South Africa’s beautiful Swartland Region, which begins just north of Cape Town and works its way inland, is one of the more undiscovered, yet no less amazing Western Cape gems.
With famous small towns such as Malmesbury, Darling, Riebeek West and Riebeek Kasteel to name a few, rich farmlands, wedding valleys and of course, gorgeous Cape Winelands and outdoor activities – the Swartland Region is one that everyone exploring the Western Cape should add to their travel list.
In this post, we look at ten of the best things to do in the scenic Swartland Region:
#1 Go for a Wine- or Olive-Tasting
In the Riebeek Valley especially, olives and wine go hand in hand. So if you are keen to sample some olives or wines, this is the perfect place to do it.
There are many local farms and wine estates that offer tastings. One of the most famous is the Olive Boutique in Riebeek Kasteel. Here, owners Derek and Susan invite visitors to taste everything from olive oil to olives and even vinegar.
Their tasting bar offers high quality extra virgin olive oil and table olives through tastings, tours and workshops.
As for wine, there are a number of wine estates, like Allesverloren and Kloovenburg, where guests can enjoy lovely wine tastings.
For more information on tastings and pricing, please contact the relevant estate, store or local Riebeek Valley tourism office.
Contact: +27 (022) 001 0096, tourism@riebeekvalley.info
Website: www.riebeekvalley.info
Address: Riebeek Valley, Swartland Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
#2 Embark on a Local Hike
While there are a number of excellent local hiking trails littered across the Swartland Region, one particularly lovely hiking option are the Koringberg routes in Moorreesburg.
With beautiful views of the Cederberg and Winterhoek mountains and out across the Swartland too, the Koringberg trails have three different circular routes to choose from.
They are all fairly easy, though caution is advised in slippery or wet conditions.
Wapad trail is +/- two hours; Steilpad trail is +/- 2.2 hours and Langpad is +/- 3.5 hours in duration.
Permits are required for all three of the trails; these can be obtained from the Moorreesburg Tourism Office, as well as local guesthouses.
Contact: +27 (022) 433 1072, info@moorreesburgtourism.co.za
Website: www.moorreesburgtourism.co.za/hiking-trails/
Address: Moorreesburg, Swartland Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
#3 Enjoy Fun MTB Trails
The Swartland Region is also a haven for MTB lovers, thanks to its selection of local trails.
Two excellent options are the self-guided trails near Malmesbury and the Piket-Bo-Berg trails, which offer some quality trails in what is an equally beautiful fruit and flower region in the Western Cape.
For more information on these trails and other Swartland offerings, please speak to Swartland tourism or the local tourism body.
Contact: +27 (022)
Website: swartlandwineandolives.co.za
Address: Swartland Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
#4 Game Drives at Bartholomeus Klip
Another Swartland gem is the gorgeous Bartholomeus Klip. Here, overnight guests and day visitors can enjoy everything from luxurious accommodation, excellent farm-style cuisine, game drives and so much more.
This natural paradise is ideal for nature lovers and adventurers, keen to leave the stresses of busy city life behind and reconnect with nature.
Day visitors can enjoy guided nature drives through the Elandsberg Nature Reserve. It is famed for the quagga breeding programme, as well as many other incredible flora and fauna.
Game drive pricing varies (as you can also throw in lunch or a high tea) – but pre-booking is essential.
Please contact Bartholomeus Klip directly for more information on their offerings and pricing.
Contact: +27 (022) 448 1087, info@bartholomeusklip.com
Website: www.bartholomeusklip.com
Address: Bartholomeus Klip, Hermon, Swartland Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
#5 Visit the Malmesbury Museum
The Malmesbury Museum is another worthy Swartland attraction. Here, visitors can enjoy seeing the town’s rich photographic history, while also learning about its historical Jewish roots.
Not only is the museum a stunning building but it offers rich insights into this charming Swartland town. The museum is open Monday to Friday, from 09:00 am to 13:00 pm. Weekends and public holidays are by appointment only.
While you are in the town, why not also try the Malmesbury historical route? The route takes you through town, showcasing local landmarks along the way.
Contact: +27 (022) 482 2332
Website: malmesburytourism.co.za
Address: Malmesbury Museum, 3 Prospect Street, Malmesbury, Swartland Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
#6 Enjoy Great Birding
Another thing that the Swartland is surprisingly famous for are its birding opportunities. In fact, there is even a dedicated Swartland Birding Route that visitors and avid birdwatchers will love.
It begins some 50 kilometres north of Cape Town and comprises of Malmesbury (south), Darling and Yzerfontein (west), Moorreesburg and Koringberg (north) and Riebeek Valley (east).
For more information on the different routes and birds unique to this stunning Swartland Region, please see here.
Contact: +27 (022) 433 1072, info@moorreesburgtourism.co.za
Website: www.moorreesburgtourism.co.za/swartland-birding-route
Address: Swartland Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
#7 Dine at a Local Eatery
The Swartland Region offers a wonderful array of quality eateries, with excellent food and friendly service.
You can find a full list here but some notable mentions include:
- Cherry Lane Bistro and Gift Shop (Malmesbury)
- Mariella’s Restaurant at Capaia Wine Estate
- Beans About Coffee (Riebeek Kasteel)
- The Old Dalby (Riebeek West)
- The Barn (Riebeek Kasteel)For more information on these local Swartland eateries and others, please visit the relevant tourism site or contact the establishment(s) directly.
Contact: Various
Website: Various
Address: Swartland Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
#8 Visit a Wheat Industry Museum
Another Swartland museum marvel is the Koringbedryfmuseum Wheat Industry Museum. This museum is one of only two such museums in the world dedicated to the history of the vital wheat industry.
The museum’s main goal is to depict and portray the industry of South Africa so it makes for an interesting, enlightening and unique visit.
The museum is open to visitors on Monday – Thursday, from 08:00 am – 16:30 pm and on Fridays from 08:00 am – 16:00 pm. Weekend visits are by appointment only.
Contact: +27 (022)433 1093, kormuseum@wcaccess.co.za
Website: www.moorreesburgtourism.co.za/wheat-industry-museum/
Address: Koringbedryfmuseum Wheat Industry Museum, Moorreesburg, Swartland Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
#9 Visit the RK Contemporary Art Gallery
Centrally located in Riebeek Kasteel, the RK Contemporary Art Gallery is an interesting find in the Riebeek Valley.
Since opening its doors in 2017, the gallery has featured many incredible artworks by both local and international artists, who are both well-established and just starting out in their careers alike.
The artworks are curated and presented to visitors through a series of carefully planned exhibitions held throughout the year.
For more information on the gallery and its exhibitions, please contact them directly or keep an eye on their social feeds for announcements and events.
Contact: +27 (083) 653 3697, art@rkcontemporary.com
Website: rkcontemporary.com
Address: RK Contemporary Art Gallery, 32 Main Street, Riebeek Kasteel, Swartland Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
#10 Enjoy a Lovely Accommodation Stay
The Swartland Region offers a number of gorgeous, tranquil cottages, hotels, farm stays and more for guests who wish to linger longer or enjoy a few nights away.
For some local Malmesbury highlights, have a look here or contact the relevant towns’ tourism offices for a full list of accommodation options.
Wherever you choose to stay in the Swartland, you surely won’t be disappointed by the peacefulness, friendly service and warm hospitality that you enjoy during your stay.
Contact: Various
Website: Various
Address: Swartland Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
These are just ten of the best things to do in the Swartland Region. Which has tickled your fancy?