Nestled between the Swellendam mountains, Marloth Nature reserve is literally a hidden gem. It’s everywhere and yet nowhere: a large piece of land situated between the towns of Swellendam, Ashton, Suurbrak and Barrydale.

Once you find it, you can look forward to hours of adventure, beautiful sights and awesome discoveries that are bound to be the highlight of your Swellendam visit.

Marloth Nature Reserve: The hiking trails

There’s tons of adventure at Marloth Nature Reserve, with something exciting on each one of the trails available in this nature reserve.

Marloth has four trails to choose from:

The Appelbos Loop is a there-and-back-again route running 21km. In addition, it is physically challenging and provides breathtaking views of the Swellendam valley.

Likewise, the Plaat Loop is another circular route that is shorter than the Appelbos at 12km but also proves moderately challenging.

It also has plenty of rewards in the form of streams you can take a dip into to wick off the day’s heat.

in contrast, the hike up to the Duiwelbos Waterfall is a short one at 2km. It offers plenty to see as you meander through a forest with opportunities for animal and plant sightings.

Another reward is reaching the breathtaking waterfall and birdwatchers will love this one for the array of birds on display here.

The best, and arguably most challenging is the hike to Twaalfuurkop Peak.

In summary, it is a steep, 12km hike that reaches a height of 1 450m above sea level.

Furthermore, it can be fun, but it’s also challenging and experts suggest you hike in groups and prepare for extreme weather and weather changes on the route.

Marloth Nature Reserve: Bird watching and other activities

While the hike up to Duiwelbos Waterfall offers great opportunities for bird watching, there are birds all over the reserve.

In fact, there are over 100 species. These include the wood owl, the black eagle, and the fish eagle. To top it off, there is the Cape vulture and several species of woodpeckers.

There are also mountain bike trails, horseriding opportunities and of course, no nature reserve is complete without picnicking facilities.

Rustic outdoor accommodation

Like other establishments in the Swellendam Municipality, the Marloth Nature reserve offers accommodation. But there’s a little difference.

Gone is the Wifi, DSTV, and pools offered by other establishments, and instead you find yourself camping in nature.

There are four huts with just a bed, water, and nonflushing outside toilets. There is no electricity and just enough shelter to prevent rain from being a problem.

Campfires are only allowed at an area demarcated for this purpose at Wolfkloof. You’d have to bring wood too since this is not readily available in the reserve.

Hikers are required to bring their own amenities like blankets, cooking utensils, towels, etc.

The multi-day hikes

Marloth Nature Reserve also offers the option of a multi-day hiking experience. Patrons can spend anything from two to six days hiking various trails.

The abovementioned huts serve as accommodation, and as specified, hikers need to bring their own cooking utensils, blankets, and other amenities.

Accessing the hiking trails

Permits are required for anyone wanting to use the trails. These cost R50 for adults and R30 for children and can be purchased at the reserve office.

Alternatively, you can contact CapeNature at 087 087 8250. Any other queries can be emailed to reservation.alert@capenature.co.za.

Contacts: CapeNature
Tel: 087 087 8250
Email: reservation.alert@capenature.co.za
Website

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