Where is Swellendam?

Swellendam is an agricultural area in the Overberg area of the Western Cape which is situated in the South Western corner of South Africa. The Overberg refers to the area between the Hottentots Holland mountain range and the Breede River, and extends all the way north to the Riviersonderend Mountains and the Indian/Atlantic Ocean in the South.

Swellendam forms part of an important agricultural hub in the Western Cape Province and is well known for its agricultural industries and its interesting history. Like many towns along the coast and in the interior, Swellendam is also a popular destination for tourists. Swellendam is about 218km from the city of Cape Town and about 200km from Cape Town International Airport. 

When driving from Cape Town to Swellendam, you will pass through the town of Somerset West   and drive through an industrial area before heading over Sir Lowry’s Pass, which will take you over the mountains and all the way along the N2 highway to Swellendam.  

If you are driving from George and making your way along the Garden Route, you will also follow the N2, but this time towards Cape Town. The N2 will take you all the way along the coastline, past Groot Brak River and Mossel Bay. Heading into the interior along the N2, you will see a variety of farmlands changing from wheat to brightly coloured yellow canola fields. Once you pass through Heidelberg you will be only 60km away. 

The route from Cape Town along the N2 is the quickest and most convenient way to get to Swellendam. Although the N2 can be busy, if you avoid peak traffic hours you can easily get from the city to Swellendam in about two and half hours. The journey from George to Swellendam is the same distance as from Cape Town to Swellendam and offers many options for quick stops and overnight stays. In total, the journey from George to Swellendam is about 216km which can take up to two and a half hours depending on traffic and the number of stops you make along the way.

Find directions to Swellendam here.