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Activities
elax at the salt water swimming pool. Enjoy the company of owls in the oaks. Play a game of croquet.
Enjoy watching the water birds from a peaceful bench at the water's edge - two such well placed "hides" have been created
Take a good stroll to the gum trees at the top of the farm, and if you're feeling energetic enough, you can take the gravel road which leads to the Breede Rivier.
Guests enjoy visiting the wine estates along the Breede River and the scenic Tradouw Pass to Barrydale.
Swellendam is the third oldest town in South Africa and has many famous buildings and places of historic interest such as the famous Drostdy Museum. The impressive and much photographed Dutch Reformed Moederkerk "wedding cake" was built in 1911, and is a magnificent eclectic blend of Gothic Renaissance, Baroque and veracular Cape elements.
Swellendam offers canoe hire, golf, hiking trails, horse riding, glider flips and whale watching flights, as well as waterskiing.
The nearby Bontebok National Park is an added attraction, as is the lighthouse at Cape Agulhas, the Southernmost tip of Africa which is an easy drive away.
Other activities can be arranged independently. Ask for directions and take a drive to the forests to walk in the woods.
Activities
Canoes to Hire
Activities can be arranged independently. Canoe Hire can be arranged at R50 per canoe. One canoe takes two people.
Golf
Tel +27 (0)28 514 1026 Swellendam has a picturesque well maintained 9-hole golf course, set high up with stunning views of the mountains. Club house and squash courts.
Hiking Trails (Also See Walks)
Hiking trails in the Marloth Nature Reserve across the Langeberg Mountains with their high peaks (up to 1500m), fynbos-covered slopes, and the lower gullies where cold mountain streams feed indigenous forests. Enjoy beautiful views, pools to swim in and waterfalls to admire. A hiking permit is required and may be bought in town together with a hiking map.
Horse Riding
Horse riding is a popular favourite and the local trail guides are professional and experienced. Depending on each rider's level of experience (which might be none at all) and what sort of ride you have in mind, a suitable horse is chosen. Enjoy scenic forest trails at the foot of the mountains with gentle rides alongside tranquil lakes. The charge per person is R65 per hour and no minimum number is required. Full day rides are also available. Contact Stephanie on +27 (0)82 494 8279.
Glider Flips and Whale-Watching Flights (Weekends Only)
Glider flips with the local flying club! Feel the force as you loop the loop - with spectacular views! Spot the Whales (July to December). Contact Colin Langridge on +27 (0)28 514 1119.
Waterskiing
Waterskiing costs R280 per hour for the boat and driver, regardless of the number of people skiing. Available at Bufferjagsdam.
Walks
On Klippe Rivier
An easy 45-minute walk along an old farm track, starts at the old iron wagon frame outside the Reitz Room, and leads up at an easy pace to the gum trees at the top of the farm. An old gate opens onto the gravel road which leads to the Breede Rivier. From time to time there are ticks in the long grass which are harmless, but can leave an itchy bite.
Marloth Nature Reserve
Situated in the Langeberg mountains this nature lovers paradise is full of fauna and flora typical of the area. Tel +27 (0)28 514 1410
Arts & Crafts
Jan du Toit
Jan's stunning vases and famous "heads" decorate Klippe Rivier. Visit Jan in his studio at home, there are no official opening hours , basically open every day , best time to visit in the morning. There is no sign so knock on the door, if no reply walk past the garage down the path leading to the studio. (Tel (028) 514 2955 , 28 Buitenkant Street, above the town centre, Swellendam)
Continent of Sulina
This local attraction draws people from all over the country. It's not just a pottery - it's a Faerie Sanctuary. Uniquely handcrafted Faerie sculptures of various shapes, sizes, colours and styles peep out from behind the foliage and the flourishing garden of indigenous trees, plants and herbs (many with healing properties) is nurtured with passion. (Ian and Minkie Sulin, Tel (028) 514 1786, 37 Buitenkant Street, above the town center, Swellendam)
Bukkenberg Studio
David and Felicity have a beautiful, tranquil home which houses their studio and superb pottery. High-temperatue, reduction fired stoneware and porcelain, everything from cups and saucers to enormous urns. Besides their own work they are very active organising and promoting local art and craft events. Open daily, check the sign at the entrance. (David Schlapobersky and Felicity Potter, Tel (028) 514 1644, 8 Hermanus Steyn Street, next to Mayville and near the Drostdy Museum. Swellendam )
Day Trips
Arniston/Waenhuiskrans to Cape Agulhas, the Southernmost tip of Africa via Bredasdorp
Arniston (Waenhuiskrans) and Agulhas (Southern most tip of Africa) both approximately 100kms from Swellendam. Nestling on the Southern coast, is the historic fishing village of Arniston, approximatlely an hour's drive from Swellendam. En route, stop at the fascinating Shipwreck Museum in Bredasdorp. While in Arniston visit the famous Waenhuiskrans ("wagon shed") cave where years of wave erosion have created a natural cave. Take a dip in the clear sea water. The vibrant fishing boats return at around midday, and the small harbour bustles with activity as bargainers haggle for freshly caught fish. Lunch at the Arniston Hotel where the fresh fish is not to be missed. Drive down to Cape Agulhas - the Southernmost tip of Africa which has a working historic lighthouse, with an interesting display of lighthouse history. Climb to the top and see the view.
De Hoop-Potberg Nature Reserve via Malgas
Witsand and Port Beaufort, via the "pont" at Malgas (this is a dirt road route, but the "pont" is interesting as it is the last operating "pont" in South Africa).Witsand and Port Beaufort can also be reached by tar road via Heidelberg. From Swellendam, travel easterly along the N2, until you reach the Witsand turn off - the dirt road through farmlands typical of the area. Take the turn off to Malgas and travel over the Breede Rivier - on the last regularly hand-pulled "pont" in South Africa (the cost of the "pont" is R6 per vehicle). De Hoop (R5 per vehicle, and R2 per person), about half an hour's drive from Malgas, is the nature sanctuary, boasting some of the most beautiful unspoilt beaches in South Africa - the rock pools are stunning and snorkelling is recommended during low-tide. A scenic 5km walk around the vlei is fabulous for bird watchers and nature lovers. Small mammals and antelope are prolific in De Hoop - Ostrich, Bontebok and Cape Mountain Zebra.
Breede Rivier Wine Route
Klippe Rivier offers fine wines from the Breede Rivier Valley.Visit some of the local wine estates in the delightful Breede River region of Ashton, Bonnievale and Robertson. Sample the fruit of the vine at the cellars and enjoy light lunches on some of the estates. More information and leaflets are on the 'voorkamer' table or from reception.
The Tradouw Pass to Barrydale and Montagu
Take the road to Barrydale, via Suurbraak, the small rural historic mission village which lies at the foot of the glorious Tradouw Pass. One of South Africa's scenic splendours, the drive up the Tradouw Pass is magical. Stop off and view the bushman paintings or picnic at the pools (near Barrydale) - the water is refreshing and cold for those bold enough! Barrydale is a calm tranquil farming village, and from there journey on to Montagu - famous for its hot springs. Lunch at "Something Special" with Fred and Felicity or one of the other eateries. Drive back to Swellendam through the Kogmanskloof Pass with its fascinating geological rock formations.
