10 Best Things to do in Swellendam
Joany and Alison are available to assist with planning your 10 best things to do in Swellendam… Many of the activities need prior reservation, so please don’t hesitate to ask.
Remember that Swellendam is also the ideal place to rest, rejuvenate and breathe, especially after the busy-ness of Cape Town or the Garden Route. Spend the day reading, suntanning, snacking and/or napping (in no particular order).
1.Nature
We are perfectly positioned for an escape into nature to horseride, hike, mountain bike or simply to reconnect with ourselves.
- The Bontebok Park about 10minutes drive from us, takes you to the banks of the Breede River with some (small) game viewing, fantastic bird-watching and it's own 'beach' for a paddle and a picnic.
- The Marloth Nature Reserve is within walking distance of us and includes proper hikes with the most beautiful fynbos and birds. The Duiwelsbos Waterfall is worth the visit.
- The De Hoop Nature Reserve is about an hour's drive on dirt road, but a proper day trip can be made of it, with an add-on leg to Cape Agulhas (southernmost tip of Africa). Spectacular whale-watching in season, but amazingly wild beach scenery out of season. Well worth the drive if staying a few nights.
2. Adventure
- Guided Horsetrails at Hermitage Horses
- Canoeing, paddling, ziplining, microlighting and barging at Umshanti at the Buffeljags Dam
- Tractor rides, paintballing & a maze at Swellendam Getaway Adventure Farm
- River rafting on the Breede River with Felix Unite (must be booked at least 24hrs in advance)
- A day trip down to De Hoop Nature Reserve for whale-watching (in season) and spectacular scenery
- A day trip down to the Southernmost Tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas
- A day trip through Zuurbraak over the Tradouws Pass (perhaps even a swim in the kloof en route) to Barrydale for milkshakes at Diesel&Crème and wine tasting at Joubert-Tradauw.
3. Family
- The Faerie Sanctuary
- Horseriding
- The Bee & Honey Shop
- Berry picking in season, November and December at Wildebraam Berry Estate
- Meisie Bokwana’s afterschool projects for underprivileged children
- The Bontebok Park for a riverside picnic, swim, hike & animal spotting
- Tractor rides, paintballing & a maze at Swellendam Getaway Adventure Farm
- Rolandale Farm Stall, plant nursery, jungle gym and coffee shop
4. Food
Swellendam is an authentic, beautiful agricultural area with a treasure trove of delicious farm sourced produce.
5. Wine
We are fortunate to be central to both the Robertson and the Karoo Wine Routes plus we even have a couple of wine estates on our doorstep.
6. History
Swellendam is the third oldest town in South Africa after Cape Town and Stellenbosch and has beautiful old architecture and a lovely museum to admire.
7. Arts
- Our favourite whimsical illustrations by diTekenar
- Art d’Olivia
- The Drostdy Museum Shop
- Tredici
10. #JoyofMissingOut
Divine breakfast, superb afternoon tea and a day next to the pool or in front of a toasty fireplace depending on the season. Spoil yourself with a relaxing Spa Treatment at the brand new Groen Day Spa Swellendam, De Kloof Sans Souci Spa or Soul Spring Retreat just outside of town. Bookings essential (preferably 24 hours before in season).
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