5 of the best Nature Reserves in Swellendam
Swellendam is surrounded by protected natural areas ranging from mountain wilderness and indigenous forest to river-based conservation zones. These nature reserves play an important role in protecting fynbos, river ecosystems and wildlife unique to the Breede River valley and Langeberg Mountains. Visitors can explore national parks, wilderness areas and town-edge reserves offering hiking trails, birdwatching, river activities and scenic viewpoints, with options suitable for both short walks and multi-day hikes. Most reserves are open year-round and are easily accessible from Swellendam town.
Bontebok National Park
Bontebok National Park lies just outside Swellendam on the banks of the Breede River and is open all year from 08:00 to 19:00, with a strict speed limit of 25 km/h. The park offers riverside camping at 25 campsites, all positioned along the Breede River, with swimming and fishing permitted (fishing requires a permit). Accommodation includes campsites and SANParks chalets; pets are not permitted. Things to do include short hiking trails, a network of game-viewing roads, birdwatching and relaxed river activities. Visitors can see open plains, riverine woodland and rolling lowland fynbos.
The park was first proclaimed in 1931 in the Bredasdorp district to protect the last 22 bontebok — all living bontebok descend from these animals — and was relocated in 1960 to its current, larger site due to soil mineral deficiencies at the original reserve. Plant life is a conservation priority and includes rare species, with sweet thorn dominating the riverbanks alongside yellowwood, milkwood and wild olive. Animal life includes bontebok, grysbok, Cape mountain zebra, more than 200 bird species, 28 reptile species and 10 frog species.
Address / GPS: Bontebok National Park, Swellendam, Western Cape, approx -34.016, 20.445
Contact: SANParks Bontebok National Park +27 28 514 2735 | reservations@sanparks.org
Boosmansbos Wilderness Area
The Boosmansbos Wilderness Area is located north of Swellendam on the slopes of the Langeberg Mountains and is open all year from sunrise to sunset. There is no formal accommodation, but basic trail huts with shelters (no beds) are available for overnight hikers; pets are not permitted. The reserve covers approximately 14 200 ha and offers extensive hiking routes through rugged mountain terrain, deep gorges and perennial streams. Things to do include multi-day wilderness hiking and exploring remote mountain landscapes with minimal human impact.
Visitors can see dramatic peaks such as Grootberg (1 637 m) and Horingsberg (1 496 m), expansive montane fynbos and pockets of indigenous forest in sheltered valleys. Vegetation includes large areas of mountain fynbos as well as forests of stinkwood, yellowwood and occasional mountain cypress. Animal life is typical of mountain wilderness areas and includes small antelope, forest mammals, reptiles and diverse bird species.
Address / GPS: Boosmansbos Wilderness Area access via Swellendam, approx -33.980, 20.520
Contact: CapeNature Swellendam Office +27 28 514 2735 | reservations@capenature.co.za
Marloth Nature Reserve
Marloth Nature Reserve borders the northern edge of Swellendam and extends up the southern slopes of the Langeberg Mountains, open all year from sunrise to sunset. There is no accommodation within the reserve, and pets are not permitted. The reserve offers a network of well-maintained hiking trails ranging from short walks to strenuous mountain routes, with access directly from town. Things to do include hiking, mountain scenery viewing and birdwatching.
Visitors can see steep mountain slopes, deep ravines, waterfalls after rain and panoramic views over Swellendam and the Breede River valley. Vegetation consists mainly of montane fynbos with pockets of indigenous forest in sheltered kloofs, including species such as proteas, ericas and restios. Animal life includes small antelope, baboons, reptiles and a wide variety of bird species.
Address / GPS: Access via Duiwelsbos Road, Swellendam, approx -34.005, 20.455
Contact: CapeNature Swellendam Office +27 28 514 2735 | swellendam@capenature.co.za
 Drostdy Nature Garden
The Drostdy Nature Garden is a small indigenous garden and conservation space located in the historic Drostdy area in central Swellendam, open during daylight hours. Pets are generally not permitted. The garden provides a quiet green space showcasing indigenous plants typical of the Breede River valley and Langeberg foothills. Things to do include short walks, plant identification and combining a visit with nearby heritage attractions such as the Drostdy Museum. Visitors can see cultivated indigenous trees, shrubs and birdlife adapted to urban green spaces. Plant types include riverine and fynbos species, while animals are mainly birds, insects and small reptiles.
 Drostdy Street, Swellendam, approx -34.022, 20.441
Swellendam Municipality 027 28 435 8333
Breede River Greenbelt (Urban River Corridor)
The Breede River Greenbelt runs along sections of the Breede River adjacent to Swellendam and functions as an informal conservation and recreation corridor, accessible year-round. There is no accommodation and pets are allowed only where municipal signage permits and must be controlled. Things to do include riverside walking, birdwatching and fishing (permit required).
Visitors can see riparian vegetation, open riverbanks and waterbird activity. Plant life includes reeds, river grasses and indigenous riverine trees, while animals include waterbirds, frogs and small aquatic species.
Address / GPS: Breede River access points near Swellendam, approx -34.016, 20.445
Contact: Swellendam Municipality Environmental Services +27 28 435 8333
