| endam, South Africa's third oldest town is nestling at | | | | enjoy a day or two off river rafting. The Breede |
| the foot of the Langeberg Mountains and has much | | | | River rafting adventure is about a 2.5hour drive from |
| to offer visitors who have an interest in history, | | | | Cape Town. On this adventure you will enjoy your |
| nature, outdoor activities and art. Swellendam is | | | | days paddling in two-man Mohawk canoes in the |
| ideally situated halfway between Cape Town and | | | | tranquil waters of the Breede and your nights |
| George and is therefore an ideal stop over for | | | | socializing around a campfire. The Up the Creek Camp |
| tourists. In these two hours from Cape Town to | | | | is situated near Swellendam on a hill side overlooking |
| Swellendam, you will pass through unspoilt villages and | | | | the river where the accommodation is A-frame |
| towns. Take a trip back in time and stay in some of | | | | chalets or 3 ox-wagons. This accommodation includes |
| the historic homesteads and country houses in the | | | | comfortable beds with linen and Duvets. All in all, this |
| area, which offer bed and breakfast. Rainfall is spread | | | | adventure will be well worth a try and is ideal for a |
| over the year and there is little wind and | | | | family to enjoy together. |
| temperatures are moderate all year round | | | | Youngberry tasting can be done at the Buffeljags |
| Swellendam has been an important travel centre for | | | | Dam. This cultivated wild berry was imported to |
| centuries. Early travelers and explorers traded with | | | | South Africa in 1939 by Prof OSH Reinecke. The |
| the Khoi-Khoi people and in 1743 the Dutch East India | | | | industry is sadly declining because of endless |
| Company declared Swellendam a magisterial district | | | | problems associated with wind and rain damage or to |
| and built the Drostdy which was completed in 1747. | | | | much heat, pest attacks and insufficient labor during |
| This Drostdy, a national monument, is the only | | | | the peak harvesting period from mid - November to |
| eighteenth century Drostdy that is preserved in its | | | | early December. Today over 90% of the total annual |
| original form and will give tourists a wonderful insight | | | | crop of just over 600 tons is produced by farmers in |
| as to the life of the settlers. | | | | the Swellendam area. On your visit to the Hermitage |
| The more adventures tourist can go on the | | | | Liqueur Farm just 3km out of town you can sample |
| Swellendam hike. Located in and around the Marloth | | | | some of the liqueur made from youngberries. Other |
| Nature Reserve this hiking trail is one of the most | | | | Youngberry products are also for sale here. |
| beautiful in the Cape. There are numerous shorter | | | | Local artists like the potter Jan du Toit's vases are |
| routs if a six day hike is too long for you. On this trail | | | | famous, visit him and other artists in the town. |
| you will see stretches of fynbos alternated with cool | | | | Other activities that Swellendam has to offer include: |
| indigenous forest, small animals and birds. Other | | | | * 4x4 Mountain Experience: Marloth Nature Reserve |
| sections of the trail will give you the sensation of | | | | * Canoe the Breede River |
| being in a peaceful and secluded wilderness. The six | | | | * Sunset Cruises on a kitted-out double-decker |
| day hike demands a medium to high level of fitness | | | | wooden raft |
| and is therefore not recommended for the light | | | | * Buffeljachts Dam for Water sports |
| hearted. The Marloth Nature Reserve is also one of | | | | * Horse Trails |
| the best birding spots in the Western Cape and | | | | * White water raft the Breede River |
| therefore defiantly worth visiting. | | | | * Waterskiing |
| The rare and beautiful Bontebok antelope and other | | | | * Several well-known artists have settled in |
| small buck species can be seen at the Bontebok | | | | Swellendam and their studios may be visited |
| National Park. This park is only 6km out of | | | | * Pop into the Sulina Faerie Sanctuary: Magical Faerie |
| Swellendam. A total of 126 different bird species | | | | display & garden |
| have also been identified here. There is a charming | | | | * Cruise down the Breede River on a double-decker |
| caravan park on the banks of the Breede River | | | | river boat - "Pot se Vlot" |
| where they also have fully equipped chalets for hire | | | | * Motor glider flights |
| and where day visitors are welcome to swim, fish or | | | | As you can see Swellendam is well worth a visit. |
| picnic. | | | | Come and enjoy a few days of relaxation in our |
| Other than hiking the adventurous at heart can also | | | | beautiful town while we pamper your every need. |