Title: Swellendam Travel Guide: Best of Swellendam, Western Cape Travel 2026 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Swellendam](https://expedia.co.uk/Swellendam-Hotels.d6051003.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Holiday Rentals in Swellendam](https://expedia.co.uk/Swellendam-Holiday-Rentals.d6051003.Travel-Guide-HolidayRentals)[Flights to Swellendam](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Swellendam.d6051003.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Swellendam Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Swellendam.d6051003.Car-Hire-Guide)[Swellendam Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Swellendam.d6051003.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Swellendam Travel Guide ## Tourist Guide ![Swellendam featuring autumn colours, farmland and animals](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6051003/1517f683-3464-47ea-bc29-9d3a5ebaf26f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Swellendam featuring landscape views, tranquil scenes and mountains](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6051003/d842400a-bc61-4a90-be14-6bae432ba9c0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Swellendam which includes tranquil scenes, landscape views and farmland](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6051003/ca196ffd-7338-4997-94ae-ee7f71bd2079.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Swellendam which includes mountains, tranquil scenes and landscape views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6051003/e38a4e25-a188-4613-b3d6-2448a2da1bfc.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Swellendam showing landscape views, mountains and animals](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6051003/bbba4295-50eb-4f80-aedd-1d87f0c22c9c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Swellendam Things to do #### This historic colonial town in South Africa’s Overberg region offers heritage architecture, art, wildlife and scenic beauty in surrounding nature reserves. The picturesque town of Swellendam sits at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains. Established in the 1740s, today the town is a flourishing agricultural centre and a favoured retreat for artists. Browse art galleries and pottery workshops, ride on horseback through mountain forests, try your hand at berry picking or just soak up the scenery of the nearby nature reserves. As one of the oldest colonial settlements in South Africa, Swellendam has a rich history that is evident in its historical architecture. A prime example is the Drostdy Museum, a collection of buildings dating back to 1747\. Check out the displays of artisan tools and 18th-century furniture then visit the old jail and water mill. See work by South African painters and sculptors at the Knustehuijs Fine Art Gallery. Swellendam is also one of the world’s largest youngberry growing regions. Take a cellar tour of a local berry farm then sample liqueurs, jams and chutneys made using youngberries. From November to mid-December you can even pick your own berries. Opportunities for outdoor adventure abound. Ride on horseback in the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains. Jump on a raft and paddle through the rapids of the Breede River then spend the night at a riverside lodge. The Sulina Faeire Sanctuary is great for a family activity. As you walk through this enchanted forest you’ll discover wishing wells and see sculpted angels, fairies and elves. A short drive south of Swellendan is the Bontebok National Park. Track the rare bontebok antelope, spot mountain zebras and over 100 bird species or enjoy picnics on the banks of the Breede River. Explore the trails of the Marloth Nature Reserve, which pass fynbos and wildflower fields. The 50-mile (80-kilometre) long Swellendam Trail is a 6-day scenic hike through the reserve’s ravines, forests and mountains, with log cabins to sleep in along the way. Hike just some of the trail as part of a day-trip. Swellendam sits halfway between Cape Town and George, roughly a 2.5-hour drive from either end. It’s a popular stopover on the Garden Route. There is no public transport but the town centre is small enough to explore on foot. - Top hotels in Swellendam - Top Holiday Rentals in Swellendam ![Aan de Oever Guesthouse](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/4000000/3030000/3024400/3024369/86747b6c_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Aan de Oever Guesthouse 21 Faure street, 21 Swellendam Western Cape £74 30 Mar - 31 Mar includes taxes & fees Stay at this golf guesthouse in Swellendam. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Drostdy Museum and Swellendam Hiking ... 9.4/10 Exceptional! (108 reviews) Beautiful place in every way. Breakfast buffet was wonderful too. Thank you! Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=30%2F03%2F2026&endDate=31%2F03%2F2026&selected=3024369&PinnedHotelID=3024369&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6051003) ![Swellendam Country Lodge](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/6000000/5190000/5186300/5186291/27cb80c9_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Swellendam Country Lodge 237 Voortrek Street Swellendam Western Cape £106 1 Apr - 2 Apr includes taxes & fees Stay at this golf guesthouse in Swellendam. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Railton Library and Swellendam Golf Course ... 10/10 Exceptional! (31 reviews) Beautiful spot!! Reviewed on 7 Feb 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=01%2F04%2F2026&endDate=02%2F04%2F2026&selected=5186291&PinnedHotelID=5186291&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6051003) ![A Hilltop Country Retreat](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/13000000/12330000/12324300/12324249/3f2b78da_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### A Hilltop Country Retreat 7 Bergsig Avenue Swellendam Western Cape Stay at this golf guesthouse in Swellendam. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Drostdy Museum and Swellendam ... 9.4/10 Exceptional! (81 reviews) Great stay and beautiful property. Like most places in SA theres a water shortage so I couldn't enjoy a night bath but really enjoyed our stay... Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026 [Get rates](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=07%2F04%2F2026&endDate=08%2F04%2F2026&selected=12324249&PinnedHotelID=12324249&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6051003) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=07%2F04%2F2026&endDate=08%2F04%2F2026&selected=12324249&PinnedHotelID=12324249&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6051003) [See all 94 properties in Swellendam](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=25%2F03%2F2026&endDate=26%2F03%2F2026®ionId=6051003) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ![A Riverbed Guesthouse](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/28000000/27160000/27154200/27154183/6c06c00e_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### A Riverbed Guesthouse 7 River Lane Swellendam Western Cape Stay at this aparthotel in Swellendam. