Swellendam

Travel Guide

Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism

This historic colonial town in South Africa’s Overberg region offers heritage architecture, art, wildlife and scenic beauty in surrounding nature reserves.

The picturesque town of Swellendam sits at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains. Established in the 1740s, today the town is a flourishing agricultural centre and a favoured retreat for artists. Browse art galleries and pottery workshops, ride on horseback through mountain forests, try your hand at berry picking or just soak up the scenery of the nearby nature reserves.

As one of the oldest colonial settlements in South Africa, Swellendam has a rich history that is evident in its historical architecture. A prime example is the Drostdy Museum, a collection of buildings dating back to 1747. Check out the displays of artisan tools and 18th-century furniture then visit the old jail and water mill. See work by South African painters and sculptors at the Knustehuijs Fine Art Gallery. 

Swellendam is also one of the world’s largest youngberry growing regions. Take a cellar tour of a local berry farm then sample liqueurs, jams and chutneys made using youngberries. From November to mid-December you can even pick your own berries. 

Opportunities for outdoor adventure abound. Ride on horseback in the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains. Jump on a raft and paddle through the rapids of the Breede River then spend the night at a riverside lodge. The Sulina Faeire Sanctuary is great for a family activity. As you walk through this enchanted forest you’ll discover wishing wells and see sculpted angels, fairies and elves.

A short drive south of Swellendan is the Bontebok National Park. Track the rare bontebok antelope, spot mountain zebras and over 100 bird species or enjoy picnics on the banks of the Breede River. Explore the trails of the Marloth Nature Reserve, which pass fynbos and wildflower fields. The 50-mile (80-kilometre) long Swellendam Trail is a 6-day scenic hike through the reserve’s ravines, forests and mountains, with log cabins to sleep in along the way. Hike just some of the trail as part of a day-trip.

Swellendam sits halfway between Cape Town and George, roughly a 2.5-hour drive from either end. It’s a popular stopover on the Garden Route. There is no public transport but the town centre is small enough to explore on foot.

Rothman Manor Guest House
Rothman Manor Guest House
5 out of 5
268 Voortrek Street, Swellendam, Western Cape
The price is S$103 per night from 15 Jul to 16 Jul
S$103
15 Jul - 16 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury guesthouse in Swellendam. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Railton Library and Swellendam ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (75 reviews)
Beautiful B&B
"Very nice B&B. Room was spacious and very nicely decorated. Properly was lovely. Gardens, pool, spa. There was a resident Zebra and a small herd of Springboks. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Breakfast delicious, many choices, both buffet and hot, fresh made. Would highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 23 May, 2025

Rothman Manor Guest House
Aan de Oever Guesthouse
Aan de Oever Guesthouse
4 out of 5
21 Faure street, 21, Swellendam, Western Cape
The price is S$86 per night from 16 Jul to 17 Jul
S$86
16 Jul - 17 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star golf guesthouse in Swellendam. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Drostdy Museum and Bukkenburg ...
Excellent location
"Beautiful setting, views were great from our Fish Eagle loft. Walking distance to museums, restaurants and the little town centre. Short drive to farms and nature reserve."

Reviewed on 5 Dec, 2020

Aan de Oever Guesthouse
Aan de Eike Guest House
Aan de Eike Guest House
3.5 out of 5
C/O Swellengrebel St., & Hermanus Steyn St., Swellendam, Western Cape
The price is S$101 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
S$101
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star guesthouse in Swellendam. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Bukkenburg Pottery Studio and Drostdy ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (25 reviews)
Very good value stopever.
"Very good value stopover hotel. Good, clean room with outside space and a lovely area to sit by the pool. Secure parking on site."

Reviewed on 21 Feb, 2025

Aan de Eike Guest House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
A Riverbed Guesthouse
A Riverbed Guesthouse
4 out of 5
7 River Lane, Swellendam, Western Cape
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Swellendam. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Drostdy Museum and Bukkenburg Pottery ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (32 reviews)
Beautiful stay!
"Amazing hospitality from Melani! Perfect escape for relaxation and getting in touch with nature. Our rooms were modern and well equipped with stunning views of the mountains. There was access to hiking trails directly from the property. We really enjoyed walking into town and lazing around the heated ..."

Reviewed on 18 Apr, 2025

A Riverbed Guesthouse
Arumvale Country House
Arumvale Country House
3.5 out of 5
7 South Hermitage Road, Hermitage Valley, Swellendam, Western Cape
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Swellendam. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Swellendam Golf Course and Swellendam ...
9/10 Wonderful! (35 reviews)
Lovely charming place for a couple or small family
"Lovely people and charming place. Could help self to vegetables in the garden or even the eggs from the chickens for breakfast which was a hit with the kids. Only drawback was that it was a bit of a squash, we should have booked a third room. The rooms are called “two bedroom” but they are actually ..."

Reviewed on 28 Dec, 2019

Arumvale Country House
Aalkies Dream Luxurious Selfcatering
Aalkies Dream Luxurious Selfcatering
3.5 out of 5
1 Mozambique St, Swellendam, Western Cape
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly apartment in Swellendam. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Swellendam Golf ...
Very comfortable house
"Wonderful host who were very flexible with our late check in. The place is really comfortable and clean and tidy with lots of amenities."

Reviewed on 22 Jan, 2025

Aalkies Dream Luxurious Selfcatering
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Swellendam

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 33%
4 - Good
5
4 - Good 56%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Pat

Good location, lovely restaurants. Good base to visit Barrydale and Cape Aghulas

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Good town for a stopover on your way to/from the garden route.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

A good place to break up a journey.