Located next to the N2 and with a rich history tied into that of the country, Swellendam is definitely not to be missed when travelling to the Overberg. The beautiful old town may just hold some secrets you didn’t know about, have a look:
- Swellendam is the 3rd oldest town in South Africa, founded in the mid-1700s.
- The town was officially established as an administrative centre in 1743.
- In 1795, the town declared itself an independent republic in revolt against the Dutch East India Company.
- Swellendam is home to the Bontebok National Park, the Marloth Nature Reserve as well as the nearby De Hoop Nature Reserve.
- The town hosts a variety of popular annual events like Swellenberry and Up The Creek.
- The natural surrounding landscapes hold top-notch hiking and mountain biking trails like the Whale Trail and the 4 – 6 day Swellendam Hiking Trail.
- The greater Swellendam area consists of six smaller towns including Buffeljags, Cape Infanta, Malgas, Suurbraak and Stormsvlei as well as Barrydale.
- The Drostdy Museum went through extensive renovating and was enlarged between the years of 1812 and 1825.
- Outdoor events hosted in and around Swellendam include the Breede Rivier Canoe Marathon, the TransCape Mountain Bike Race and the Coronation Double Century Race.
- The area focuses largely on wheat, canola, oats, sheep and dairy farming.
