Swellendam: Historic Town in Cape Dutch Style

The historic town of Swellendam is the third oldest city in South Africa after Cape Town and Stellenbosch. The Cape Dutch buildings in the center of this idyllic town are stunning. It's perfect for a day's break between Cape Town and the Garden Route.

The highlights in Swellendam can be quickly told. Especially the historic district is worth a walking tour. The many houses built in the Cape Dutch style are truly remarkable. The Drostdy Museum gives insight into the history and daily life of the population in the 18th and 19th centuries, although it is not a must-see.

We have always used Swellendam as a stop on the Garden Route and Cape Town. We dined at Field & Fork, enjoyed great food, or sat in the sun at Schoonwinkel Café with coffee and a light meal. At A River Guesthouse, we relaxed by the pool and took a break after visiting the De Hoop Nature Reserve in the morning (my favorite spot next to the Tsitsikamma National Park).

Getting There from Cape Town

Swellendam is located about 220 km east of Cape Town. The drive via the N2 takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. The more scenic route takes you via the R60, but it takes significantly longer.

Getting There from De Hoop Nature Reserve

The distance between the De Hoop Nature Reserve and Swellendam is about 50 - 60 km, and the drive takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.

About 6 kilometers south of Swellendam is the small Bontebok National Park. It was established to protect the last Bontebok antelopes, which were nearly extinct in the 19th century. There are now about 200 Bonteboks in the park, as well as mountain zebras, reedbucks, springboks, hyenas, and bushbucks. You can also observe over 200 different species of birds here!

The Marloth Nature Reserve is only 2 km from Swellendam. Here you can enjoy wonderful hikes. Unfortunately, we didn't have time for that either and continued after a hearty breakfast and shopping at the supermarket to the southernmost point of South Africa.

The De Hoop Nature Reserve is easily accessible from Swellendam and one of the most beautiful places between Cape Town and the Garden Route. It's my absolute highlight.

River rafting or canoeing on the Breede River.

On our second visit, we stayed at the relatively new accommodation A Riverbed Guesthouse. The pool is perfect for lounging in between activities. Additionally, there is a great café and excellent restaurants in Swellendam! All-around comfort is thus well catered for.

Great new accommodation with a large bathroom, bedroom, and a terrace by the pool. We had a room at the very end. The ones at the front often have 'through traffic' as guests walk by. However, it is very quiet and the hosts are very friendly. The guesthouse is by the river (2nd picture) and some guests have also grilled, relaxed, and cooled off here.

Small kitchenette in the room, breakfast to prepare yourself in the fridge, and coffee in the room. What could be better?

View accommodation on booking.com

Recommended stay duration: 1 night

Restaurants: Field & Fork (changing 3-course menus - very delicious. Definitely make a reservation) or the restaurant of De Companjie

Café Schoonwinkel: the best café along the Garden Route (with a small shop)

Other activities: Historical walking tour in Swellendam, Bontebok National Park, De Hoop Nature Reserve, canoeing, or rafting.

Distance Swellendam - De Hoop: 50 km. Swellendam - Cape Agulhas: 110 km. Swellendam - Cape Town: 230 km.

I have visited Field & Fork twice. The food is excellent and truly inexpensive for what you get. If you'd like to dine here, you should definitely reserve a table, as the restaurant is popular.

I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful in answering your questions about Swellendam in South Africa. If you have any ideas or questions, we would love to hear your comments here on the travel blog.

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