Swellendam, a town rich in history, is located at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains in South Africa's Overberg region of the Western Cape Province.
Swellendam is a medium-sized rural town. Its historic heart, which contains most of the town's architectural jewels, is spread over a relatively small area making a walking tour a viable option. Along the way you can take a break at one or two of the very pleasant tea gardens.
On such a walking tour we recommend visiting the following: 'Oefeningshuis' (Afrikaans = exercise house), the Dutch Reformed Church (an ornate building incorporating four architectural styles), Voortrekker Street numbers 4 & 6, 'Schoone Oord' (Cape Georgian style), La Belle Alliance in the old Masonic Lodge and garden (our preferred tea garden / restaurant), Swellengrebel Street's oaks (national monument), the Drostdy Museum complex (old jail), Mayville, trade museums, former offices and the residence of the magistrate of Swellendam which is now a coffee shop.
The above walking tour will require at least half an hour although it will be much more enjoyable if you budget for two hours and include a lunch or mid-morning/afternoon tea break along the way. The two furthest points on this walking tour are ± 1 km apart.
This is a circular 5 day scheduled tour departing from Cape Town. Route 62 journeys through the valleys and mountain passes of the Klein Karoo. On the Garden Route you’ll focus on Knysna You return to Cape Town via the Cape South Coast. Mountain scenery, wildlife, ocean and more.
Highlights:
Oudtshoorn
,
Cango Caves
,
Route 62
,
Garden Route
,
Knysna
,
Oudtshoorn ostrich farms
,
Mossel Bay
,
The Garden Route Game Lodge
,
The Bartolomeu Dias Museum
,
Swellendam
,
Hermanus
,
Cape Agulhas
.
The peaceful small town of Albertinia is situated against the backdrop of the Langeberg Mountain Range on the Garden Route, on the National Road (N2) from Cape Town. The region is especially known for the prolific aloes (aloe ferox or Cape aloe) growing in this area.
The town of Arniston is situated on the south coast of South Africa in close proximity to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of the continent. Initially it was a fishing village but has now become a popular holiday destination. The original fishing village with its lime washed houses was maintained and has been declared a national monument.
Hermanus is situated on the southern coast of the Western Cape, and is known as the best land based whale watching spot in the world. The Southern Right Whale comes to the South African coastal waters during winter and spring to have their young and to suckle them before returning to the Antarctic.