Retreat in Nature
The Salt Mine
Perched at the edge of old gypsum quarries — now transformed into shimmering salt pan wetlands — The Salt Mine pay homage to the region’s industrial past with a bold, retro-inspired design that nods to the gypsum mining heritage of the West Coast. Each house blends rugged charm with modern comfort, offering two spacious en-suite bedrooms, complete with bathtubs perfect for soaking in after a day of safari adventure.
Inside, the lounge invites slow living with its cosy cast iron fireplace, while the veranda and outside braai set the scene for golden-hour gatherings. Just a few steps away, nestled at the base of the salt pans, you’ll find a wood-fired KolKol hot tub and a rustic campfire circle — made for storytelling under starlit skies.
It’s a place where the past meets the present, and comfort meets wild West Coast wilderness.
Set on the edge of restored gypsum quarries turned salt pans, The Salt Mine blends retro-mining design with modern comfort. Each house has two en-suite bedrooms with bathtubs, ideal after a day of safari.
Inside, relax by the cast iron fireplace or gather on the veranda with a braai. Just steps away, enjoy a wood-fired KolKol hot tub and campfire circle—perfect for starlit evenings in the wild West Coast landscape.
In a nutshell
Two beautifully designed, self-catering houses, offering views of the rewilded salt pans, The Salt Mine fuses comfort, with proximity to nature. Think cast iron fireplaces, wood-fired hot tubs, and long evenings under the stars, with giraffe and zebra browsing nearby.
Each house sleeps four guests in two bedrooms (5th bed available for families of 5), with spacious en-suite bathrooms, bathtubs, and walk-in showers. With a shaded veranda and a camp fire area with a view of the pans.
The houses are located 100 meters apart, close enough for groups travelling together and far enough away to ensure privacy.
Two self-catering houses inspired by the area’s gypsum mining heritage, The Salt Mine blends retro charm with modern comfort—overlooking rewilded salt pans where giraffe and zebra roam.
Each house sleeps four in two en-suite bedrooms with walk-in showers and bathtubs. Expect cast iron fireplaces, wood-fired hot tubs, and wide verandas made for stargazing. Set 100 meters apart, the houses offer both privacy and easy access for groups.
Family & Friends
Each house can cater comfortably for 1 family or 2 couples. Book both houses for larger groups
Fully Kitted Kitchen
The kitchen is fully equipped with all necessities, including coffee, tea and honey from the reserve
Hot Tub
Each house comes with its own wood fired KolKol hot-tub, with a view over the salt pans
Taste of Fynbos
We offer a selection of Fynbos teas and herbs, have a walk around the gardens to see the same plants in real life.
Amenities & Features
The Salt Mine Houses are equipped with everything you need for a relaxed and memorable stay. Each of the two en-suite bedrooms features double vanities, walk-in showers, and spacious bathtubs—perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure. One bedroom is fitted with a king-size bed, while the second can be arranged as a king, twin or triple, offering flexibility for couples, friends, or families. A baby cot or extra bed is available on request.
Step out onto your private veranda, where a freestanding braai invites long, fire-lit dinners under the stars. A short path leads you to the edge of the salt pan, where you’ll find a cosy campfire circle and your own wood-fired KolKol hot tub—ideal for sunset soaks. The area around the houses is securely fenced, allowing children to explore safely, and the layout makes it easy for groups staying in both houses to move between them with ease.
The Salt Mine Houses offer everything you need for a comfortable escape. Each has two en-suite bedrooms with walk-in showers, bathtubs, and flexible king or twin setups. A cot or extra bed is available on request.
Outside, enjoy a private veranda with a freestanding braai, leading to a campfire circle and wood-fired KolKol hot tub beside the salt pan. The fenced area ensures safety for children, with easy flow between the two houses for groups.
Bathtub
Camp Fire
Braai
Wild, yet close to it all
Located just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town, The Salt Mine offers a seamless escape into the wild—without the long journey.
Set within the heart of the 1,760-hectare West Coast Private Game Reserve, it’s a place where nature takes centre stage, yet the coast is always within reach.
Just 5 kilometres from the charming seaside town of Yzerfontein, guests can easily enjoy the best of both bush and beach.
