Discover the rugged beauty of the Swartland
This month I share with you the TOP SIX things to do in this picturesque destination just under an hour from Cape Town. Whether you choose to explore the scenic hiking trails, visit a wine farm, or immerse yourself in the quiet art galleries in the area, you’ll be sure to find something to excite the adventurer in you when you visit the Swartland!
The Swartland region encompasses the well-known historic towns of Malmesbury, Piketberg, Moorreesburg and Riebeeck Kasteel, so you’ll have plenty options to discover new and exciting things!
- WINE TASTING
Of course, this is always an important experience to add to our To Do list when exploring any area! There are a number of wine farms to choose from such as Allesverlooren and Kloovenburg in the Riebeek Valley, Org de Rac organic wines in Piketberg or Swartland Winery in Malmesbury, to name but a few. Wine tasting, cellar tours and sales are offered at most cellars, so it is advisable to enquire before heading out to any of these wine farms. Take your time to discover these wineries as you’ll want to savour every moment here.
Top image: Allesverloren Wine Estate
- OLIVE TASTING
The Swartland region is well-renowned for its delicious olives so be sure to include a trip to one of these olive farms for a tasting, workshop, or a tour of the farm: visit Dragonridge, Het Vlock Casteel, Kloovenburg, Lammershoek, Olive Boutique and Org de Rac.
- STAYOVER AND GAME DRIVE AT BARTHOLOMEUS KLIP FARMHOUSE
Luxurious accommodation, decadent farm-style fare, educational game drives and so much more, is what you can expect from this gorgeous gem in the Swartland. The warm hospitality and natural beauty of this sheep and wheat farm situated in the Elandsberg Nature Reserve is the perfect getaway from the city. Take the family or escape for a romantic break… You’ll love it here.
- WHEAT INDUSTRY MUSEUM
If you’re looking for a unique and fascinating experience in the Swartland, then do visit the Wheat Industry Museum in Moorreesburg. Interesting fact: the museum is one of only two museums in the world dedicated to the history and industry of wheat cultivation. Definitely a good reason to visit and discover the history of this vital trade of South Africa.
- HIKING AND BIKING IN THE SWARTLAND
The Swartland Region is a haven for hiking, MTB and nature lovers, thanks to its selection of local trails. There are beautiful self-guided biking trails near Malmesbury and the Piket-Bo-Berg trails, which offer some quality trails in this magnificent fruit and flower region. There are also plenty local hiking trails strewn across the Swartland Region, one particularly scenic hiking option is the Koringberg routes in Moorreesburg. You’ll be spoilt for choice in this area.
- DINING IN THE SWARTLAND
Absolutely worth a mention and a visit is the eclectic Tin Roof in Riebeek Kasteel. Affectionately known as the grande old dame of the valley, this establishment is a 100 & something year old wonder where you can book accommodation, have a bite to eat and a drink to quench your thirst while admiring the fascinating art and collectibles. The owners are the author and journalist Jacques Pauw and former filmmaker and journalist Sam Rogers. Jacques is well known for penning the South African best-selling non-fiction book, The President’s Keepers. Do pop in for a taste of their Portuguese-inspired cuisine and a chat.
This enchanting destination is full of character and charm, so do spend some time to reset, relax and take it all in.
For information about the above places to see and things to do, contact the Swartland Tourism Office here : https://swartlandwineandolives.co.za/contact-swartland-wine-and-olives-route/.
- Blog by Letishia Charles