Location: Swellendam
Top Things to do in Swellendam
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Top 9 Things to do in Swellendam, South Africa
Swellendam is the 4th oldest town in the Republic of South Africa, a town with 17,537 inhabitants situated in the Western Cape province. The town has over 50 provincial heritage sites, most of them buildings of Cape Dutch architecture. Swellendam is situated on the N2, approximately 220 km from both Cape Town and George.
Restaurants in Swellendam
1. Drostdy Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 368 reviews
This former government building, an architectural treasure in itself, is now a museum containing some impressive artifacts. Particularly noteworthy is a collection of late 18th and early 19th century Cape furniture.
Reviewed By OverseasVisitor_10 - London, United Kingdom
Swellendam is not only full of beautiful old buildings but has one of the best museums of local collections of historical furniture, horse-drawn carts, local trades tools, old magistrate's court house and jail we have ever seen. This beautiful complex of half a dozen buildings is a must to see and wonderful value.
2. Marloth Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Wildflowers, majestic mountain views, many hiking trails and rare birds and animals grace this sprawling national park.
Reviewed By Ilana U - Randburg, South Africa
A last-minute decision to check out Marloth led to a brilliant hike into the Forests of Swellendam. I opted for the Waterfall route (Duiwelsbos) which takes about two hours in total. Unfortunately I ran out of time and had to turn back before reaching the waterfall. But I thoroughly enjoyed the gorgeous nature, myriad of bird and birdsong (including that of the elusive Dideric and Klaas' Cuckoo), the good weather and the relatively easy route.
3. NG Kerk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
An extremely popular and impressive stop for global visitors with a permanent exhibition and a rich history. Unique architectural mix in SA.
Reviewed By Wolery - Johannesburg, South Africa
This is a lovely church, magnificent and statuesque. However, please be aware that it is only open to the public during the week (tourism info did not tell me this), but you could go and visit on Sunday when they hold their services. I could not get into the grounds to look around as the gates were locked (this was as Saturday). If you have a good camera, this is a wonderful place to get some beautiful shots.
4. Bontebok National Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 368 reviews
This picturesque camping area is a protected refuge for the rare bontebok, a South African antelope recognizable for its red coat and white face.
Reviewed By milescarden - Truro, United Kingdom
Stayed in one of the new chalets which are pretty amazing, air-con two bedrooms and modern kitchen. Just stayed one night, which probably wasn’t enough. Lovely little park, but couldn’t swim as Breede river was very low and very uninviting indeed. You cannot swim. New reception lovely and we had a really nice welcome from the team, best welcome from all SANP we stayed at. Again good value but a small shop at reception for basics would be good, Swelldenham not that far for groceries. Wildlife a bit hard to find. Roads also not great in places and glad we had 4x4! No Addo but isn't supposed to be. But highly recommend but more for enthusiast.
5. Swellendam Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By Wolery - Johannesburg, South Africa
Helpful and well stocked with brochures and information. They ladies were a bit lacking with regards to where one could get more info and detail on the MTB rides, however, they did explain the town very well and what to find where.
6. Swellendam Hiking Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
This popular hiking trail through the gorgeous Marloth Nature Reserve offers hikes of all lengths and difficulty levels.
Reviewed By Landia D - Cape Town Central, South Africa
Did this trail over old years eve (2014) - it was amazing!
We camped the first night - no actual camping area though and the ground was uneven with tussocks of hard grass which made for an uncomfortable sleep. I would recommend hiking a longer day to get to the first overnight hut.
Day one was uphill with stunning views, day two was misty with drizzle and we passed through stunning rock formations. The hut was nice (it is not in regular use) with views and near a dam.
The Protea Vallei (valley) was beautiful and so remote - no fences, buildings or people anywhere - just Mountains, kloofs (gorges) and Valleys.
The last two days we did in one as we found the previous day of hiking too short. We passed the gorgeous Wolfkloof hut which was well maintained with good facilities and loads of awesome swimming spots in the cool, clear mountain stream.
The trail really took us into the middle of nowhere and we saw so many wonderful flowers, plants, insects and some small antelopes, mongoose, rock hyrax and two snakes. Look out for snakes as the one was a puffadder. There were plenty of streams for topping up on water and the huts had long drop toilets and two had braai facilities.
Take a hat and sunscreen and avoid walking during the heat of the day. I highly recommend this hike :)
7. Kunstehuijs Fine Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
At the Kunstehuijs we specialize in original art of more than 60 South African artists.
Reviewed By Leora B - Seattle, Washington
I noticed a painting the gallery had set out as we drove through town, so we stopped on a whim. I was amazed that what appeared to be such a small gallery from the street contains such a large and diverse collection of artists and styles. They wrapped a painting for me to carry, and rolled another, and by the time I got home to the US, I'd decided on more. Service was excellent - they quoted me for shipping and insurance, and the paintings arrived in an extraordinarily sturdy wooden box in perfect condition.
8. Old Apostolic Church
Overall Ratings
4 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Jilldutoit - Port Elizabeth, South Africa
The Old Apostolic Church, situated at 72 Voortrek St was formerly known as St Luke's Mission church. It was designed by Sophia, wife of the first Bishop of Cape Town, Robert Gray. The building was consecrated in 1869 and although it is close to 150 years old, it has been well maintained.
The adjoining building, at 74-76 Voortrek St, a flat-roofed ediface with a prominent cornice, was built a bit later as the Mission school for the congregants' children. Both buildings have been accorded provincial heritage site status.
Newer additions to the church have been constructed on the south side of the building, though remarkably enough, neither transepts nor chancel. The alterations cannot be seen from the main road, so what the passer-by sees, is essentially the original footprint of the church.
Apart from the choice of buttercup yellow for the exterior walls, and the ashphalting of the walkways around the church, it stands proud and true as a good example of mid- eighteenth centuary ecclesiastical architecture.
Time constraints made arrangements to see the interior of the church, difficult, but that notwithstanding, it was interesting to visit.
9. Lifestyle Art Shop
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Gallery. All kinds of Art
Reviewed By HERMOSAMARIPOSA1 - UK
WHAT a great find this shop was....it seems a sin to call it a shop....it was more like a showroom!
Some STUNNING pieces of all sorts and, clearly, they have a big export market in their products...we spent some time talking to I THINK the mother of the owner who is the exporter! (her son!)
We did buy a couple of small items but were tempted to many more....British Airways baggage allowance held us back!
DEFINITELY worth a visit if you are anywhere near the area!
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