Wild, yet close to it all
The Salt Mine
Number of guests
Rooms & Facilities
2 Bedrooms
A safari-style escape with the ocean just down the road? Yes, please!
Just one hour from Cape Town, only 5 km from Yzerfontein beach and bordering the West Coast National Park, this stay perfectly blends retro charm with raw wilderness. Enjoy sundowners from the deck or hot tub while giraffe, zebra, and other animals roam across the reserve. Head out on a game drive, guided horseback safari, or experience the magic of flower season. It’s the kind of place where beach days, bush adventures, and slow evenings come together effortlessly.
What we loved
The layout of this cabin is ideal for a four-sleeper. It’s super spacious, with mirror-imaged bedrooms and bathrooms on either side of the cabin, and each bathroom has its own bath! We also loved all the thoughtful local touches throughout the space, especially the fynbos tea tasting. But the real highlight for us was enjoying sundowners around the fire pit while buck and giraffe wandered across the salt pans – it really felt like we were back in the bush!
The Space
Kitchen
There’s a fully equipped kitchen with a gas oven and hob, fridge-freezer, dishwasher and toaster. Instant coffee, tea, sugar, olive oil, vinegar, and salt & pepper are provided. They also leave you with a selection of loose leaf teas to try and a range of fynbos herbs. There is a french press so bring your own filter coffee.
Living/Dining
The open plan living space separates the two bedrooms and is beautifully furnished with a large leather couch, cosy armchairs, and a six-seater dining table. An indoor fireplace warms the space in winter, while a ceiling fan keeps things cool in summer. There’s also a selection of books and board games as well as some fun activities for kids.
Outdoors
The living space opens onto a large covered patio with a built-in braai and generous dining area, overlooking the salt pans. Steps lead down to a large wood fired hot tub (made for 4) and there is a fire pit so you can feel like you’re on a real safari holiday!
Bedrooms
The bedrooms are a mirror image of each other and both are en-suite, so there’s no need to fight over who gets the best room! One has a king-sized bed and the other has twin beds that can be converted into a king. A baby cot or extra bed is available on request. Each room also comes with a ceiling fan, an open wardrobe for storage, and a dressing table.
Bathrooms
Each bathroom is a showstopper, complete with double vanities, brass accents and a spacious wet area with a walk-in shower and freestanding bath set beneath the window. Fijn bath amenities are provided, and the toilet is separate for privacy.
Amenities
Our Top Tips
- Pack your binoculars as you’re bound to see a few animals during your stay!
- Book a game drive or do a horseback safari – it’s the perfect way to explore the reserve and spot wildlife
- Pop into Yzerfontein for a swim at the beach or a bite to eat. The Beach House does amazing fish and chips and Rosemead Artisan Bakery is one of the best bakeries we’ve ever been to!
- The West Coast National Park is a must-visit in spring, when the wildflowers are in full bloom
- There is a decent Spar in Yzerfontein if you need to pick up any groceries and the Weskus Padstal is a great stop before heading to the cabin
- This stay works beautifully for bigger groups – rent both Caracal and Porcupine for an 8-10 sleeper getaway
Number of guests
Rooms & Facilities
2 Bedrooms
House Rules
– Check in: 3pm
– Check out: 10am
– Minimum 2 night stay
– No pets allowed
Things to note
- Provided for you: instant coffee, tea, sugar, olive oil, vinegar, fynbos herbs, salt & pepper, firewood and a packet of firelighters
- Porcupine and Caracal Cabin are pretty much identical (100m apart)
- No self-drives or walking is allowed outside of the fenced area due to the buffalo