10 Best Things to do in Swellendam

Joany and Alison are available to assist with planning your 10 best things to do in Swellendam… Many of the activities need prior reservation, so please don’t hesitate to ask.

Remember that Swellendam is also the ideal place to rest, rejuvenate and breathe, especially after the busy-ness of Cape Town or the Garden Route. Spend the day reading, suntanning, snacking and/or napping (in no particular order).

1.Nature

1.Nature

We are perfectly positioned for an escape into nature to horseride, hike, mountain bike or simply to reconnect with ourselves.

  • The Bontebok Park about 10minutes drive from us, takes you to the banks of the Breede River with some (small) game viewing, fantastic bird-watching and it's own 'beach' for a paddle and a picnic.
  • The Marloth Nature Reserve is within walking distance of us and includes proper hikes with the most beautiful fynbos and birds.  The Duiwelsbos Waterfall is worth the visit.
  • The De Hoop Nature Reserve is about an hour's drive on dirt road, but a proper day trip can be made of it, with an add-on leg to Cape Agulhas (southernmost tip of Africa).  Spectacular whale-watching in season, but amazingly wild beach scenery out of season.  Well worth the drive if staying a few nights.
2. Adventure

2. Adventure

Organic Farm grown Beetroot in Swellendam, available from the Earth Centre

3. Food

Swellendam is an authentic and beautiful agricultural area with a treasure trove of delicious farm-sourced produce as well as a plethora of deliciousness on offer at local restaurants

  • Visit the Earth Centre in the Drostdy Museum Complex for locally grown, locally sourced organic or bio-farmed fresh produce as well as earth-friendly body, mind & pet products.
  • A short stroll to the Country Deli for sublime coffee, sandwiches and beautiful blomme (flowers).  They have also newly acquired the Field&Fork restaurant next door for modern bistro-style food with panache.
  • Biltong Boys for quite simply, the best biltong in the land.  Seriously.  We've tried it all.
  • Lily's Living for authentic gelato & waffles as well as gorgeous locally-made clothes & gifts.
  • Delicious handmade jams, pickles, chutneys, liqueurs, atchars & relishes for tastings at Wildebraam Berry Estate in the beautiful Hermitage Valley 
  • Grace+Merci for beautiful food, delicious bakes, uber stylish interiors, gorgeous gifties and amazing natural parfumerie.
  • Tredici for perfect pizzas, wonderful wines, more gorgeous gifties and superb architecture.
  • La Belle Alliance for it's spectacular setting next to the river and under the trees.
  • Schoonwinkel for scrumptious toasties, mouthwatering milkshakes and spectacular coffee.
  • Obviously, dining in-house in the Conservatory, is a must, but if staying more than one evening and would like to explore the village a bit, we recommend:
  • La Sosta for award-winning authentic Italian fine dining cuisine in an intimate & stylish setting.  Pre-reservations absolutely essential (often weeks in advance).
  • Christelle's Bistro for French-inspired food & decor.  Great vegan & vegetarian options.
  • Field&Fork for modern bistro-style food with panache.
  • Republic for very relaxed burgers, pizza & quyikry gin.
  • The Wijnbar for a huge selection of local wines on the deck & local cheese/charcuterie platters.

 

Silverthorn Cap Classique Bonnievale, close to Swellendam

4. Wine

We are fortunate to be only 20minutes away from the beginnning of the Robertson Wine Route and 40minutes from the Karoo plus a couple of wonderful wine estates right on our doorstep.  We are able to organise a Wine Flight of top 4 to 5 estates at our local Wijnbar and a guided/driven tour to one or more estates too, if booked in advance.  A few of our favourites (available on our Wine List too)