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Drostdy Museum and Swellendam Hiking Trail ... 10/10 Exceptional! (38 reviews) We had a great stay here - the pool was heated at an ideal temperature, the room was clean and very spacious, and Melani was very friendly and helpful whenever we needed assistance. Also, the accommodation is situated in a safe and quiet area, with different cafés and restaurants within walking distance. ... Reviewed on 1 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Swellendam-Hotels-A-Riverbed-Guesthouse.h27154183.Hotel-Information) ![Kwetu Guest Farm](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/17000000/16260000/16255100/16255098/ad782f6d_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Kwetu Guest Farm Buffeljagsrivier Swellendam Western Cape Stay at this cottage in Swellendam. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Bontebok National Park and Drostdy Museum are located ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (21 reviews) Beautiful, well maintained facilities with incredibly accommodating staff and hosts. It’s a fantastic way to get up close and personal with some of the amazing game and wildlife our country has to offer. Truly an unforgettable experience! Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Swellendam-Hotels-Kwetu-Guest-Farm.h16255098.Hotel-Information) ![Aalkies Dream Luxurious Selfcatering](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/34000000/33470000/33466000/33465999/26cee4aa_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Aalkies Dream Luxurious Selfcatering 1 Mozambique St Swellendam Western Cape Stay at this business-friendly apartment in Swellendam. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Swellendam Golf Course ... 10/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews) Very comfortable house Wonderful host who were very flexible with our late check in. The place is really comfortable and clean and tidy with lots of amenities. Reviewed on 22 Jan 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Swellendam-Hotels-Aalkies-Dream-Luxurious-Selfcatering.h33465999.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Swellendam](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=6051003&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ## Check Swellendam hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6051003&startDate=2026-03-24&endDate=2026-03-25)[24 Mar - 25 Mar](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6051003&startDate=2026-03-24&endDate=2026-03-25) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6051003&startDate=2026-03-25&endDate=2026-03-26)[25 Mar - 26 Mar](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6051003&startDate=2026-03-25&endDate=2026-03-26) [This weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6051003&startDate=27%2F03%2F2026&endDate=29%2F03%2F2026)[27 Mar - 29 Mar](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6051003&startDate=27%2F03%2F2026&endDate=29%2F03%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6051003&startDate=03%2F04%2F2026&endDate=05%2F04%2F2026)[3 Apr - 5 Apr](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6051003&startDate=03%2F04%2F2026&endDate=05%2F04%2F2026) ### Popular places to visit #### Bontebok National Park 4/5(2 reviews) Explore the great outdoors at Bontebok National Park, a lovely green space in Swellendam. While you're in the area, wander around picturesque gardens. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Bontebok-National-Park-Swellendam.d6090907.Attraction) #### Swellendam Golf Course 4/5(1 review) Enjoy a round of golf in Swellendam at Swellendam Golf Course. While you're in the area, wander around picturesque gardens. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Swellendam-Golf-Course-Swellendam.d553248621532481116.Attraction) #### Dutch Reformed Church Swellendam 4/5(1 review) Dutch Reformed Church Swellendam is just one of the places to see in Swellendam, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While you're in the area, wander around picturesque gardens. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Dutch-Reformed-Church-Swellendam-Swellendam.d6165745.Attraction) #### Drostdy Museum 4.5/5(2 reviews) You can spend time exploring the galleries in Drostdy Museum during your travels in Swellendam. While you're in the area, wander around picturesque gardens. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Drostdy-Museum-Swellendam.d6165737.Attraction) #### Swellendam Hiking Trail You can take time to visit Swellendam Hiking Trail during your travels to Swellendam. While you're in the area, wander around picturesque gardens. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Swellendam-Hiking-Trail-Swellendam.d553248621532481119.Attraction) #### Swellendam Provincial Hospital If Swellendam Provincial Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Swellendam. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Swellendam-Provincial-Hospital-Swellendam.d906676202937425920.Attraction) ### Things to do ![Private return transfers from Cape Town to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1522831/85a08648-6701-48f3-8823-459a101e0c1b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Private return transfers from Cape Town to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve £580 per traveller [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/private-return-transfers-from-cape-town-to-sanbona-wildlife-reserve.a1522831.activity-details) ![4 Day Addo National Park & Garden Route Tour from Cate Town](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/45986194/3342ca64-35ae-4b4c-8a7b-480ca1839064.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 4 Day Garden Route and Botlierskop Game Reserve from Cape Town £1,670 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/4-day-garden-route-and-botlierskop-game-reserve-from-cape-town.a45986194.activity-details) ![Zebra](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/45985384/f3e765dc-df4d-4c4b-b88a-ed2cbb8bad15.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 2-Nights 5-star Sanbona Game Reserve with private transfers to and from Sanbona £435 per traveller [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/2-nights-5-star-sanbona-game-reserve-with-private-transfers-to-and-from-sanbona.a45985384.activity-details) [See all activities in Swellendam](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Swellendam.d6051003.Travel-Guide-Activities) ## Cities near Swellendam ![Panorama shot of Barrydale town with blue sky on route 62 in Western Cape South Africa](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6143588/2b11dd1f-559d-4cc5-8885-47e6213fefd7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Barrydale - Cities near Swellendam - Places of interest [Barrydale](https://expedia.co.uk/Barrydale.dx6143588) - [Duiwelsbos Waterfall ](https://expedia.co.uk/Duiwelsbos-Waterfall-Swellendam.d658076213079801856.Attraction) - [Montagu Hot Springs ](https://expedia.co.uk/Montagu-Hot-Springs-Montagu.d6269344.Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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