Swellendam

Swellendam (pop. 35.000) is in the Western Cape region of South Africa. It's one of the oldest European settlements in South Africa and offers some fine examples of Dutch-Cape architecture. The tourist office is in the old mission at Voortrek Street (M-F 9AM to 5PM). - Local area code: 028; Postcode 6740

Understand

Get in

By car

It will take about 2-3 hours on the N2 to reach Swellendam by car from Cape Town (240km).

By bus

The major companies serve Swellendam on their run from Cape Town to the Garden route but the service isn`t very extensive. Swellendam is also served by the Baz Bus on its way from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth.

By air or train

There is no airport or train at Swellendam.

Get around

The town is so small that it's best viewed while walking through the streets. There is no public transport in the town except for the minibuses. The minibus stand is on Voortrek street behind the SPAR supermarket.

See

• The Drostdy: the former magistrate's seat was built in 1747 and now houses a museum. It is a fine example of Cape-Dutch architecture.
• Bontebok National Park: A few kilometres out of town, this park offers nice scenery. Worth a day of hiking and a viewing of the flora and fauna.
• De Hoop Nature Reserve: Beautiful little reserve, perfect for spotting whales!
• Marloth Nature Reserve: On the southern slopes of the Langeberg Mountains offers an abundance of wild flowers and fynbos, as well as some hiking trails.

Do

• Visit the museum and then go for Bontebok National Park. For those with more time hiking in the Marloth nature reserve is worth a thought.
• Fynbus Tours, 23 Swellengrebel St (Bontebok Tourist Centre, opposite Drostdy Museum Shop), ☎ [phone]. Guided Tours from Swellendam: game viewing, birding and bush walks at Bontebok National Park, whale-watching (June to November) at the De Hoop Nature Reserve. Wine tasting and exclusive winemaker tours at wine estates. Adventure sports, arts and culture, tailored personal tours & airport transfers available on request. Professional field guide & luxury air-conditioned vehicle. 

Eat

Several restaurants line the main street.

• Mattsen's Steakhouse, 44 Voortrek St. Popular for its steaks, pasta and pizzas. 
• Powell House Restaurant, 113A Voortrek St. Located in an old building, this restaurant features traditional South African dishes, such as curries and boboties, prepared with attention to detail, and a friendly host who will help make the evening enjoyable. It's a quiet place, and in the low season you might be the only patrons, but the food is good, the ambiance is nice, and the host is guaranteed to make the visit worthwhile. 

Drink

• The Old Mill, 241 Voortrek Str, ☎ [phone]. Traditional South African cooking served in warm, rustic surroundings. Lovely, large patio area under vines for warm, balmy summer evenings. Great food, great atmosphere and friendly staff. 

Sleep

This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:
Budget	Under R500
Mid-range	R500 to R1000
Splurge	Over R1000

Budget

Mid-range

• African Shades Guesthouse, 11-13 Swellengrebelstreet, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. R295 - R380pps. 
• Braeside Bed & Breakfast, 13 Van Oudtshoornweg, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. A very nice Cape Edwardian building, enjoy the breakfast on the terrace. From R250 pps. 
• Heerden Huijs, 5 Swellengrebel St, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Situated in the heart of Swellendam, offer the essence of hospitality. Although situated on the main road, the rooms are quiet and cool. Within walking distance of the historical sites and restaurants. Enjoy a scruptious breakfast either in the dining room or on the patio besides the pool. Dinner/braai (barbeque) by prior arrangement. Rates are R275pps, single on request.. 
• Swellendam Backpackers Adventure Lodge, 5 Lichtenstein St, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Offers adventure and accommodation. Camping with own tent R50pp, safari tent R100pp. Dormbed R100pp, double room, standard and ensuite R350 and selfcatering cottage from R400.. 
• Swellendam Country Lodge Guest House B&B, 237 Voortrek St, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 4 stars (Tourism Grading Council of South Africa). The guest house has a unique atmosphere, the stylish characteristic interior is a combination of classic charm and modern style. The rooms are situated in a beautiful landscaped garden where you will enjoy the wide range of birds, trees, fruit and flowers. On warm summer days, the large sparkling swimming pool is a refreshment not to be missed. Off street parking. English, Afrikaans, German, Dutch spoken. From R360pps. 

Splurge

• Bloomestate Luxury Retreat Guesthouse, 276 Voortrek St, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. For lovers of style, modern design, beautiful surroundings and the finer things in life, Bloomestate will be your retreat of choice. On an estate of 2.5 ha, this guesthouse has seven stylish modern gardenrooms with large bathrooms. French doors open onto landscaped gardens with a tranguil dam, heated saltwater pool and mountain views. With a maximum of 14 guests, privacy, attentive service and supreme comfort are assured. The perfect hideaway to relax and unwind. Lounge area with open air Jacuzzi, conference facilities in the lounge. Stroll to restaurants, small platters on request. Wine estates and nature reserves nearby. From R575pps. 

Go next

• The rest of the Overberg.