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