| Swellendam, South Africa's third oldest town is | | | | drive from Cape Town. On this adventure you will |
| nestling at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains | | | | enjoy your days paddling in two-man Mohawk |
| and has much to offer visitors who have an | | | | canoes in the tranquil waters of the Breede and |
| interest in history, nature, outdoor activities and | | | | your nights socializing around a campfire. The Up |
| art. Swellendam is ideally situated halfway | | | | the Creek Camp is situated near Swellendam on a |
| between Cape Town and George and is therefore | | | | hill side overlooking the river where the |
| an ideal stop over for tourists. In these two hours | | | | accommodation is A-frame chalets or 3 |
| from Cape Town to Swellendam, you will pass | | | | ox-wagons. This accommodation includes |
| through unspoilt villages and towns. Take a trip | | | | comfortable beds with linen and Duvets. All in all, |
| back in time and stay in some of the historic | | | | this adventure will be well worth a try and is ideal |
| homesteads and country houses in the area, | | | | for a family to enjoy together.Youngberry tasting |
| which offer bed and breakfast. Rainfall is spread | | | | can be done at the Buffeljags Dam. This |
| over the year and there is little wind and | | | | cultivated wild berry was imported to South |
| temperatures are moderate all year | | | | Africa in 1939 by Prof OSH Reinecke. The |
| round.Swellendam has been an important travel | | | | industry is sadly declining because of endless |
| centre for centuries. Early travelers and explorers | | | | problems associated with wind and rain damage |
| traded with the Khoi-Khoi people and in 1743 the | | | | or to much heat, pest attacks and insufficient |
| Dutch East India Company declared Swellendam a | | | | labor during the peak harvesting period from mid - |
| magisterial district and built the Drostdy which was | | | | November to early December. Today over 90% |
| completed in 1747. This Drostdy, a national | | | | of the total annual crop of just over 600 tons is |
| monument, is the only eighteenth century | | | | produced by farmers in the Swellendam area. On |
| Drostdy that is preserved in its original form and | | | | your visit to the Hermitage Liqueur Farm just |
| will give tourists a wonderful insight as to the life | | | | 3km out of town you can sample some of the |
| of the settlers.The more adventures tourist can | | | | liqueur made from youngberries. Other |
| go on the Swellendam hike. Located in and around | | | | Youngberry products are also for sale here.Local |
| the Marloth Nature Reserve this hiking trail is one | | | | artists like the potter Jan du Toit's vases are |
| of the most beautiful in the Cape. There are | | | | famous, visit him and other artists in the |
| numerous shorter routs if a six day hike is too | | | | town.Other activities that Swellendam has to |
| long for you. On this trail you will see stretches of | | | | offer include:* 4x4 Mountain Experience: Marloth |
| fynbos alternated with cool indigenous forest, | | | | Nature Reserve * Canoe the Breede River * |
| small animals and birds. Other sections of the trail | | | | Sunset Cruises on a kitted-out double-decker |
| will give you the sensation of being in a peaceful | | | | wooden raft * Buffeljachts Dam for Water |
| and secluded wilderness. The six day hike | | | | sports * Horse Trails * White water raft the |
| demands a medium to high level of fitness and is | | | | Breede River * Waterskiing * Several well-known |
| therefore not recommended for the light hearted. | | | | artists have settled in Swellendam and their |
| The Marloth Nature Reserve is also one of the | | | | studios may be visited * Pop into the Sulina Faerie |
| best birding spots in the Western Cape and | | | | Sanctuary: Magical Faerie display & garden * |
| therefore defiantly worth visiting.The rare and | | | | Cruise down the Breede River on a double-decker |
| beautiful Bontebok antelope and other small buck | | | | river boat - "Pot se Vlot" * Motor glider flightsAs |
| species can be seen at the Bontebok National | | | | you can see Swellendam is well worth a visit. |
| Park. This park is only 6km out of Swellendam. A | | | | Come and enjoy a few days of relaxation in our |
| total of 126 different bird species have also been | | | | beautiful town while we pamper your every |
| identified here. There is a charming caravan park | | | | need.Gerald Crawford: born in South Africa, |
| on the banks of the Breede River where they | | | | studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel |
| also have fully equipped chalets for hire and | | | | and african travel concepts. He taught responsible |
| where day visitors are welcome to swim, fish or | | | | tourism in South Africa and the United Kingdom. If |
| picnic.Other than hiking the adventurous at heart | | | | you have any questions or comments please |
| can also enjoy a day or two off river rafting. The | | | | e-mail me on. E-mail Address: gerald@12234455.co. |
| Breede River rafting adventure is about a 2.5hour | | | | |