Swellendam is the third oldest permanent settlement in South Africa, after Cape Town and Stellenbosch. In the 18th century, the country beyond the Hottentots Holland Mountains was sparsely settled by ‘trek boers’, or travelling farmers. The entire region was administered by a single ‘landdrost’ living in Stellenbosch. In 1747, the Swellendam district was named in honour of the reigning governor of the Cape, Hendrik Swellengrebel and his wife, Helena ten Damme.
It is a repository of absolutely beautiful Cape architecture.
Swellendam Area offers a peaceful and relaxing destination with friendly locals. It is home to beautiful, untouched fynbos, stunning endemic birds and the nearby Bontebok National Park.
Swellendam is known as the historic heart of the Overberg – with an seemingly unlimited amount of historical and cultural resources, provincial heritage sites, and opportunities for adventure, hiking and biking, as well as two national parks nearby.
