Local Guide
Recommended day trips, activities and places to visit when camping with us.
We’re confident that you will enjoy your stay at our campsite throughout your stay, but for those who tend to explore like a local, our prime location will allow you to enjoy all that Swellendam and our local parks and nature reserves and surrounding areas have to offer.
Below you’ll find a few recommended day trips/activities to do while you’re here.
Nature Reserves / National Parks
For those seeking adventure, we have a multitude of parks and reserves in the surrounding areas that offer game drives and hiking/mountain biking trails. These are our favourites:
- Bontebok National Park (3.5km)
- Marloth Nature Reserve (9km)
- De Hoop Nature Reserve (44km)
- Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve (50km)
Swellendam Town | 5km
Swellendam has something for everyone – from world-class restaurants and vibrant markets to local galleries, cultural events, and rich history. As the third-oldest town in South Africa, it blends heritage with a lively, modern spirit.
Here are a couple of regular weekend highlights:
- Parkrun – Every Saturday at 8am, starting at Marloth Nature Reserve
- Under the Oaks Market – A local favourite every Saturday morning, offering fresh produce, handmade goods, and a great community vibe
Malgas & Infanta | 40-70km
Just a 40 km drive from the campsite (or 70 km upriver), Malgas is home to the historic Malgas Pont taking you across the Breede River toward Witsand. Visit Sijnn Winery for unique “boswyn” tastings, or stop in at the laid-back Bush Pub and Boathouse for lunch.
Further downriver, about 70 km away, lies Infanta, a peaceful beach town in St Sebastian Bay where the Breede River meets the ocean—a perfect spot for a day trip and coastal escape.
Barrydale | 50km
Barrydale is a character-filled village on Route 62, where the Overberg meets the Klein Karoo. On your way there, you’ll pass through the scenic Tradouw’s Pass winds through dramatic cliffs and lush valleys—perfect for a slow drive or photo stop.
Don’t miss a visit to Diesel & Crème, Barrydale’s iconic retro diner, known for its gourmet milkshakes, burgers, and quirky vintage décor.
Witsand | 90km
Nestled at the mouth of the Breede River estuary, Witsand is a peaceful coastal town known as the “Whale Nursery of South Africa”, with 4 km of White Flag beach. It’s a favourite for kitesurfing – the river mouth creates a flat-water lagoon ideal for beginners, while consistent summer winds (October to April) attract experienced riders to the bay. It’s also hotspot for fishing, with several local charters offering river and offshore trips.
L’Agulhas & Struisbaai | 103 km
Discover the charm of L’Agulhas and nearby Struisbaai, home to the southernmost tip of Africa where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. L’Agulhas boasts a historic lighthouse and rugged coastline, while Struisbaai offers a long, sandy beach perfect for fishing and swimming. Together, they provide a unique blend of natural beauty and rich maritime heritage.
