Swellendam's Heritage, culture, architecture, wildlife and outdoor adventure are just some of the attractions. Located at the foot of the Langerberg Mountains and halfway between Cape Town and George, Swellendam is the third oldest permanent settlement in South Africa. The town-centre of Swellendam has much to offer: lovely old buildings, excellent restaurants, shops, and arts & craft projects.

Rare species of flora and fauna surrounding the Breede river. Cape Mountain Zebra, grey Rhebok and beautiful bird life. A walk along the wide flowing tranquil river is recommended.

Sports Facilities in the area:

Golf players will appreciate the 9-hole golf course in Swellendam with its inspiring view of the Langeberg.

Canoe on the beautiful Breede river. Tennis, squash, bowls, horse riding and mountain biking are available nearby.

Drostdy Museum:

The Drostdy museum complex at the eastern end of town was built in 1747 for the magistrate's residence and also served as court and prison.

An outstanding open-air museum complex set around historic buildings, showing the life in the Cape since the founding of the town. A must for every visitor.

The museum displayes an exceptionally beautiful collection of furniture from the 18th and 19th century, including kitchen equipment, horse carriages etc. An extensive photo and picture collection illustrates the history of Swellendam.

Hermitage:

Swellendam is the largest Youngberry growing area in the country and farms just 3km out of town may be visited for liqueur tasting and berry picking. We highly recommend a visit to Wildebraam Liqueurs, with lots of interesting goodies.

Swellendam Historic Walk:

There are many old buildings, some dating from the 18th century, the most noteworthy being the Dutch Reformed 'Moederkerk' (mother church), with its eclectic architectural features, including Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and vernacular Cape elements.

Sulina Fairy Sanctuary:

Now here is the opportunity to let the child in you come free. Magical Fairy display and garden.

Swellendam Art Gallery:

The gallery is situated in the historic building of Morgenson. Here not only is local artists' work offered, but also young up-coming artists are given the chance to learn and grow in a creative environment. This is the second oldest building in Swellendam.

Two Feathers Horse Trails:

Phone 082 494 8279
Two Feathers offers scenic rides through forests, across rivers and along the foothills of the Langerberg mountain range. All levels of riders are welcome. Walk or canter? Breathtaking or heart stopping? It's up to you. Rides twice daily; early morning or late afternoon, for one or two hours. For more accomplished riders, there are full day rides with riverside forest picnics.

Photo from www.swellendamtourism.co.za

Gifts and More:

Opposite the Drosty Museum. If you looking for a small gift, or in need of a chocolate (Belgium) fix, this is where you will find them.

African Boutique:

Also opposite the Drosty Museum. Why do curio and leather goods shopping at the Waterfront, when you can get for much less in Swellendam's own boutique.

RECOMMENDED DAY TRIPS

Guided Day Trips:

Christo Cloete of Scorpio Guided Day Tours, conducts guided tours to all major attractions - for those who might need a break from driving themselves, or do not have their own transportation, especially an off road vehicle.
www.scorpiotours.co.za

Buffeljags Dam - Distance 15km:

Where water sports are offered, plus day & sundown cruises on the dam, fuffi-slides (zip line) canoe and skiing.

Suurbraak - Distance 25km:

A village with fascinating origins, Suurbraak is nestled amongst streams of running water and sheltered by giant oaks. It is established as a mission station in 1812 by the London Mission Society and later in 1875 taken over by the Algemeende Sending Kerk. The buildings of the village tell the story of its history.
The community live close to the land using methods that belong to the past. The village is well worth visiting on day trips. The mountains are rich in fynbos and bird life, and cattle paths act as mountain trails for hikers and mountain bikers alike.

Malgas - Distance 30km:

On the banks of the Breede (wide) River. The hand-drawn pontoon over the river, is believed to be the last remaining hand drawn pont (ferry) operating in South Africa. It operates every day during daylight hours.

Stormsvlei - Distance 39km:

An old Inn, now houses a hugely successful dried flow undertaking, restaurant, and wine shop. A must for the ladies! Wonderful dried protea and fynbos are dried and make wonderful gifts, that are light and do not take up too much luggage space.

Marloth Nature Reserve:

Extending from the edge of the the town to the top of the majestic Langeberg mountains. With beautiful walks to waterfalls through indigenous forest. At the Marloth Nature Reserve, you will see klipspringer, duiker, rhebok and leopard.

Bontebok Nature Reserve:

Not far from town is the Bontebok National Park, cradled between the Langeberg Mountains and the Breede River. Besides bontebok, the park is also home to zebra, red hartebeest and grey rhebok. Bird watchers should look out for secretary birds and fish eagles.

De Hoop/Potberg Nature Reserve - Distance 50km:

A day trip to the Indian Ocean in South Africa's most southerly nature reserve. Walk past 30 metre high sand dunes to wide unspoilt beaches and swim in sparkling clear rock pools. View Zebras, Bontebok and other game together with birdlife along the riverside.

Tradouw Pass to Barrydale:

An awe-inspiring Pass through to the Klein Karoo via the picturesque village of Suurbrak and on to the small spa town of Montague. Connect also to Ashton and the wine route to Worcester who's wines are world-famous, or continue along a scenic road to Oudtshoorn and visit the Ostrich farms.

Cape Agulhas and Struisbaai:

An hour's drive away. See the most southerly point in Africa and swim in a tidal pool where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.

Whale Watching

Information from the Witsand Tourism website.

Dr. Best, a whale expert, confirmed a count of 233 whales in the Bay. On a good day, a whale watcher may observe up to 70 capering whales. At the beach restaurant there is a telescope on the roof, whalewatching platform that magnifies the whales up to 10 times. The platform is a perfect place from which to view the gentle giants of the sea and can accommodate about 90 people and there is plenty of parking.

Whale-watching season starts in June and lasts until November each year.

Each year these majestic mammals come to our shores between June and late November to mate and calf. Witsand enjoys the lion’s share of this visit due to the bay being the prime nursery for cow/calf pairs.

More about the Whales...

Montagu - Distance 50km

This little karoo town Enjoy 320 days of sunshine. Attractions include hot mineral springs and dried fruit and nut factory. For the more adventurous rock climbing is available.

Robertson Wine Valley - Distance 65km

Enjoy a drive through the wine and fruit farms along the Breede River. Stop to enjoy the scenery and wine tasting at the various farms.

Other activities:

• The Robertson wine route
• Horse riding trails and mountain bike routes near the Langeberg Mountains
• 4x4 trails in the Hermitage Valley and a visit to the youngberry farms
• River rafting and other water sports activities on the Breede River