjieskop Hill, I spot three of Saldanha’s oldest houses, admire spectacular views of the area, and discover a cemetery tucked away on the hill.

Continuing my journey, I explore more of the town and come across the Military Area. Here, I discuss Saldanha’s strategic role during World War II and its subsequent military history.

A highlight of the vlog is my visit to the harbor, where a local gives me a tour of his boat. I share insights into the fishing industry’s importance to the town’s economy and its historical roots. I also stop by Sea Harvest, engage with some locals, and check out the Factory Shop.

In the later segments, I visit the local rugby club, Saldanha RFC, and take a brief detour through a residential area where I chat about street names inspired by historic ships.

The vlog also covers Saldanha’s history as a quarantine station, a visit to the Dutch Reformed Church, and the long-awaited arrival of fresh water that finally allowed the town to overcome a major challenge to its development.

I wrap up the vlog with a tour of my hotel room—complete with a breathtaking view.

I hope you enjoy this exploration of Saldanha! If you haven’t already, please hit the LIKE button, SUBSCRIBE to my channel, and leave a COMMENT below to let me know what you think.

A special thank you to Bert Vraagom for sharing insights about the rugby club, and a shoutout to my Saldanha subscribers, like Mary Ross, for their support!

Please note: this video was not sponsored, and all views expressed are entirely my own.

Happy exploring!

Willie

[pieterhoekstra]

Excellent blog once again, Willie. One of the areas in South Africa that is richest in history, as you have professionally presented. I did my three months Navy basic training there. I'd be lying if I said I enjoyed it. Standing on the parade ground every morning having to put up with the smell from the canning factory was the pits, as you probably remember the same at Gansbaai. It was horrible, and named Anna van Saldhana. There weren't many shops there at the time. It has certainly grown up substantially since my time there in 1973.

[SeaHarvestSA]

Thanks for stopping by in our beautiful town of Saldanha and for stopping by at Sea Harvest!

[christineketland]

Hi Willie, another great vlog.. it never ceases to amaze me the rich history of South Africa and how so many nations wanted a slice of your beautiful country. The beautiful view from your hotel room is absolutely stunning, great place to unwind and review your recordings. Take care 😊

[TheCrowcrow]

Well done, you really put a lot of effort into your research and history of the towns that you blog on.

[donovansurbanlinkwc]

Exceptional video Willie, thank you for showcasing Saldanha Bay and the wider West Coast!

[joansnyman]

Thank you for your informative and beautiful contribution to South Africa. Much love from Kraaifontein Cape town ❤

[hanneliewiese]

Dankie Willie. So rustig masr tog n besige dorp. Baie interessant.

[travel_and_explore_with_BIP]

Wowww what a Beautiful place!
Clear blue sky and sunny! I am jealous, the weather is cold and terrible here in the UK.
How Refreshing to watch your video and to get yet another history lesson!
Cheers 🍻

[evah]

Thank you Willie!
TKU for introducing us to some of the locals.
TKU for showing us the Chuches as well.
Sincerely ENJOY your blogs of Beautiful South Africa 😊🇦🇺 and all those "smaller" towns.

[purplebluepink]

Thank you Willie. Saldanha is a gem, a true Weskus dorp, platteland.

Luckily, the fish canning factory doesn't stink anymore.

I wish you could've showed Welgedaan Estate as well. You were so close to it.

Thank you for this video, showcasing Saldanha.

[Wayne-wv]

Thanks Willie as always doing what you do best..

[rochellecollins]

First picture shown in the museum of Mole Van Kolver - Skipper at Southern Seas, was my grandfather. This is such a proud moment for me that his name is mentioned as a pioneer. Thank you for an awesome blog👌👌

[johanvandersandt]

Jy is reg Willie! Baie mense weet van Saldanha maar min mense kom na Saldanha. Sjoe dis regtig jammer oor die staal werke. Soos jy se die potensiaal was daar maar dit het net nooit uitgewerk nie. Tog die mense werk hard om die plek te verbeter en ek glo hulle moeite sal beloon word! Gedog ek was subscribed maar ek sien nou ek was nie. Mooi naweek vir jou Willie!

[mat]

One of the only places iv'e visited where i find peace🙌 beautiful dorpie🙌🙌 thank u Willie👌👌👌

[toscabrutus]

Willie Ken Saldanha baie Goed! DIs n Great plek en baie onderwaardeer!

[andrewbouwer]

Hi there Willie. It is so nice to see Saldanha again. Thank you. I was there in the navy in 1987 to 1988, and it was a lovely place. I remember Anna from Saldanha on the parade ground as well. Now living in New Zealand.

[denisradford]

Another great blog Willie, full of great information on the town and it's history. Only knew some of what was discussed, so was a great learning curve. Thankyou.

[marygird]

Well done Willie for another interesting vlog, sharing the beautiful scenery and interviews with friendly locals. Enjoy your weekend by the sea😊

[morkusvandezee]

Was lekker om jou raak te loop op die strand Willie! Dit het my dag gemaak om jou hand te kon skud! Soos altyd goeie navorsing en awesome vid! 👍

[cvanzylguntervanzylgunter]

Hi Willie, baie dankie weereens vir ñ puik video. Sjoe, geskiedenis waarvan meeste nie geweet het nie. Nice kamer, mooiste uitsig!! Fantasties❤