Spend your mornings spotting wildlife on safari, then head down to 16 Mile Beach for an afternoon walk along one of South Africa’s most unspoiled stretches of coastline. With easy access to local restaurants, shops, The Salt Mine strikes the perfect balance between immersive wilderness and coastal convenience.
Just over an hour from Cape Town, The Salt Mine offers a quick escape into nature. Set in the 1,760-hectare West Coast Private Game Reserve, it’s where wild bush meets nearby beach.
Only 5 km from Yzerfontein, guests can safari in the morning and stroll 16 Mile Beach by afternoon—plus enjoy easy access to local restaurants and shops.
Stay in, Head out, Explore
Game drives, horseback safaris, botanical walks, flower season tours—from The Salt Mine, adventure starts right outside your front door. Or venture a bit further to enjoy whale watching, cultural heritage, sea safaris, and beach walks along the iconic 16 Mile Beach.
Game Drives
Our most popular activity on the reserve. get picked up from your house and explore the Game reserve in a classic land rover safari vehicle.
Horseback Safaris
Experience the reserve from horseback, suitable for beginners and experienced riders,can be combined with a beach ride.
West Coast Flowers
The West Coast Flower season is a highlight on the game reserve. Offering a chance to enjoy the floral spectacle whilst on Game Drive.
Sea Safari
Go Surf & Turf! Combine your safari on land with a whale watching sea safari from Yzerfontein, only 10 minutes away. Seasonally available from Nov to Jan.
Culture
Enrich your understanding of the original inhabitants of the West Coast. Visit the Khwa Ttu San heritage centre, only 15 minutes away from the Salt Mine
Rooted in Nature
Sustainability is at the heart of The Salt Mine and the West Coast Private Game Reserve. Once a cattle grazing area, the reserve is now undergoing a long-term rewilding process – restoring critically endangered habitats, and indigenous wildlife.
The houses run entirely off-grid, 100% powered by solar energy. Water is treated on-site through a blackwater system and filtered in a biofilter reedbed. Wood-fired hot tubs and fireplaces use invasive alien wood species, cleared as part of our conservation work.
Inside, guests enjoy locally made fynbos soaps, teas, and spices – from the same plants you will find in the indigenous gardens surrounding the houses.
Your stay at The Salt Mine supports the regeneration of this unique West Coast ecosystem.
Sustainability is central to The Salt Mine. Set on a rewilded former grazing area, the reserve is restoring endangered fynbos habitats and native wildlife.
The houses are fully off-grid, solar-powered, and use eco-friendly water treatment. Firewood is sourced from invasive species cleared during conservation work. Guests enjoy fynbos-inspired soaps, teas, and spices—rooted in the land they help protect.
Best Value
Packages & Promotions
Affordable Getaways
Enjoy budget-friendly options without compromising on quality. Explore the beauty of nature without breaking the bank.
Luxury Stays
Relax in our beautifully designed lodges where comfort meets nature. Perfect for both couples and families.
Exclusive Experiences
Take part in guided safaris and special excursions that reveal the true wonders of South Africa.
Our Packages
Choose a package that suits you.-
Comfortable lodge stay
-
Guided safari tours included
-
Access to scenic trails
Affordable Getaways
Enjoy budget-friendly options without compromising on quality. Explore the beauty of nature without breaking the bank.
Luxury Stays
Relax in our beautifully designed lodges where comfort meets nature. Perfect for both couples and families.
Exclusive Experiences
Take part in guided safaris and special excursions that reveal the true wonders of South Africa.
Our Packages
Choose a package that suits you.-
Comfortable lodge stay
-
Guided safari tours included
-
Access to scenic trails
Our Packages
Choose a package that suits you.-
Comfortable lodge stay
-
Guided safari tours included
-
Access to scenic trails
Affordable Getaways
Enjoy budget-friendly options without compromising on quality. Explore the beauty of nature without breaking the bank.
Luxury Stays
Relax in our beautifully designed lodges where comfort meets nature. Perfect for both couples and families.
Exclusive Experiences
Take part in guided safaris and special excursions that reveal the true wonders of South Africa.
Our Packages
Choose a package that suits you.-
Comfortable lodge stay
-
Guided safari tours included
-
Access to scenic trails