 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.
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 By Roxanne Reid
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants in Swellendam, about 200km east of Cape Town. The town has more than 35 restaurants where you can get anything from a pastry to a pizza, a toasted sarmie to bobotie, a plate of pasta to a fine dining experience. Here are some ideas about Swellendam restaurants worth visiting.  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.  White dunes and turquoise sea, bright-coloured fishing boats and white-washed cottages, a coastline peppered with shipwrecks, a sleepy village with two names. Make a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Cape Town and discover some of the best things to do in Arniston / Waenhuiskrans, from whale-watching and caving to fishing and snorkeling.
 By Roxanne Reid
The little settlement of Malgas lies on the southwest bank of the Breede River in the Overberg, about 30km southeast of Swellendam. It’s perhaps best known for its pont across the Breede River but there are many other things to do in Malgas and the surrounding area too, from wine tasting and whale-watching to canoeing and fishing. Here are some of them.  By Roxanne Reid
The De Hoop Nature Reserve is just under a three-hour drive from Cape Town. It’s stuffed with Cape fynbos, its vlei is a wetland of international importance, and southern right whales come to breed in its Marine Protected Reserve. If those aren’t reason enough to visit, here are 15 things to do at De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Overberg.  By Roxanne Reid
If you’re like me, you need a few days away every now and then to stay invigorated and sane. But what happens if the purse strings are tight? Luckily, there’s lots of budget friendly self-catering accommodation in the Western Cape where you can stay without having to hawk your house.  By Roxanne Reid
Small towns are special in many ways, from lack of congestion to country cool, from old buildings full of character to friendly people with time to chat. I’ve chosen 20 of my favourite small towns for weekend getaways from Cape Town. Read on to see if I’ve included your favourite. |
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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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