Greater Swellendam

Welcome to the greater Swellendam area in the Overberg. 

Located at the edge of the Overberg map, these towns should not be missed on your travels through this beautiful region. Found along the N2 and veering off along the R324 to the famous Route 62, this is the road less travelled that you want to travel.

Located along the N2 and dotting the banks of the Breede River, the greater Swellendam area consists of six smaller towns including Buffeljags, Cape Infanta, Malgas, Stormsvlei, Suurbraak and also Barrydale. 

The various hamlets hold a variety of outdoor activities as well as an intricate history that dates back to the days that Simon van der Stel set up trading with the indigenous Khoisan people here. A popular destination for water sport enthusiasts due to the Breede River, Breede River estuary and Buffeljags Dam, this is an ideal area to spend a weekend soaking up the sun and catching the waves. The area also holds a number of exciting walking and hiking trails including the Fynbos Route, the Oude Molen Trail and the famous Whale Trail at the De Hoop Nature Reseve. The town of Swellendam also holds another two nature reserves in the form of the Bontebok National Park and the Marloth Nature Reserve.

Being the 3rd oldest town in South Africa, Swellendam holds a certain charm that only older towns really can. Most of this charm and ‘untouched’ history can also be found in the Drostdy Museum. Just across the mountain pass however lays another peculiar town of the area, Barrydale. Known as the town where the Overberg and the Klein Karoo meet, this town is also known for its delightful pairing of traditional hospitality and new age flair. Playing host to the very famous Ronnie’s Sex Shop along Route 62, Barrydale is a must-visit.