Top 7 things to do in and around Swellendam

Oct 13, 2016

Planning a trip to Swellendam. Here are our top 7 picks for things to do in and around Swellendam.

1. Swellendam Town

A short drive from AfriCamps at Kam’Bati lies the picturesque town of Swellendam, which is the 3rd oldest town of South Africa after Cape Town and Stellenbosch. Swellendam is filled with rich historical buildings and great restaurants. 

Add in a trip to the Drostdy Museum while you are there. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIzzVWRB4zN/?taken-at=268725438

Photo by Bea

2.Restaurants

Indulge the foodie in you and go try out some of the many great restaurants in the area.

Our top picks in the area are Tredici, Field and Fork and La Sosta which serves up great Italian food. Woodpecker pizzeria serves up the best pizza in town, added bonus is the homely setting. Old Goal on Church Square has a beautiful courtyard and offers the perfect settings for breakfast and lunch options.

https://www.instagram.com/p/1DNEzRSXgH/?taken-at=263281284

Photo by Nuzhah Jacobs

3. Garden Route

Swellendam is the ideal stopover on route to the Garden Route when you leave from Cape Town. This is one of the most beautiful routes to drive in South Africa and it starts from Mossel bay and makes it way to Port Elizabeth. This route is packed with diverse vegetations, lagoons, lakes and beautiful ocean views.

Photo by AfriCamps Team.

4. White water rafting at the Breede River

This will bring out the daredevil in you as it gets your adrenaline flowing. Take a trip down the Breede River which meanders for 300km before it flows into the Indian Ocean. This is ideal for outdoor lovers, families, couple and kids.

#secundaweir #knysnaracing #noswims #breederiver

A photo posted by Denver Knoetzen (@diepoen) on

Photo by Claire Farringer for  Denver Knoetze

5. Marloth Nature Reserve

Just outside of Swellendam you can find the Marloth Nature Reserve which lies within the majestic Langeberg Mountains, which can be seen from the deck of your AfriCamps at Kam’Bati tents. This nature reserve is ideal for hikes, picnicking, biking or bird watching.

Spring sunsets in Marloth. Come see them.

A photo posted by Marloth Nature Reserve (@friends_of_marloth) on

Photo by Friends_of_Marloth

Enjoy the nature of this beautiful area while on a horse ride in the Marloth Nature Reserve. These guided tours will let you experience the beauty of South Africa from another perspective. Beginner’s and advanced riders are welcome.

🐎🐎 #swellendam #marlothnaturereserve #twofeatherhorsetrails

A photo posted by Emily Dundon (@edundon) on

Photo by Emily Dundon

6. Cape Agulhas

Most people think that Cape Point is the most Southern Point of Africa but in fact, the most southern point is Cape Agulhas. This is just a short 1-hour drive from AfriCamps at Kam’Bati.

Add in a stop at the famous Cape Agulhas lighthouse and have a bite to eat at the rustic restaurant.   

Photo by Giuliana Loi Cockcroft

7. Whale watching at De Hoop Nature Reserve

Lose the crowd who usually go to Hermanus for whale watching and go spot these majestic creatures at the De Hoop Nature Reserve. This is a beautiful nature reserve which is the home to many different animals such as elands, baboons, buck and the occasional leopard.

Just magical

A photo posted by Tina le Cordeur 🎀🎀🎀 (@tina_terrific) on

Photo by Tina le Cordeur

This is just some of the many highlights around this area. Plan your stay at Africamps at Kam’Bati and add in some or all of these great activities.