People who live in Swellendam know just how much there is to do in the area, but those who think of it as a two-hour drive from Cape Town on their way to the Garden Route need a little encouragement to stop and explore. Here are 20 things to do in Swellendam; spend three days here and you’ll barely touch the surface.
By Roxanne Reid
People who live in Swellendam know just how much there is to do in the area, but those who think of it as a two-hour drive from Cape Town on their way to the Garden Route need a little encouragement to stop and explore. Here are 20 things to do in Swellendam; spend three days here and you’ll barely touch the surface.
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By Roxanne Reid
The history of Riebeek Kasteel and the wider Riebeek Valley in the Swartland goes back a long way, as stone-age tools and KhoiSan art found in the mountains around it show. But today it’s a much-loved weekend getaway for Capetonians. Here’s my pick of things to do in Riebeek Kasteel and the Riebeek Valley. By Roxanne Reid
Perhaps best known for the imposing Table Mountain and for Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for many years, Cape Town is also an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Those in the know consider Cape Town food a drawcard too, with a clutch of good restaurants and wineries. Here are some of my favourite foodie things to do in Cape Town and on the Cape Peninsula, many of them not too tough on the wallet. By Roxanne Reid
The West Coast village of Darling, just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town, is a well-loved weekend getaway, particularly during the Darling Wildflower Show in September. But Darling has a lot more to offer at any time of year. Here are 20 things to do in Darling on the Western Cape’s West Coast. By Roxanne Reid
There’s so much to do in and around Swellendam, smack bang between Cape Town and George on the Garden Route, that you’ll need at least three to five days to do it justice. So you’ll need to book accommodation in Swellendam. Luckily you’re spoilt for choice, with everything from five-star country hospitality to camping, and everything in between. By Roxanne Reid
Jagged mountains and gnarled old oaks, the curve of a Cape Dutch gable, long rows of vineyards or fruit trees, a farm dam – these are the memories you’ll bring home from Tulbagh. In the Cape Winelands just a 90-minute drive from Cape Town, it’s a place to discover history and magnificent scenery, to explore things to do in Tulbagh. By Roxanne Reid [Updated February 2024] When you visit Paternoster on the West Coast, one of the highlights is the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve & lighthouse about 5km away along a gravel road. The nature reserve is especially pretty when carpeted with spring flowers and there’s something hugely romantic about lighthouses and their keepers. By Roxanne Reid
Less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town lies the fertile Elgin Valley. Here vineyards and orchards roll out along the hills, with quaint cottages and roses along fences adding to the rural charm. It’s also heaven for outdoor enthusiasts. Discover 17 things to do in Elgin in the Overberg. By Roxanne Reid
There’s an enchanting patch of indigenous forest in the Western Cape’s Langeberg region. At 250ha, it’s the largest tract of indigenous Afrotemperate forest west of Knysna. Here you’ll find trees like stinkwood, yellowwood, ironwood, red alder, Cape beech and about 30 other species. Together, they make for a beautiful dappled forest where you’ll want to get out on some of the hiking or biking trails, visit one of the bird hides. Find out why you’ll love Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve. By Roxanne Reid
If you were to compile a bucket list of places in South Africa you have to visit at least once in your life, what would you include? For me they’d need to offer something special in the way of nature, wildlife, beaches, culture and heritage, activities and experiences. Here’s a roundup of 20 of the best South African holiday destinations including a bucket list of places to visit if you haven’t already. |
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AboutI'm an independent travel writer and book editor with a passion for Africa - anything from African travel, people, safari and wildlife to adventure, heritage, road-tripping and slow travel. Categories
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