Daytrips from Die Blouhuis
NATURE: National Parks in and around Swellendam
Swellendam offers the best of nature with a variety of hiking/ cycling routes and picnic spots in the several nature reserves surrounding the beautiful town.
Enquire from the host what your level of fitness are which routes she would recommend. There is also a variety of options for the non-fit/families with small children who would love to experience nature.
Going to De Hoop Nature Reserve is an ultimate favourite family outing for us. From Die Blouhuis it is a 35km drive to the beach at Koppie Alleen! It will however take at least 40minutes-1hour to get there; but you will be driving a long way inside the park being able to spot some buck, zebra and other animals.
Koppie Allen offers the most open, deserted white beaches you will see in a long time (similar to Arniston but with less people, less activity and more sea life).
Please check what the entrance to to park is on Sanpark's website, it roughly is R50pp.
Walking down to the beach is quite a stretch from the parking (1.5km/sandy/sometimes lots of ants so pack shoes). Do not carry things down to the beach if you are not going to consume it. Apply sunscreen regularly; De Hoop must be A LOT closer to the sun ;) or it is just the white beaches.
Apart from the beach De Hoop offers several hiking/cycling trails. You can also do a picnic/braai at the camping site or Tierkloof. There is also a restaurant. They are also open in the evenings but you will be required to make an reservation.
71 místní doporučují
Přírodní rezervace De Hoop
Going to De Hoop Nature Reserve is an ultimate favourite family outing for us. From Die Blouhuis it is a 35km drive to the beach at Koppie Alleen! It will however take at least 40minutes-1hour to get there; but you will be driving a long way inside the park being able to spot some buck, zebra and other animals.
Koppie Allen offers the most open, deserted white beaches you will see in a long time (similar to Arniston but with less people, less activity and more sea life).
Please check what the entrance to to park is on Sanpark's website, it roughly is R50pp.
Walking down to the beach is quite a stretch from the parking (1.5km/sandy/sometimes lots of ants so pack shoes). Do not carry things down to the beach if you are not going to consume it. Apply sunscreen regularly; De Hoop must be A LOT closer to the sun ;) or it is just the white beaches.
Apart from the beach De Hoop offers several hiking/cycling trails. You can also do a picnic/braai at the camping site or Tierkloof. There is also a restaurant. They are also open in the evenings but you will be required to make an reservation.
Duiwelsbos Waterfall is situated in Marloth National Park. It basically is in town. The hike to the waterfall can be quite steep, but it is nice and cool with shading all the time and having a beer at the waterfall is very rewarding.
Hiking up and down (5km) takes at least 90minutes-2hours+ depending on your level of fitness.
Duiwelsbos Waterfall
Duiwelsbos Hiking TrailDuiwelsbos Waterfall is situated in Marloth National Park. It basically is in town. The hike to the waterfall can be quite steep, but it is nice and cool with shading all the time and having a beer at the waterfall is very rewarding.
Hiking up and down (5km) takes at least 90minutes-2hours+ depending on your level of fitness.
This nature reserve offers several hiking trails including Die Plaat, 10-uur kop, 12-uur kop en the most famous 1-uur kop. Enquire from the Sanparks website which trail best suits your level of fitness.
45 místní doporučují
Marloth Nature Reserve
This nature reserve offers several hiking trails including Die Plaat, 10-uur kop, 12-uur kop en the most famous 1-uur kop. Enquire from the Sanparks website which trail best suits your level of fitness.
A perfect hike for families to experience nature and have a lekker picnic. Grootvadersbosch also offers a few trail options; some with rock pools for swimming. Enquire on Sanpark's website.
18 místní doporučují
Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve
A perfect hike for families to experience nature and have a lekker picnic. Grootvadersbosch also offers a few trail options; some with rock pools for swimming. Enquire on Sanpark's website.
Malagas
Malagas is a very old town with an interesting history. Back in the day this was a port where all the goods was imported and exported from the Overberg. Yes, before Sir Lowry's Pass was build it was the only mean of transportation to Cape Town!
There use to be a ferry pulled by manpower with cables to cross the Breede River. The ferry is now operated by an engine. It is not working always so please enquire before planning your route to and from the Garden Route.
Malagas has a small shop for basic groceries and a liquor store.
Other highlights include:
- Boat House pizzeria on the water's edge
- Bush Pub has THE BEST coctails. It is also kid friendly.
- Sjinn Winery for wine tastings and platters.
Sjinn Wines are grown and made in Malagas on the banks of the Breede River. The wines are excellent and if you book in advance you can also compliment the wine with a nice platter with beautiful views.
