Login

Swellendam

Today
22°C

Photo of Swellendam

About Swellendam

A much-loved spot within South Africa's Winelands, Swellendam is a great place for history (it's South Africa's third oldest city), food, and wine lovers. Nestled at the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains and surrounded by the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve, Swellendam is a picture-perfect country escape. Our collection of the best places to stay in Swellendam provides something for families, couples, foodies, as well as excellent value B&Bs.

Known for its New World wines, it is also a perfect spot for exploring the Little Karoo and a great stopover for those travelling further east along the Cape, to The Garden Route. With some of the finest examples of classic Cape Dutch architecture, notably the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk and JVDS House, be sure to pay a visit to the Drostdy Museum and The Old Gaol.

It's a lively little place, with plenty going on from vineyard tastings, to the annual Up The Creek Music Festival, held every February and showcasing live music and dancing alongside the Breede River.

Our collection of the best places to stay in Swellendam showcase the top picks in this idyllic rural retreat, whether you're here for the wines or for a slice of Western Cape culture.

The Best Places to stay in Swellendam

For a great value stay

  • A collection of cottages on the outskirts of town, A Hilltop Country Retreat is a characterful stay, with exposed brick and beams, and interior furnishings and details that have mainly been created by local artisans. There's a charming garden with small pool and it's superb value for money.
  • A traditional stay in the Cape Dutch style, The Old Thatch Lodge provides intimate living with just five-bedrooms at a very inviting price tag.

For families

  • Just outside Swellendam in the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains, and surrounded by rolling countryside, Hermitage Huisies is perfect for a family stay. This self catering accommodation comprises four well equipped cottages which are simple yet stylish. There's a great kids play area with trampoline and treehouse, plus the all important pool for cooling off!
  • All the family are welcome at Moolmanshof B&B, even the dog! There's a range of either B&B or self catering accommodation, all smartly done, plus you'll find a spacious garden with pool that's open year round.

For foodies

  • Quaint brookie-lace building, Schoone Oordt Country House provides award-winning dining at The Conservatory Restaurant. The accommodation's pretty nice too, with sumptuous rooms and suites all set in lovely gardens with an outdoor pool.

For total relaxation

For a boutique stay

  • With just six stylish guest rooms, set amid beautifully landscaped gardens (with a pool) Swellendam Country Lodge is where guests come to completely unwind. Great location next door to two excellent restaurants.
  • Intimate accommodation at Aan de Oever Guest House makes it a great place for those looking for an authentic Winelands stay.
  • The best of boutique, Augusta De Mist Country House's rooms are each individually decorated. Over 12's only means it's a very grown-up stay.

For a self-catering villa or apartment

  • Prefer the thought of a self-catering apartment or villa? Our online partner, booking.com has a good range to suit all budgets.

Travel Information

  • If you want to rent self-drive to explore the Western Cape's Winelands, visit our online partner Rentalcars.
  • Cape Town International Airport is a 50-minute drive - taxis can be booked easily.
  • Swellendam enjoys a Mediterranean climate, hottest between December and January when temperatures reach the low thirties, and at its coolest dropping to 15°C - 20°C, its mountains occasionally witnessing a covering of snowfall in the winter.

Still not sure?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Swellendam

Best Hotels in Swellendam

  • A Hilltop Country Retreat Swellendam 8 rooms from $58

    Families  -  Family cottages and a long list of activities
    Value chic  -  Excellent value stylish accommodation
    Fishing  -  In The Bontebok National Park
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolParkingNo pets

    A quaint collection of cottages set within the bucolic Swellendam countryside. Choose from family suites to two bedroom cottages. Flexible, self-catering accommodation provides excellent value. Inside rustic-luxury interiors add a splash of style in the form of exposed brick and open fires. See More

    Check Availability
  • The Old Thatch Lodge Swellendam 5 rooms from $58

    Value chic  -  Excellent value rustic stay
    Fishing  -  Fishing in Bontebok National Park
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
    Traditional
    Air conditioningSpaSwimming PoolGardenParkingNo pets

    A charming 19th-century country house, complete with thatched roof, provides an excellent value stay within easy reach of historic Swellendam and all its nearby activities. Each of its rooms provides luxurious rustic accommodation, some with small kitchens. There's a spa, sauna, and pool. See More

    Check Availability
  • Hermitage Huisies Swellendam (Hermitage,) 5 rooms from $61

    Value chic  -  Excellent value accommodation in a beautiful setting
    Families  -  Family cottages surrounded by beautiful countryside
    Sights nearby  -  Lunch at the Old Goal, just 2km away
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolPet friendlyParking

