Salmonsdam Nature Reserve - nr Stanford, Overberg

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Salmonsdam Nature Reserve comprises of 834 Hectares (predominantly mountain fynbos) and was established in 1962. It is claimed by locals that the name Salmonsdam originated from the name of the captain of the HMS Birkenhead which sank at Danger Point in Gansbaai in 1852 with a loss of 454 lives, Cpt. Robert Salmond.

The reserve lies approximately 20 km east of Stanford, at the foot of the Perdeberg mountains. It forms part of the catchment area of the Paardenberg River, which eventually joins the Uilenkraals River south of the reserve. The reserve is ideal for environmental education as the topography clearly illustrates how a mountain catchment area functions. The Perdeberg area is well know for its bird life, mountain fynbos and beautiful waterfalls, and attracts bird-watchers, hikers as well as nature enthusiasts alike.

The Paardenberg river flows from north-east to south-west through the reserve, starting in a Keeromskloof gorge and spreading out lower down into a marshy area known as Die Weivlakte. One of the smaller tributaries that joins the river is the Watervalkloof stream which passes over a series of small waterfalls called the Zigzag Falls. The Elandskrans Caves and Leopard Cave are situated on the eastern side of the Keeromskloof gorge.

The reserve is inhabited by various antelope, including bontebok, klipspringer, grey duiker and grey rhebuck, as well as baboons and other small species of mammal. There have been more than 120 bird species recorded, but the most notable are the various sunbirds and kingfishers, Cape rockjumper and black eagle.
Salmonsdam has a three one-day hiking routes leading through spectacular scenery.

The longest hike is the Mountain Trail which leads from the foot of the Perdeberg mountain and at the sumit there is a spectacular view over Walker Bay, Caledon and Bredasdorp. This hike is approximately a 7km round hike

The second trail is the Ravine Trail which leads 4km through Keeromskloof and through small patches of indigenous forest. This is an out and back route
The shortest trail is the Waterfall Trail which is approximately 3km through thick fynbos down to the falls and back. This is an out and back route