The mountain comprises two peaks: one at 826 metres, situated to the north, and the other at 806 metres, situated to the south; the two peaks are separated by a steep, narrow ridge approximately 900 metres long.

The South African soldiers‘ plans also included the capture of two other mountains located very close to the long ridge: Mount Alcino and Mount Termine. The operation began on 19 October, when infantrymen from the South African Witwatersrand/de La Rey Regiment attempted to take the German forces by surprise. The first peak, at 806 metres, was captured that very morning. The attack then continued with an assault on the second peak as well, but all attempts were repelled. On the same day, units of the British Scots Guards attacked the summit of Mount Alcino, which was not captured until the following day.

On 20 October 1944, the German forces counter-attacked the southern summit of Salvaro on two occasions, but they too were repelled. Meanwhile, on the western slope of the mountain, units of the Witwatersrand/de La Rey Regiment managed to reach a house (elevation 604), very close to the second peak of Mount Salvaro.

On the night of 22 October 1944, a company of the Kimberly Regiment of the South African Army attacked the second peak (elevation 816). Fierce fighting lasted all day and even turned into hand-to-hand combat, until a couple of South African squads managed to reach the southern part of the summit.

The entire unit was then relieved by the South African Royal Natal Carbineers, who advanced on the morning of 24 October 1944 and, after fierce fighting, managed to reach the summit, thereby consolidating the position gained by some of the Kimberly squads. It was only after the capture of Mount Salvaro that the Scots Guards, too, managed to capture Mount Termine that same day. The battle of Mount Salvaro was the fiercest fought by South African troops throughout the entire Italian campaign.