Activities in Swellendam
Whether you are in need of peace and quiet or some outdoor activities, Swellendam offers something for everyone. Discover the town’s rich history or try any of its more contemporary offerings and escapes. This is the Overberg countryside at its best!
Museum
Beside our Hotel, the Drostdy, built in 1747, served as the official seat of the Land Lord, nowadays it’s an interesting historic Museum, a visit worthwhile. Afterwards stroll down touristic Swellengrebel street, with its nice restaurants and shops.
Swellendam NG Kerk
Of Swellendam’s may historic buildings that surrounds the neighbourhood of our Hotel, the NG Kerk is standing out and will be worth visiting. Afterwards, drink a cup of coffee in the Old Goal and stroll down Swellendam’s small shopping area.
Hiking in Marloth
Swellendam provides ample opportunity for hikers & nature lovers. Marloth Nature Reserve is at walking distance; Duiwelsbos, De Plaat and 12 O’clock peak are pretty hikes. The 5 day Swellendam Hiking Trail is one of the West Cape’s most rewarding routes.
Potberg, Infanta & Malgas
Potberg at the east of De Hoop is easily climbable, and home to a breeding colony of the rare Cape vulture.Afterwards visit Infanta and make a walk to Cape Infanta (Lunch at Boathouse Pizza & Pub, Malgas). On the way back take the hand operated Malgas ferry.
Bontebok Park
Bordered by the Langeberg Mountains and the peaceful Breede River, it is a lovely national park to visit and just 5km from us. Experience abundant wildlife as well as terrific walking and picnic opportunities.
De Hoop Nature Park
This beautiful reserve is a favourite for hikers, animal, bird and whale watchers. At unspoiled beaches one can swim in beautiful rock pools. Bontebok, Cape Mountain Zebra and Eland can be seen. The marine reserve is the breeding grounds for whales. Lunch at the Fig Tree.
Spa
A local Spa offers truly blissful spa treatments, they use handmade bath and body products of natural African ingredients, good when you need a bit of pampering.
Golf
Swellendam’s golf course is a player’s gem. Rated as one of the top nine hole, 72 par courses in South Africa.
Mountain Biking
The town is fun to explore on your bicycle. Definitely dig into the surrounding trails of Bontebok Park, Grootvadersbosch, Suurbraak and Marloth Nature Reserve.
Arniston
This village can be found at a one-hour drive. Unspoilt views of the turquoise ocean, with endless white beaches, flanked by majestic sand dunes. It has a unique historical fishing village ‘Kassiesbaai’. For owners of 4×4’s: there is a great coastal trail. Lunch can be taken at its nice Hotel.
Agulhas
Take your picture at the southernmost tip of Africa. Visit the lighthouse for incredible views. Drive further for a look at the Japanese shipwreck. Go for a swim at Struisbaai, and see the giant Stingrays in its harbour or visit Black Oyster Catcher Winery and the mission village of Elim.
Grootvadersbosch
On 40 minutes driving you’ll find this nature reserve with 250 ha of indigenous Afromontane forest. Lots of tree species, birds, bushbuck, the endemic Forest Emperor butterfly and rare Ghost frog. Great day walks and mountain biking trails.
Kleine Karoo
Take a road trip and explore the colourful riches of the Kleine Karoo. Have coffee or lunch in Barrydale or Montagu. The hot springs in Warmwaterberg is a relaxing treasure or visit nature reserves such as Anysberg and Sanbona.
Robertson Wine Valley
Towns Bonnievale, Robertson and McGregor belong to this Valley of Wine and Roses, founded in the mid-19th century, home to family-owned vineyards as well as larger estates. Well known labels include Van Loveren, Viljoensdrift, Springfield and De Wetshof.