 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.
6 Comments
 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
Think carpets of spring flowers, giant rock formations, star-filled night skies and the pounding of the Atlantic Ocean. This is the Namaqua National Park south-west of Springbok in South Africa’s Northern Cape. Here’s a guide to everything you need to know.  By Roxanne Reid
Luderitz, Namibia, is wedged between the Namib Desert and the icy Atlantic, a colourful hamlet in a windswept landscape. To get there you must drive 340km from Keetmanshoop on a straight road that takes you through forbidden diamond territory. When you crest the last dune, the town appears out of a barren landscape like a mirage, as misplaced as any tiny German hamlet could be.  By Roxanne Reid
I love camping in Namibia, especially in wilderness places without many people. I’ve written before about campsites in southwest Namibia, but not the rest of the country. Here are 15 Namibia campsites: a guide for camping in Namibia, from the southeast to the north.  By Roxanne Reid
Not far from Keetmanshoop in southern Namibia is the Quivertree Forest. The sheer number of these aloe trees here makes them special. Nearby at Giant’s Playground, huge boulders form strange patterns like massive Lego bricks. Find out how to visit Quivertree Forest and Giant’s Playground, Namibia, and where to stay when you do.  By Roxanne Reid
What kind of camping makes your heart beat and your soul sing? For me, it’s not crowded resort-style camping but bush camping in the peace of the wilderness. If that sounds like you, you’ll love Mesosaurus Fossil Camp and the chance to go bush camping in Namibia near Keetmanshoop.  By Roxanne Reid
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is one of South Africa’s most popular, especially with more adventurous visitors who don’t mind a bit of rough and tumble, some dust with their morning eggs. Who knows why, when there are at least 20 reasons why you shouldn’t visit the Kalahari.  By Roxanne Reid
Stark, denuded and barren are words that might be top of mind for any first-time visitor to the Karoo National Park in South Africa. But that would be to ignore all that makes this area special. Find out more in Karoo National Park: the ultimate guide.  By Roxanne Reid
Deep in South africa's Karoo heartland is a national park that entirely surrounds the town of Graaff-Reinet. It's probably most famous for the spectacle that is the Valley of Desolation, a rocky landscape formed millions of years ago. But there are lots of other reasons to visit too; find out more in Camdeboo National Park: the ultimate guide. |
Buy my books
E-book 2012
2nd ed e-book 2015
E-book 2017
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
All
Archives
January 2022
|