Swellendam is one of the Western Cape’s best kept secrets, situated approximately 220km from Cape Town along the national road (N2) that runs from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. Hidden amongst magnificent mountains, a patchwork of farmlands, plethora of wildflowers, and 250 hectares of indigenous forest, Swellendam offers an entrancing beauty that is hard to beat.
As the 4th oldest town in South Africa and boasting over 50 provincial heritage sites, adventure activities, and cultural attractions, it’s the perfect getaway for young and old.
- Brave the Fuffi Slide at Umshanti
Umshanti offers visitors the chance to zoom along a 220m fuffi slide, 45m above the glasslike Buffeljags Dam. After kicking bravely off the platform, you will hurtle downwards at a thrilling speed and end up skidding to a halt along your stomach.
- Cost: R60 per slide
- Time: Always open but at least a half day advance booking is recommended on weekdays
- Contact: +27 (0)28 5123787.
- Experience the magic at Sulina Fairy Sanctuary
The Fairy Sanctuary is a whimsical house and garden jam-packed with thousands of assorted fairies. If you’re not into airy-fairy attractions or the strong smell of incense, rather limit your visit to the garden.
- Cost: R20 an adult and R10 a child under 13 years
- Time: Wednesday to Saturday and daily during school holidays from 09h00 – 16h30, and Sunday from 10h00 – 16h00.
- Contact: +27 (0)28 514 1786.
- Berry nice liqueur tasting at Wildebraam Berry Estate
If you’re lucky enough to visit during November and December, you can experience the wonders of berry picking at Wildebraam Berry Estate. Don’t fret if you visit outside of the summer months as you can still enjoy liqueur tasting in the private cellar, and browse over 100 different products, including liqueurs, jams, deli and chilli products, syrups, gifts, and more!
- Cost: Free for tasting, R5 for berry picking and ±R10/kg for blackberries and R12/kg for youngberries.
- Time: Monday to Friday, from 08h00 – 17h00, Saturday and public holidays from 09h00 – 16h00, and Sunday during berry season from 10h00 – 15h00.
- Contact: +27(0)28 514 3132.
- Pamper yourself at the Rain Forest Spa
Pamper yourself with an invigorating spa treatment in an imaginary rain forest at the Rain Forest Day Spa. The menu offers wraps, masks, scrubs, oils, as well as deep tissue, Shiatsu, Thai, and hot stone massage.
- Cost: varies per treatment
- Time: daily from 09h00 to 20h00.
- Contact: +27 (0)28 514 1737.
- Have coffee at The Old Gaol Restaurant
The Old Gaol is a charming coffee shop in the Drostdy Museum Complex. It’s the perfect place to stop off for a light lunch or tea with favourites like chicken pie, bobotie, tomato bredie, Cape curries, pastas, and home baked cakes. There is also a kiddies’ playground.
- Cost: R80 average for a main meal
- Time: daily from 08h00 – 17h00.
- Contact: +27 (0)28 514 3847.
- Hike and picnic at Bontebok National Park
Bontebok National Park is set on the banks of the Breede River. Forming part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, the park has exceptional flora and fauna like bontebok, grey rhebuck, red hartebeest, and other smaller mammals. Enjoy a picnic on the banks of the river or braai at one of the designated braai spots.
- Cost: R30 an adult and R15 a child for South African residents, R40 an adult and R20 for SADC Nationals, and R80 an adult and R40 a child for standard visitors.
- Time: 07h00 – 19h00 (Oct – Apr) and 07h00 – 18h00 (May to Sep).
- Contact: +27 (0)28 514 2735.
- Canter the Two Feathers Horse Trails
Discover the beauty of the Swellendam mountains, forests, and rivers with Two Feathers Horse Trails. All levels of riders are welcome. Full day rides are available for experienced riders and include riverside forest picnics.
- Cost: ±R200 an hour
- Time: The trails run twice daily, early morning or late afternoon for 1 – 2 hours.
- Contact: +27 (0)28 514 2648.
- Have lunch at Bukkenburg Pottery Studio
Bukkenburg Pottery Studio was built in the 1860s and includes a barn, cowshed, and a house that was proclaimed a national monument due to its Cape Victorian architecture. Attend a workshop, browse the studio for ceramics, or grab a bite to eat on the terrace. Tempting options include home baked sourdough breads, relishes, preserves, local cheeses, cakes, and desserts. All the food is prepared using home grown vegetables and salads in handmade stoneware and porcelain tableware.
- Time: daily.
- Contact +27 (0)28 514 1644.
- Visit the Lavender Farm
The Lavender Farm offers the chance to pick your own lavender, learn gardening tips, visit the nursery, join a tour, browse the gift shop, and taste lavender cookies and refreshments at the tea garden.
- Cost: activity dependent
- Time: Lavender season is from March to September, and the farm is open Monday to Sunday from 10h00 – 18h00.
- Contact: +27 (0)28 512 3476.
- Star gaze with Swellendam Stargazers
Swellendam Stargazers are passionate about astronomy. Your evening will include a presentation and a chance to view an array of planets, meteors, and stars. Please note that this activity is weather permitting.
- Cost: It costs R80 an adult and R50 a child (a minimum of R300 is required – i.e. if only two people book, it will be R150 per person).
- Time: by booking
- Contact: +27 (0)84 255 0522 after hours.
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