We stumbled across the Marloth Park Reserve sign while driving through Swellendam, and after looking online saw there was a beautiful hike there so we braved it. Thankfully the security guard told us we could drive closer…cutting our walking down from 5 km to 1 km!
Quite a tiring climb, but we took it slow. Passed two couples on the way down hiking with babies under a year...all foreigners
Then visited Swellendam, the third oldest town in SA
Then had some terrible heated up waffle under the trees with cheap chocolate sauce :(
Bontebok National Park - No electricity, but right on the river with the mountains in the background
As we got in the water, other campers told us how a water snake had gone for the one girl and the mom hit it on the head with an ore!
Spent the next morning enjoying brunch and museums in Swellendam (note, for anyone reading other blogs…Op die Stoep has changed to African Shades and they don't reserve waffles before 11 or 12)
Campsite review:
Amazing view of the river! But a bit too bushy and rustic for me!
We choose a campsite without a PowerPoint cause that allowed us a view of the river. And what a view with the mountains in the background and mini rapids! Great to be able to swim in to cool down, but watch out for the water snake! literally, campers had had a run in that day! The powered campsites away from the river looked very claustrophobic!
The ablutions were clean but small...No shops or restaurant.
I didn't try the trails as I despise waking through dry bush, but Scott ran one and it had a nice outlook on a rock outcrop over the river. Many campers also had mountain bikes and said they had seen buck while out.
The river, restaurants and museums of Swellsdam, and Deiwelsbos 1km waterfall hike were the saving grace of the two days!
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