Swellendam area…tips for trips...

A top excursion from bloomestate is the trip to De Hoop Nature Reserve, an unspoiled nature area on the coast of the Indian Ocean. There you will find a fynbos area with wildlife and flowers bordering the white sand dunes. Coming over the dunes there is the unspoiled rocky coastline as far as you can see and in season this is the best spot to see whales ( and you will be surprised how many there are!). Ask for the special bloomestate picnic hamper and your day will be one of those memorable ones! On the way you can experience the hand drawn pontoon over the Breede River at Malgas.

Whales can also be spotted in Witsand, there is a 4km long white  beach here, and another popular beach is in Arniston, a 1 hour drive from bloomestate. Arniston can easily be combined with Cape Agulhas, the most southern point of Africa.

Wine lovers will find their way in the renowned nearby wineries of Robertson and Bonnievale with famous wine houses of Van Loveren, Springfield,  Arendsig and Graham Beck. Here you are welcome to have free wine tastings and get all the information on wine growing in this area. A few gastronomic lunch restaurants are highly recommended with views over the wine lands to complete your day.
From bloomestate you can make a scenic circle tour through the Little Karoo mountain area. First you pass the former mission post, now pretty village of Suurbraak, then turn off to the Tradouws Pass and drive into Barrydale with its wineries and arts and crafts shops, follow the route 62 towards Montagu, famous for its hot springs. Visit the alpaca farm on the route and the Soekershof  Maze and botanical gardens.
East of Swellendam is Grootvadersbosch Nature reserve, an indigenous forest , famous for the giant trees you’ll find here and abundant birdlife. Find the hides in the forest canopy and the gorges at the river there.
We can tailor make your (day) trip and will find with you the best way for you to explore the area!