The Greater Swellendam area is a beautiful country destination 2 to 3 hours east of Cape Town, halfway between Cape Town and George on the N2. Swellendam is the third oldest settlement in South Africa after Cape Town and Stellenbosch, and is not only famous for its youngberries, but as well as for its architecture and its history.
Swellendam was founded by the Dutch East India Company in the year 1745 and served as a useful refreshment station on the long slow journey up the coast. The town offers river adventures, a whale nursery, hiking, nature reserves, a fascinating history dating back to the 1700’s, wine farms, and a great selection of accommodation, restaurants and world-class golfing.
The town and its district were named after the governor of the Cape and his wife, Hendrik Swellengrebel and Helena Ten Damme. Artisans, including numerous wainwrights, and traders settled in this village across from the Koornlands River.
The greater Swellendam Area includes the towns of Barrydale, Buffeljachts, Infanta, Malagas, Stormsvlei, Suurbraak and Swellendam.
