About Swellendam

This golf course was designed and built by Ken Elkin just after World War Two and is rated as one of the top nine hole golf courses in the country. Swellendam's par 72 golf course is nestled at the foot of the magnificent Langeberg mountains, with views overlooking the town, surrounding farms and the Hermitage Valley. There is a good variety of difficulty, which offers a true test for all levels of golfers. Open to the public 7 days a week, this club welcomes visitors local and abroad. The clubhouse is manned daily from 07h30 to 19h00, except on Sundays when the club’s opening hours are shorter. The best time to play in summer is early morning or late afternoon, and Swellendam’s mild winter climate makes play possible all year round. 

Umshanti is situated next to the Buffeljagsdam and delivers a variety of watersports. Visitors or groups can book a sunset boat cruise. Minimum of 10 people at a cost of R150 per person for 3 hours.  Bring your own food and drinks. Wood and a grill included for guests to braai.  Visitors can also hire a double canoe for R250 which you can use to explore the dam for as long as you wish.  Bring your own snacks and drinks as there are no facilities on the premises. Booking is necesarry at +27(0)28 512 3787.

Debra-Leigh Mohle's love for horses is contagious.  She offers horse riding lessons and trails in the Hermitage Valley at the foot of the Langeberg Mountain. Lovely adventure for all ages especially families with children.  Booking is essential at +27(0)76 452 8347

Bontebok National Park is a species-specific national park in South Africa. It was established in 1931 to ensure the preservation of the Bontebok. It is the smallest of South Africa's 18 National Parks, covering an area of 27.86 km.  The park is part of the Cape Floristic Region, which is a World Heritage Site.

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The park is located 6 km south of Swellendam, in the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains. It is bordered to the south by the Breede River. Bontebok National Park lacks major predators or other large dangerous animals, and thus allows several outdoor activities. These include self-navigated game drives, a large picnic area, fishing, swimming and kayaking on the Breede River, mountain biking (along the reserve's gravel roads, or a dedicated 9 km MTB trail) and several marked walking/hiking trails.

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Three hiking trails start near the rest camp (accessible for day visitors from a dedicated parking area, or via a short link path from the overnight camp):

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• The Acacia Trail is a circular route of approximately 1.6 km which is mostly flat, circling through acacia veldt

• The Aloe Hill Trail is a circular route of approximately 3.3 km (2.7 km if leaving from the rest camp) which passes the original building of Lang Elsie's Kraal (c. 1734-1800) before climbing a small hill, returning along the river with a few easy rocky scrambles

• The Bushbuck Trail, a 5.4 km out-and-return route along the river from the trailhead to Die Stroom (the picnic area) and return

Further inland from the river, the Blue Crane Trail is a 3.2 km route along a jeep track, passing some of the small dams. A fifth circular trail of about 6 km, the Termite Loop, commences near Die Stroom and climbs a long gentle incline before crossing Western Drive and descending back to the river.

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The Park is a good location for birding, with over 200 species recorded. Large species commonly see here are the Denham's (Stanley's) Bustard, Blue Crane, Spur-winged Goose and Secretary Bird. Other noteworthy species are Malachite and Southern Double-Collared Sunbird, Fiscal Flycatcher, Klaas's Cuckoo, Acacia Pied Barbet, Red-faced Mousebird and Pearl-breasted Swallow.

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Day visitors can access all areas of the park except for the Lang Elsies Kraal Rest Camp. However, a dedicated picnic area at Die Stroom has ablutions, braai (barbecue) facilities, a children's play area, and access to the river to swim, fish or kayak. Contact them at +27 28 514 2735.

Marloth Nature Reserve is a hidden gem in the majestic Swellendam Mountains, between Swellendam, Ashton, Barrydale and Suurbraak.  The peaceful reserve which is 14, 123 hectares in size, is managed together with 16 532 hectares of privately owned land, and is a World Heritage Site. Things to do are: Bird watching; Hiking and walking; Horse riding; Mountain biking; Picnicking. The Nature Reserve is entered from the Marloth Main Office where the hiking permits can be purchased (situated near the Swellendam golf course). Marloth Office Tel: +27(0)28 514 1410 www.capenature.co.za

Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy some awesome mountain biking on Swellendam's custom built trails, which starts at various points in Swellendam. There is a bike park to play around with 4 other routes testing the capabilities of all riders. The White route is 5 km and well suited for the beginner and kiddies. The Green route with 13km, Blue  with 22km and Red with 39km all offer stunning mountain and Overberg landscape views. With all guest houses as starting points and very close to the trail network this is no logistical nightmare. The routes are lying at the foot of the Langeberg mountains alongside Swellendam town.