All Things To Do
Swellendam – Overberg
Nestling at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, Swellendam has much to offer visitors who have an interest in history, nature and outdoor activities. Situated on the N2, approximately 240km from both Cape Town and George, Swellendam is the perfect choice for a halfway stopover or as a base from which to explore the area. All the usual sporting facilities are available and visitors are welcome to join the members at the various clubs. In addition, horse-riding, gliding, canoeing and other water sports can be arranged. Scenic routes may be followed along the foothills of the mountains (swimming opportunities along the way) or through the nearby Bontebok National Park. Several well-known artists have settled in Swellendam and their studios may be visited.
TENIKWA Wildlife Awareness Centre
TENIKWA Wildlife Awareness Centre a truly unique Wildcat experience where guests are taken on an hour-long guided tour to meet captive-bred furry felines living in a semi-natural environment. Enjoy a cat and mouse game with South Africa’s seldom seen lesser indigenous cats, and meet the rare Anthill Tiger. Tenikwa is open daily from 9 am till 4:30 pm and your support will help to fund the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. This is your opportunity to learn about their struggle for survival in the wild
The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre
The Centre was established in 1971, in the past known as the De Wildt Cheetah Centre it has recently been changed to The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre as a tribute to the woman who has devoted her life to the survival of the cheetah species. Today the Centre can look back with satisfaction on a job well done in ensuring the survival of Acinonyx jubatus, successfully breeding the king cheetah in captivity for the first time in the world. While the cheetah project was the base from which Ann launched her conservation ethic, it soon widened to include other endangered animal species, such as the African wild dog, brown hyaena, servals, suni antelope, and riverine rabbits.
The Cradle of Humankind
The Cradle of Humankind is a listed World Heritage Site, shared between the South African provinces of Gauteng and the North West. Here one can explore the amazing finds that have led some of the world’s leading palaeo-anthropologists and archaeologists to suggest that humankind first appeared in this corner of Africa. Meet the famous “Mrs. Ples”; the lesser-known, but equally significant “Mr. Ples” and the amazing “Little Foot”.
V&A Waterfront
Situated between Robben Island and Table Mountain in the heart of Cape Town’s working harbour, the V&A Waterfront has become South Africa’s most visited destination. Set against a backdrop of magnificent sea and mountain views, exciting shopping and entertainment venues are intermingled with imaginative office locations, world-class hotels and luxury apartments in the residential marina. We invite you to discover the experience… live, work, shop and play at the V&A Waterfront
Whale watching
Between June and November each year – give or take a couple of months at each end, South Africa’s coastal waters become calving and mating grounds for whales that migrate here annually from icy Antarctic waters. Once secure in sheltered bays or close to river mouths, these immense creatures give birth to their young and then proceed to enter courtship, but the bonds that endure are those between mother and calf. Big on whales, the vibrant holiday town of Hermanus hosts an annual Whale Festival, with a Whale Crier at hand to herald the day’s sightings. Festival days are packed with music, theatre and lots of play. Faithfully, the whales return to our waters, year after year, never failing to delight scores of visitors with their graceful antics. How exciting it is to watch the breaching, blowing and lob-tailing of these incredible giants, so huge yet apparently unable to swallow as much as a tennis ball!
Wildebraam Berry Estate
A visit to Swellendam is not complete without popping in to Wildebraam Berry Estate. The beautiful youngberry farm is in the Hermitage Valley of Swellendam. We produce unique South African Liqueurs and a delicious range of deli products. Visitors are warmly welcomed in our tasting room year round where a delicious array of liqueurs, pickles and preserves are all available for sampling and sale. Our Liqueurs are exquisite and we are constantly improving the liqueurs as we did with the Peppermint and the Rooibos Liqueurs. We now have 9 different types of liqueurs: Younberry, Hazelnut, Honey, Fennel, Lemon, Rooibos Tea, Guava, Choc Chilli and Peppermint. We have added a manufacturing section, called Marguerite’s. This is a deli-range with a wide variety of Pickles, Chutneys, Relishes, Atchars, Chilli Products and Jams. The Marguerite range is an excellent compliment to the existing range of liqueurs and related products such as syrups, jams, liqueured or brandied dried fruit, vinegar, chocolates and personal gifts on sale in the tasting room. Enjoy Classical Music Concerts on a monthly basis. Berry Picking Season starts middle November to middle December. Guests are welcome to come and pick their own berries and enjoy the facilities here at the cellar.
