Swellendam: South Africa's Best Kept Secret

Swellendam, South Africa's third oldest town is nestlingCape Town. On this adventure you will enjoy your
at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains and has muchdays paddling in two-man Mohawk canoes in the
to offer visitors who have an interest in history, nature,tranquil waters of the Breede and your nights
outdoor activities and art. Swellendam is ideally situatedsocializing around a campfire. The Up the Creek Camp
halfway between Cape Town and George and isis situated near Swellendam on a hill side overlooking
therefore an ideal stop over for tourists. In these twothe river where the accommodation is A-frame
hours from Cape Town to Swellendam, you will passchalets or 3 ox-wagons. This accommodation includes
through unspoilt villages and towns. Take a trip back incomfortable beds with linen and Duvets. All in all, this
time and stay in some of the historic homesteads andadventure will be well worth a try and is ideal for a
country houses in the area, which offer bed andfamily to enjoy together.Youngberry tasting can be
breakfast. Rainfall is spread over the year and there isdone at the Buffeljags Dam. This cultivated wild berry
little wind and temperatures are moderate all yearwas imported to South Africa in 1939 by Prof OSH
round.Swellendam has been an important travel centreReinecke. The industry is sadly declining because of
for centuries. Early travelers and explorers traded withendless problems associated with wind and rain
the Khoi-Khoi people and in 1743 the Dutch East Indiadamage or to much heat, pest attacks and insufficient
Company declared Swellendam a magisterial districtlabor during the peak harvesting period from mid -
and built the Drostdy which was completed in 1747.November to early December. Today over 90% of
This Drostdy, a national monument, is the onlythe total annual crop of just over 600 tons is produced
eighteenth century Drostdy that is preserved in itsby farmers in the Swellendam area. On your visit to
original form and will give tourists a wonderful insight asthe Hermitage Liqueur Farm just 3km out of town you
to the life of the settlers.The more adventures touristcan sample some of the liqueur made from
can go on the Swellendam hike. Located in and aroundyoungberries. Other Youngberry products are also for
the Marloth Nature Reserve this hiking trail is one ofsale here.Local artists like the potter Jan du Toit's
the most beautiful in the Cape. There are numerousvases are famous, visit him and other artists in the
shorter routs if a six day hike is too long for you. Ontown.Other activities that Swellendam has to offer
this trail you will see stretches of fynbos alternatedinclude:* 4x4 Mountain Experience: Marloth Nature
with cool indigenous forest, small animals and birds.Reserve * Canoe the Breede River * Sunset Cruises
Other sections of the trail will give you the sensation ofon a kitted-out double-decker wooden raft *
being in a peaceful and secluded wilderness. The sixBuffeljachts Dam for Water sports * Horse Trails *
day hike demands a medium to high level of fitnessWhite water raft the Breede River * Waterskiing *
and is therefore not recommended for the lightSeveral well-known artists have settled in Swellendam
hearted. The Marloth Nature Reserve is also one ofand their studios may be visited * Pop into the Sulina
the best birding spots in the Western Cape andFaerie Sanctuary: Magical Faerie display & garden *
therefore defiantly worth visiting.The rare and beautifulCruise down the Breede River on a double-decker
Bontebok antelope and other small buck species canriver boat - "Pot se Vlot" * Motor glider flightsAs you
be seen at the Bontebok National Park. This park iscan see Swellendam is well worth a visit. Come and
only 6km out of Swellendam. A total of 126 differentenjoy a few days of relaxation in our beautiful town
bird species have also been identified here. There is awhile we pamper your every need.Gerald Crawford:
charming caravan park on the banks of the Breedeborn in South Africa, studied electronics,
River where they also have fully equipped chalets fortelecommunication, eco-travel and african travel
hire and where day visitors are welcome to swim, fishconcepts. He taught responsible tourism in South
or picnic.Other than hiking the adventurous at heart canAfrica and the United Kingdom. If you have any
also enjoy a day or two off river rafting. The Breedequestions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail
River rafting adventure is about a 2.5hour drive fromAddress: gerald@12234455.co.