Swellendam - today
Today Swellendam is a tranquil, small town supported mainly by tourism and agriculture. Approximately 95% of South Africas blackberries are harvested here. Wine and citrus farms as well as corn fields and sheep and cattle breeding complete the picture.
There is a lot to do in and around Swellendam - heres a small selection:
- De Hoop Nature Reserve: An ideal day trip to see zebra, bontebok and other antelope and animals. Also offers good bathing opportunities in natural tidal pools and whale watching.
- Drostdy Museum: Open-air museum complex with several historical buildings.
- Bontebok National Park: See the bontebok, other antelope, Cape-Mountain Zebra, a variety of birds, etc.. Also offers a beautiful walk along the original Breede
River. - Marloth Nature Reserve: Stunning hiking trails through indigenous forest, to waterfalls and up to the peaks of the Langeberge.
- Breede River Wine Route: Another secret hint. Taste and enjoy the delicious wines directly from the producer.
- Cape Agulhas: The southernmost point of Africa.
- Play golf: 9 hole golf course with excellent view onto the Langeberge.
- Further sports activities: squash, tennis, bowling, water ski.
- Organised horse ride tours into the Langeberge or along the beautiful Breede River - also for beginners.
- Beaches: Infanta, Witsand, Arniston and Port Beauforts beaches are excellent for swimming and whale watching.
- Montagu: Bathing in hot springs or tractor rides up to the peak.
- Tradouw Pass: the drive through the mountain range to the Klein Karoo is well worth it.
- Sulina: a mystic fairy garden in Swellendam.