Enquire with Heleen to make a booking for you/check if they are open.
11 místní doporučují
Sijnn Wines
Sjinn Wines are grown and made in Malagas on the banks of the Breede River. The wines are excellent and if you book in advance you can also compliment the wine with a nice platter with beautiful views.
Enquire with Heleen to make a booking for you/check if they are open.
The Bush Pub at Malagas has THE BEST cocktails with a nice river view. The vibe is absolutely unique and our kids enjoy going there to play.
If it is your first visit there, drinking a BREEDE BLIXEM is an absolute must. In peak seasons they also serve burgers/food.
The host can enquire if they are open in advance to avoid disappointment.
17 místní doporučují
The Bush Pub
The Bush Pub at Malagas has THE BEST cocktails with a nice river view. The vibe is absolutely unique and our kids enjoy going there to play.
If it is your first visit there, drinking a BREEDE BLIXEM is an absolute must. In peak seasons they also serve burgers/food.
The host can enquire if they are open in advance to avoid disappointment.
The Boathouse Pizzas & Pub
Malagas PontPizza and booze on the edge of the Breede River.
Visit Aghulhas and the Strandveld
Exploring Aghuhlas (the most Southern tip of Africa), Elim with luscious wineries, Bredasdorp (ship wreck museum, little shops and other shopping), Die Mond National Park and Arniston is a nice day trip from Die Blouhuis.
The beach at Arniston is quite similar to the one at De Hoop. The biggest difference is that will be more people/activity as there is no entrance fees :)
Arniston is a beautiful, small fishing village. At low tide you can take a hike into the cave. It is also a great fishing spot. There is a short route where you can drive with your 4x4 over the dunes/in the sand.
We love eating at Arniston Hotel's restaurant. If you are an adventurous eater, try the Marine Platter :)
31 místní doporučují
Arniston
The beach at Arniston is quite similar to the one at De Hoop. The biggest difference is that will be more people/activity as there is no entrance fees :)
Arniston is a beautiful, small fishing village. At low tide you can take a hike into the cave. It is also a great fishing spot. There is a short route where you can drive with your 4x4 over the dunes/in the sand.
We love eating at Arniston Hotel's restaurant. If you are an adventurous eater, try the Marine Platter :)
Black Oyster Catcher is a great place to stop for quality wines and local beers. Enquire from them which other wineries are open for tastings on the road.
40 místní doporučují
Black Oystercatcher Wine
R317Black Oyster Catcher is a great place to stop for quality wines and local beers. Enquire from them which other wineries are open for tastings on the road.
Robertson/Ashton/Bonnievale Wine Valley Wine Tour
The closest BAR-vallei (Bonnievale | Ashton | Robertson) winery is only 65km away! See our list of top visits!
If you are a passionate wine lover a stop at Weltevrede is non negotiable. Their tasting room offers a unique experience with special MCC and Chardonnay tours. Apart from Phillip Jonker's great wines his friendly staff also has warm, welcoming hearts that will make you feel special.
9 místní doporučují
Weltevrede Estate
R317If you are a passionate wine lover a stop at Weltevrede is non negotiable. Their tasting room offers a unique experience with special MCC and Chardonnay tours. Apart from Phillip Jonker's great wines his friendly staff also has warm, welcoming hearts that will make you feel special.
Do you want to blend, bottle, cork and label your own wine? Excelsior Winery (close to Ashton) has the answer. It is also a great souvenir to take home :)
This winery also has a restaurant which is kid-friendly.
Excelsior Manor Guesthouse
Do you want to blend, bottle, cork and label your own wine? Excelsior Winery (close to Ashton) has the answer. It is also a great souvenir to take home :)
This winery also has a restaurant which is kid-friendly.
If you fancy wine, a picnic, a boat trip on the Breede River of all of the above mentioned, Viljoensdrift is a must. Check the weather and book in advance to avoid disappointment.
34 místní doporučují
Viljoensdrift
R317If you fancy wine, a picnic, a boat trip on the Breede River of all of the above mentioned, Viljoensdrift is a must. Check the weather and book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Splendid wine for special occasions. Lovely olives and grass for the kids :)
16 místní doporučují
Springfield Estate Winery
Splendid wine for special occasions. Lovely olives and grass for the kids :)
Serious Chardonnay! See where exactly Limestone Hill derives from. The tasting room is a bit formal. If you love good wine this is an absolute MUST stop.
9 místní doporučují
De Wetshof Estate
Serious Chardonnay! See where exactly Limestone Hill derives from. The tasting room is a bit formal. If you love good wine this is an absolute MUST stop.