  • Silverthorn Wines for arguably one of the best Cap Classiques in the country.  We love them.  They focus completely on Cap Classique and it shows! 
  • Weltevrede Wine Estate, in Bonnievale for their unparalled chardonnays and bubblies.  Currently loving The Ring.  Couple a cellar tour with exceptional lunch at Kapokbos overlooking their spectacular gardens.
  • Lözarn Vineyards is a relative newcomer to Robertson.  We love the farm's story and her Muscat Blanc and Carménère are stand out wines.
  • Kleinhoekkloof close to Ashton is an off the beaten track boutique wine estate.  It's the ideal place for the wine, food and nature lover seeking an authentic and peaceful countryside experience.  Standout Rosé.
  • Sijnn is a true unicorn within the Cape Winelands. Located in Malgas, it is the first growth appellation in the entire region and is making headlines and breathing new life into the South African wine industry with rare and interesting cultivars. Well worth the trek.
  • Olivedale Vineyards is renowned for crafting exceptional wines that delight the senses. With a commitment to quality, this winery stands out for its unique flavors, aromas, and vibrant colors. A wine experience with Kaalvoet Carl is not to be missed.
  • Joubert-Tradauw for their Syrah espcially, but also for the spectacular drive over the Tradouw's Pass and for Beate's food at the Alfresco Deli.
  • You can't go wrong with a visit to Springfield Estate.  Their Thunderchild is worth ordering for the backstory and their Ancienne Cabernet is next level.
  • Lastly, for fun, a visit to Viljoensdrift for a picnic and bottle on their river barge.
Wildrebraam Berry Picking in the Hermitage Valley Swellendam

5. Family

  • A magic madhatters tea party and dragon garden tour at The Hidden Dragon Magic Garden.
  • A visit to the Sulina Faerie Sanctuary for everybody's inner child and personal healing.
  • Swellendam Getaway Adventure Farm for swimming, ziplining, tractor rides, enchanted forest exploring and canoeing.
  • Guided horse trails & outrides in the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains with Debra-Leigh from Hermitage Horses.
  • A visit to Debra-Leigh to support her local community work at Bethel Farm where she uses equine therapy to assist at risk children and families to encourage learning and self-supportive business.
  • A hike up to the waterfall in the Marloth Nature Reserve or a river swim, picnic, walk and small game view in the Bontebok Park.
  • Berry picking in season, November and December at Wildebraam Berry Estate and Swellendam Getaway Adventure Farm.
  • A visit to the local Bee Things Shop for all things honey as well as live Honey Bees on show.
  • Golf on the 9-hole Golf Course overlooking the Langeberg Mountains and Hermitage Valley.  Clubs & carts available for hire.
  • Canoeing, paddling, ziplining, microlighting and sunset barging at Umshanti on the Buffeljags Dam.
  • A pottery experience with David Schlapobersky at Bukkenburg Pottery Studio.  He also makes the most beautiful ceramics to purchase or commission.  Well worth a visit.
  • A visit to the Rooiklip Nursery for amazing array of succulents in a peaceful and quiet garden.
  • Oude Post Bistro for the best roosterkoek (fire bread), jungle gym, goat-feeding, coffee shop and plant nursery nearby.
NG Kerk Swellendam

6. History

Swellendam is the third oldest town in South Africa after Cape Town and Stellenbosch.  The 'historical walk'  (of which we have maps) is steeped in beautiful architecture and many stories.

  • Begin at Grace+Merci and walk the Market Square, this area was dominated by the Barry family trading empire which at the time stretched all the way to Mossel Bay and George. The Market Square currently houses oxwagons, the lei water canal, a Boer War Exhibition, the Parsonage and the iconic Swellendam Moederkerk.  This Dutch Reformed Church was built in 1902 by Cape Malay slaves and their Islamic influence can be seen in the architecture of the building.  The church is open weekdays for visits.
  • Move on to the Church Square and de Braak.  This would've been filled with the sounds of people, horses and wagons as parishioners/farmers from out of town would set up camp (uitspan) for the weekend while they attended communion (nagmaal).  The Nagmaal Huisies slightly up from the Square was where the wealthy farmers and their families would stay.  Above that were open fields used to pasture and graze the oxen on the Braak.  
  • Continue your walk back past Schoone Oordt.  Our grand old dame was originally a double-storeyed Georgian-style home built in 1853.  It was owned for a long time by the very wealthy Buirski family and Eli Buirski (the mayor at the time) added the elaborate cast iron filigree in the early 1900's.  Across the road in the small island are cannons and a monument erected in 1938 to commemorate the 1838 Groot Trek.
  • Once you've passed Schoone Oordt, you'll notice a selection of old Cape Dutch Architecure, all marked and explained on the map culminating in a visit to The Drostdy Museum Complex.  The Drostdy (Magistrate's Court) is a gracious thatched building very typical of Cape Dutch architecture with it's white façade and green shutters.  It served as the residence and offices of the Landdrost (Magistrate) of Swellendam for a hundred years.  It is the only surviving Magistrate's court of the early Dutch settlers.
  • There are another two sections to the Museum Complex, Mayville House, which was originally built somewhere between 1853 & 1855.  The house has been considerably restored to present a typical late 19th century Cape Country Home.  The second is the Old Gaol and Ambagswerf (trade yard).  The jail was built shortly after the Drostdy and enlarged in 1790 and again in 1830.  This period was one of heartbreaking frontier 'justice'.  Two of the cells are open for visitors and a sobering reminder.  In the trade yard are replicas of an 18th century charcoal kiln, a fully fitted smithy and wagon-maker's shop, a working horse-driven mill, an outdoor bread oven, a tannery and a cooperage.  All well worth the visit.

