The enchanting town of Swellendam is nestled in the heart of the Western Cape, South Africa. As you embark on your journey through this picturesque destination, get ready to be captivated by its rich history, stunning landscapes, and a plethora of activities that promise to make your visit truly unforgettable.
I stayed in Swellendam, on South Africa’s Garden Route. It was part of a long-held ambition to explore the Eastern Cape, the southernmost tip of the African continent. This is an area teeming with history, wildlife, and stunning landscapes, and Swellendam proved to be the ideal place for a stop along the way.
This is a guest post by fellow travel blogger, Karen. Karen Warren is a freelance writer, book reviewer and novelist. She writes about travel on her website WorldWideWriter.
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Why Visit Swellendam?
Swellendam is around 200 km from Cape Town. It is a small town, with everything within walking distance. It is surrounded by mountains and open countryside, but the chief attraction within the town itself is the 50-plus historic buildings from the 18th to 20th centuries. Built in the Cape Dutch style, which itself incorporates a variety of architectural traditions, these buildings tell the story of Swellendam since its founding in 1745 (making it the 4th oldest town in South Africa). You can read more in my earlier post about Swellendam’s heritage buildings.
Visitors are well catered for!
We stayed at the Augusta de Mist, a fabulous guest house in a historic homestead with individually designed rooms and two hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens. You will find traditional African food (often with a modern twist!) both at the Augusta de Mist and at restaurants in the town – we tried crocodile sashimi and springbok carpaccio among other local specialties.
Swellendam As A Base
It is very easy to drive out of Swellendam: the roads are quiet and at times it seems you are as likely to spot a baboon or other wildlife as another car! There are several nature reserves nearby, including the Marloth Reserve (a ten-minute drive), with access to the long-distance Swellendam Hiking Trail. Further afield (around 2 hours’ drive) is the Stony Point Penguin Sanctuary at Betty’s Bay. It’s impossible to be bored, despite the size, since there are so many things to do in Swellendam and its surrounding areas.
For us, the highlight was a drive to the De Hoop Nature Reserve, 50 km from Swellendam. Although partly on unmade roads, it was worth the effort, with vast empty landscapes. We passed fields of ostriches and zebras, a lone hartebeest, and dozens of different types of birds.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a food enthusiast, Swellendam beckons with open arms, promising a delightful tapestry of experiences that will linger in your memories long after you’ve bid farewell to this charming town.
Read More about South Africa
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Ultimate Guide to Kruger National Park
Best Places to Visit in South Africa
Save “Best Things to do in Swellendam, South Africa” for Later
