Proteas of every sort welcome you into this reserve at the foot of the Perdeberg Mountains.

Pretty sunbirds feed on plant nectar (there are more than 120 bird species) and streams trickle by on the popular Waterfall Trail amongst tall Cape beech and spoonwood trees.

Mostly though, people come to Salmonsdam for quiet. The reserve is 20 kilometres east of Stanford but so tucked away you feel as if you are far away from everything.

Walk this way: The reserve is best explored on foot. There are three trails but the most popular is the two-kilometre Waterfall Trail that takes you to a waterfall along paths with thick fynbos and tall indigenous trees. The Mountain Trail is four kilometres and leads to a viewpoint over Walker Bay, Caledon and Bredasdorp. Another trail to try is the Ravine Trail, where interesting rock formations and caves can be seen. Mountain bikers can bring bikes along and 4×4 enthusiasts should arrange with the manager on duty to take the five-kilometre drive to the top of Paardeberg for views of the surrounding towns.

Don’t leave home without: A good pair of hiking shoes, bedding for the cabins, food and snacks for hikes, your camera and binoculars. A torch is recommended – there is no electricity except for candles and a gaslight.

Best time to visit: Summer is best for enjoying hikes and warm weather. The reserve is quieter in winter with not as many people visiting. Nights are cold so bring warm clothes. The waterfall is best seen in winter when regular rain keeps it active.

Scan for: Ground proteas, disas, sunbirds, kingfishers, Verreaux’s eagle, klipspringer, grey duiker, bontebok, grey rhebuck and baboons.

Stay over: In one of the self-catering cabins. The cabins are very basic with no electricity. A gas stove and gas fridge are provided as well as a gas-heated hot water shower. The kitchen is equipped with crockery and cutlery. Guests must remember to bring their own bedding. There is one large cabin that accommodates up to six people in three rooms, with a bathroom, kitchen and living room. Two other cabins accommodate two people and share a communal ablution block. A well-kept lawn stretches along the rolling hills with 11 spacious campsites.

Good to know: The reserve is open from 07h00 to 18h00 from Monday to Thursday and until 19h00 on Fridays. Cottages are available from 14h00 on the day of your arrival and must be vacated by 10h00 on the day of departure. The park is also planning to renovate the cabins and to build more huts and campsites (this should take place during 2011).

Watch out for: Snakes on hikes, especially during spring. Don’t leave food outside and close your tent or rooms when you leave in case of baboons. Baboons are not a problem but it is best to be careful.

Did you know? The reserve is named after Captain Robert Salmond. Captain Salmond met his fate on the HMS Birkenhead when it sank at Danger Point (near Gansbaai) in 1852.

Rates: The six bedroom cabin costs R350 for the cabin (week days only.) During the weekend guests pay R400. In peak times (school holidays) the cabin costs R600. The two-bedroom cabins cost R200 (week days). Weekend rates are R220 and R240 during school holidays. Campers pay R155 a night during the week, R180 on weekends and R200 for peak times. Entrance is R30 for adults and R15 for children without Wild Cards.

Getting there: Take the R43 to Hermanus until your reach Stanford. At Stanford turn left and continue for four kilometres. At the Elim/Papiesvlei sign turn right onto a dirt road and proceed for seven kilometres until you reach the Salmonsdam sign where you continue for six kilometres to the gate entrance.

The field ranger’s favourite: Mariëtta Lintnaar is a field ranger who works at the reserve and has worked for CapeNature for more than 10 years. Mariëtta’s favourite part of the park is the waterfall and cave. “I recommend the hikes in summer. Hikes are great for families including children and range from easy to moderate. People should come here to see the park’s incredible biodiversity and prolific birdlife.”

Contact: Bookings can be made on 0861-227 362-8873  – for enquires contact the park on 028-341-0018. Find out more about CapeNature Reserves.

This article was taken from the Summer issue of Wild Magazine 2010/2011.