While there are many hiking trails in the Swellendam municipal district, only one has the district’s name attached to it. The Swellendam Hiking Trail is a multi-day hiking experience that is rated a 7 out of 10 by Hiking South Africa and has a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Trip Advisor. 

Image by Romene Van Eck

The entire route is roughly 60km and is situated within the gates of the Marloth Nature Reserve. The hike is done over five days and each night is spent in rustic huts dotted along the route. The reserve allows between three and 10 hikers per group.

The five stages of the Swellendam Hiking Trail

Image by Romene Van Eck

The first day of this hiking trail starts at Duiwelsbos waterfall, but after signing in at the office, it’s a 2km hike to get there. The trail starts with a steep climb, with fynbos and several river crossings along the way. The first day ends at a hut called Boskloof hut, 15km from the start.

The second day takes hikers to the next hut called Goedgeloof. This is a 12km hike and includes scenic vistas, and a path adjacent to the Langkuile River. The route runs downhill to the finish and there is an escape route here for those who aren’t up for the full five-day challenge.

Day three is a 10km hike to the Proteavallei hut that kicks off with a climb before evening out.

Day four is the final camp night and takes hikers 7km from Proteavallei hut to Wolfkloof hut. This one has some loose terrain as well as rock pools along the way where hikers can stop to relax and maybe even take a dip. 

Day five is a 10km walk back to the office, on the way hikers will pass a ravine with a rock pool and also passes through a pine plantation.

The Huts

The huts that provide accommodation after each hike have the bare minimum resources. These include beds with mattresses, eco-toilets and communal kitchens. Fire is only allowed on the final camping night at the Wolfkloof hut, with a demarcated spot provided for this. 

What to pack for the hike

This hike requires everyone to be prepared and, with nothing but the bare necessities provided at the huts, hikers need to pack all necessities. These essentials include blankets, cooking utensils, lights and rain jackets.

Packing enough water is also important since waterpoints are few and rain-dependent. It would also be wise to pack spare batteries for emergencies. Wood is also scarce and should be packed for a fire on the final camping night at Wolfkloof.

Accessing the Swellendam Hiking Trail

Image by Ryno Du Preez

For more information about the hike and the cost of doing it, visit the CapeNature Marloth info page. Alternatively, contact them on the details below.

Contact: CapeNature
Tel: 087 087 3039/3883 or 082 496 2450
Email: reservation.alert@capenature.co.za
Website

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