 

Galerie Arterie Art Gallery in Swellendam curated by Hanja Badenhorst

7. Arts, Crafts & Shopping

  • A range of splendid local artists & artisans at our Under the Oaks Country Market on a Saturday morning.  Not to be missed.
  • Our favourite whimsical illustrations by diTekenar, Alida.  Bookings to view essential.
  • Quirky & fanciful illustrated people on all sorts of homeware & clothing at Art d'Olivia.
  • Thomas Red for spectacular boutique designer clothing.
  • Bruise Gallery & Galerie Arterie, curated by Hanja Badenhorst, for an outstanding array of fabulous local sculptors, painters & artists.  Exhibitions change regularly.
  • The Drostdy Museum Shop & Anami Gallery for local souvenirs & African art.
  • Grace+Merci for beautiful bakes & luscious lunches, but also a natural parfumerie and amazingly stylish gifts, bath & body yummies
  • The new Wagenweg Boutique Market for local gifts, gelato, biltong, coffee, cakes & an amazing selection of wines for tasting.
  • Tredici for kitchenware, homeware, gifts, wines & even the most delicious food.
  • Bukkenburg Pottery Studio for exceptional ceramics and pottery experiences.

 

Whale Watching at De Hoop Nature Reserve

8. Curated Experiences

Watch this space.  Very exciting things coming along!

Vuyani Community Outreach Swellendam

8. Paying it Forward

By simply visiting South Africa as a tourist, you are already creating valuable employment and enhancing the lives of those around you.  If you feel as though you'd like to be more involved or offer more, then we suggest a visit/donation to one of the following local Swellendam NPO's.

  • Bethel Farm assists in creating work opportunites, providing skills training, equine therapy and supportiung school attendance for at risk children and underprivileged families.  Run by a remarkable young woman, Debra-Leigh, who humbly and tirelessly works to support even the most hopeless of cases.
  • Vuyani, run by Magda & Adriaan van Zyl, focuses time and energy specifically on the children of the Matjoks Informal Settlement.  Many of the 120 children do not have the opportunity to go to school never mind adequate childhood nutrition.  Vuyani's focus is to uplfit these children with games, childhood stimulation, skills training for teens as well as assisting with enrolment into school, food, love, hugs and transport.
  • CAP exists to create opportunities and growth in rural communities through leading, learning and teaching focused methodologies, uplifting relationships and impactful engagement with society.  They are outcome driven; producing resilient learners in school, committed youth in growth, thinkers in social care, problem-solvers in education and leaders in community building.
Cocktails & Snacks at Schoone Oordt Country House

10. #Jomo - the joy of missing out

Divine breakfast, superb afternoon tea&scones and a day next to the pool or in front of a toasty fireplace depending on the season.  There is a cabinet exploding with books to choose from as well a selection of boardgames and cards in the lounge.  Spoil yourself with a relaxing Spa Treatment at Passion for Nurture Spa (within easy walking distance) or at quirky Soul Spring Retreat just outside of town.  In-room Massages also available.  Bookings essential (preferably 24 hours before in season).