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

• Locally sourced cuisine and manicured grounds, De Kloof Luxury Estate Hotel and Spa is a blissful stay, with spa treatments to boot.

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?

• Widen the net to include our recommendations in nearby Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and the Western Cape.
• Or contact one of our gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Swellendam