Glamping at holiday resort | Netwerk24

Patricia Swarts (Saldanha Holiday Resort Manager), Louis Volschenk (Director: Community and Operational Services), Councillor Michael Schaffers, Charmaine Laubscher (Saldanha Bay Deputy Mayor), Councillor Wimpie America, André Truter (Saldanha Bay Executive Mayor), Heinrich Mettler (SBM Municipal Manager), Alderman Marius Koen, Alderman Eventhia Vaughan, Heini van Niekerk (Architect).Photo: Noluvu Ludidi

Saldanha Holiday Resort now boasts its very own glamping units.

The official opening of the three glamping units took place on Friday 8 December. The project started to take shape in 2019 when Marius Koen, then Mayor of Saldanha Bay, along with a team, started the project. With the three glamping sites completed, and internal services for another two installed, costs came down to R1,8 million.

At the opening Koen gave an overview of the project, and explained it is more than just placing a tent and parking a caravan, but the entire experience. It responds to a need that was noted by campers. Koen added that what has been done is a step forward and unique, a first for Saldanha Bay.

Koen also thanked local architect Heinie van Niekerk for his willingness to assist with the project and making it a reality.

Construction started in February 2023 and was completed in October 2023.

Ethne Lawrence, spokesperson for SBM, said the resort was chosen due to its historic location in the greater Saldanha Bay and as part of the revitalisation of Saldanha in the promotion of sports tourism in the municipal area.

“Future upgrading at any of the resorts will be subject to the allocation of funds and the further implementation of a sport-tourism strategy,” she said.

Executive Mayor André Truter shared more about his history with the resort, as he had spent many holidays there as a child.

He thanked Koen for his role in the project and resort manager Patricia Swarts for her iron fist and Van Niekerk for his designs as well as the entire team.

Locals have also raised their concerns about safety at the resort.

Lawrence, however, said SBM secured the services of a security company to safeguard its assets, including the Saldanha Resort.

“Campers are, however, requested to safeguard their assets and not to create opportunities for criminal activity within the resort.”

The Saldanha Holiday Resort is also proud to announce it is fully booked for December.

The out-of-season tariff for the glamping units is R900 per night and in season tariff is R1 200 per night.