    Nestled amidst the Hermitage Valley, at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, just 2km’s outside of Swellendam this charming cottage accommodation provides a well-priced family stay. Each of its five cottages offer cosy self-catering accommodation, with picnic areas and braais. A charming stay. See More

    Check Availability
  • Moolmanshof B&B Swellendam 3 rooms from $73

    Families  -  Bring the kids and the dogs - excellent value for the whole family
    Fishing  -  Fishing within Bontebok National Park, just 5km away
    Sights nearby  -  An art lover's utopia: Kunste Huijs
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor saltwater pool
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyParking

    Dating back to 1798 this Cape Dutch farmhouse, located at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains includes a saltwater swimming pool, manicured gardens and your choice of B&B and self-catering options. Excellent value, plenty of family accommodation and outdoor activities; it's great for all ages. See More

    Check Availability
  • Schoone Oordt Country House Swellendam 10 rooms from $106

    Foodies  -  One for the gourmand: the kitchen team rustles up works of art with Swellendam's local fare
    Romantic Break  -  Beautiful Victorian accommodation, claw-foot tubs, fine dining, and spa treatments
    Great walks  -  The hotel is surrounded by woodland with beautiful walking trails
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    A Victorian house well-known in the area for its beauty and history; Schoone Oordt Country House provides dreamlike accommodation in a village location. Superb dining in The Conservatory restaurant is an experience in itself. Wander through the rose garden or enjoy a treatment in-room. Divine. See More

    Check Availability
  • Aan de Oever Guest House Swellendam 16 rooms from $110

    Families  -  Excellent family accommodation in a beautiful countryside setting
    Kayaking  -  On the Koorlands River
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
    Full of character
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    Historic Cape Dutch-style farmhouse, located at the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains. There are plenty of outdoor activities available: horse riding, kayaking, walks, and cycling, as well as a bounty of ways to relax. Antique filled rooms include original features and roll top baths. See More

    Check Availability
  • Swellendam Country Lodge Swellendam 6 rooms from $114

    Total relaxation  -  Charming country lodge boasting beautiful grounds, an inviting pool, and spa treatments
    Fishing  -  Fishing in Bontebok National Park which is just 2 km away
    Great walks  -  Through the Marloth Nature Reserve, just 2kms away
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenParkingNo pets

    Luxurious country lodge at the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains yet within walking distance of nearby restaurants. Large rooms open up onto private terraces or enjoy mountain views. There's a sparkling pool, massage facilities, plus an indulgent English breakfast is served each morning. See More

    Check Availability
  • Augusta de Mist Country House Swellendam 7 rooms from $115

    Country Escape  -  A quaint heritage country house located in the tranquil Swellendam Valley
    Great walks  -  Bontebok National Park, only 7 km from Swellendam
    Restrictions on children  -  Childrn above the age of 12 welcome
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenParkingNo pets

    Set within two hectares of rugged fynbos and manicured gardens this 19th-century former farmhouse provides a tranquil stay amidst the historic village of Swellendam. Rooms are filled with antiques and original features including exposed beams and terracotta tiles. Locally sourced cuisine is served. See More

    Check Availability
  • De Kloof Luxury Estate Hotel and Spa Swellendam 10 rooms from $132

    Total relaxation  -  Beautiful landscaped gardens boasting a spa and fine dining
    Sights nearby  -  Swellendam Golf Course is just 1km away
    Great walks  -  Located amidst Bontebok National Park
    Fishing  -  In the nearby Marloth Nature Reserve
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenParkingNo pets

    Dating back to 1801, this former working farm is ensconced by the majestic Langeberg Mountains. Boasting a spa and traditionally decorated room, filled with antiques and objets d'art. Relax by the pool, on your private terrace or in the spa. Excellent locally sourced cuisine. See More

    Check Availability
  • Bloom Estate Swellendam 7 rooms from $140

    Active Holiday  -  For those who want to keep busy there are a wide range of activities nearby from whale watching to hiking
    Local exploring  -  Relaxing, yet perfectly located for exploring the historic town of Swellendam
    Fishing  -  The Breede River is a popular spot amongst local fishermen
    Great walks  -  Hike along the trails of the Langeberg Mountain range
    Air conditioningSpaSwimming PoolGardenParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    Modern interiors housed in a period country property. Set amidst acres of manicured grounds each of its seven rooms includes colourful decor, contemporary bathrooms, private terraces, and Nespresso machines. There's a spa, an inviting pool, excellent dining and plenty of outdoor activities. See More

    Check Availability