Swellendam

#Swellendam Swellendam, a town rich in history, is located at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains in South Africa's Overberg region of the Western Cape Province.

Swellendam is a medium-sized rural town. It's historic heart, which contains most of the town's architectural jewels, is spread over a relatively small area making a walking tour a viable option. Along the way you can take a break at one or two of the very pleasant tea gardens.

On such a walking tour we recommend visiting the following: 'Oefeningshuis' (Afrikaans = exercise house), the Dutch Reformed Church (an ornate building incorporating four architectural styles), Voortrekker Street no's 4 & 6, 'Schoone Oord' (Cape Georgian style), La Belle Alliance in the old Masonic Lodge and garden (our preferred tea garden / restaurant), Swellengrebel Street's oaks (national monument), the Drostdy Museum complex (old jail), Mayville, trade museums, former offices and the residence of the magistrate of Swellendam which is now a coffee shop.

The above walking tour will require at least half-an-hour although it will be much more enjoyable if you budget for two hours and include a lunch or mid-morning/afternoon tea along the way. The two furthest points on this walking tour are ± 1 km apart.