Nature Reserves
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Riebeek Kasteel Bartholomeus Klip Reserve is teeming with herds of eland, springbuck, black wildebeest, zebra and bontebok. Many other animals, such as baboons, bat-eared foxes, lynxes, and smaller species of antelope, live here too, and it is known that leopards still occur in the mountains.Among the birdlife at Bartholomeus Klip is the world’s largest bird, the ostrich, once farmed here in large flocks at the height of the ostrich feather boom in the 1870s and today one of the leopard’s favourite foods. The magnificent black eagle (correctly known as Verreaux’s eagle) nests in the mountains, and the enormous dam near to the farmhouse has a spectacular array of water birds, some resident like the fish eagles and the kingfishers, and others such as the pelicans and the spoonbills less regular visitors. Flamingos have also been seen in some of Bartholomeus Klip’s smaller dams and there are a host of interesting large and small birds out in the reserve and on the wheatlands, including large flocks of the blue crane, South Africa’s national bird.
Things to do near
Swartland
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Four By Four Trails
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Porterville (11.4 km from Swartland) Heuningberg 4x4 is on a farm between bPorterville
Wine Estates
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Riebeek Valley (16 km from Swartland) Allesverloren is the oldest wine estate in the scenic Riebeek Valley of the Swartland district. Allesverloren is renowned for its distinctive red wines and dates back to the 17th Century.
Guests visiting the estate can taste anything from Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon to Tinta Barocca and Fine Old Vintage. You can also enjoy the picturesque setting and splendid views of Riebeek Valley over a farm-style meal.
The wine estate runs the annual Riebeek Valley Olive Festival, Shiraz and Art Weekend, and occasional Sunday buffets.
Wine Estates
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Riebeek Kasteel (20.6 km from Swartland) Located in the beautiful Riebeek Valley, nestled against the slopes of Kasteelberg, lies Riebeek Cellars.
The tasting facility offers the full range of Riebeek Cellars' award-winning wines. Open on weekends, and provides a perfect stop-over while exploring this remarkably quaint town.
Hiking Trail
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Groot Winterhoek Wilderness (30.5 km from Swartland) The fairly easy trail from Perdevlei to De Tronk follows the Klein Kliphuis River, with lovely swimming spots along the way. The route eventually joins a jeep track to De Tronk where there are 3 very basic overnight huts.
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance: 12 km
Golf Courses
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Piketberg (30.8 km from Swartland) The De Hoek Golf Club is a 9 hole course situated in De Hoek, a few kilometres outside Piketberg. It is a great place for a day outing, to release some tension and get to know the locals.
The golf course was designed in 1960 and has a beautiful backdrop of distinctive mountains, valleys and farm fields of wheat, vine or citrus. The Piketberg course also allows its players to appreciate the rich fynbos in this Boland area.
The club offers its patrons a bar, a function venue and facilities as well as a halfway house. Visitors are welcome every day and carts are available for hire.
Wine Estates
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Tulbagh (32.7 km from Swartland) Situated 125 km from Cape Town, Tulbagh has become a secret find for hipsters. The wine farm, Twee Jonge Gezellen, is in the North-West corner of this intriguing valley. The vineyards reach up to the east-facing slopes of the Saron Peak, while the cellar lies at the foot of the mountains.
Wine Estates
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Tulbagh (33.5 km from Swartland) Contemporary wine estate in the Tulbach Valley.
Wine Estates
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Tulbagh (33.9 km from Swartland) Lemberg Wine Estate is a boutique, private wine estate located in the scenic Tulbagh valley.
Visitors are welcome to come in for a wine tasting, and enjoy a tasty cheese platter, or even a scrumptious lunch within the cellar.
Hiking Trail
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Groot Winterhoek Wilderness (34.4 km from Swartland) The 16 km route from the parking area to Groot Kliphuis is easy-going, following a short section of the Kliphuis River and then swings to the east. Hikers pass incredible rock formations before joining the Groot Kliphuis to Perdevlei Trail. There is a fantastic swimming spot and plentiful water. Ericas and disas bloom prolifically in season along this route. Crossing the streams can be difficult during winter.
Duration: 4 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance: 16 km
Hiking Trail
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Groot Winterhoek Wilderness (35.5 km from Swartland) The 13 km hike from the parking area to De Tronk is an easy route along the Kliphuis River and along a jeep track to De Tronk. Beautiful proteas and ericas can be seen and there are a number of fabulous swimming spots.
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 13 km
Warning: During winter the Kliphuis River is dangerous to cross.
Hiking Trail
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Groot Winterhoek Wilderness (35.6 km from Swartland) Hiking from Groot Kliphuis to Perdevlei is a fairly easy 6 km trail leads south to the Klein Kliphuis River. From here the route links up with the De Tronk to Perdevlei footpath. There is a very basic stone hut at Perdevlei.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6 km
Popular Attractions
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Tulbagh (36.6 km from Swartland) Vindoux Day Spa provides guests a personal spa experience. Highly qualified therapists will guide and treat you through your healing journey with expert hands.
Treatments are Fynbos inspired, giving them a unique feel and aroma, combined with an Eastern twist using Thai massage techniques and other exotic ingredients.
Galleries and Museums
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Tulbagh (36.6 km from Swartland) Saronsberg Theatre is the warm heart of theatre and music in the Tulbagh Winelands, offering a regular line-up of South African legends and some rising stars.
Popular shows and musical favourites are hosted every week, with Blues and Jam sessions taking place on Wednesday evenings. Enjoy a simple meal or a glass of wine with the show.
+27 (0) 23 230 1782
www.saronsberg-theatre.com
Hiking Trail
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Groot Winterhoek Wilderness (37 km from Swartland) The hike from De Tronk to Die Hel is fairly easy until just above the gorge and pool. The descent into Die Hel is steep and can be dangerous. Look out for an overhang with rock art as the trail begins to descend steeply. The swimming pool is incredibly large and deep, and only suitable for competent swimmers.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Trail
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Tulbagh (37.4 km from Swartland) River Route 4km
Elsbos Route 10km
The routes are in the Northern part of the Tulbagh Valley and have some of the finest views of the valley. the walking trails cross mountain streams quite a few times and there is no shortage of fresh water to drink. The routes are interesting and ever changing.