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
- 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.
- 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, +27 83 621-8503. 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.
Fynbus Tours, 23 Swellengrebel St (Bontebok Tourist Centre, opposite Drostdy Museum Shop, +27 83 621-8503. 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.
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.
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.
- The Old Mill, 241 Voortrek Str, +27 28 514-2790. 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.
The Old Mill, 241 Voortrek Str, +27 28 514-2790. 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.
- The rest of the Overberg.