The Marloth Nature Reserve near Swellendam is the ideal location for a South African remake of the July Andrews classic Sound of Music, because mountains and this nature reserve are synonymous.
The Marloth Nature Reserve, which is managed by Cape Nature Conservation, lies 3km from the historic town of Swellendam, about three hours drive from Cape Town on the N2.
The scenic splendour of Marloth offers fynbos-clad mountains, patches of indigenous forests and vistas.
The reserve boasts 7 day trails, all varying in difficulty, length and landscape. Let your imagination run rife and compose a tune or two during your day outings to consider the various possibilities on where the trails names come from.
Tienuurkop and Twaalfuurkop are two separate and quite steep trails that lead up to two fynbos-clad mountain peaks, from where you will have a real birds eye view on Swellendam and the surrounding Overberg farmlands.
The rambles along to Doktersbos, Hermitage and Duiwelsbos lead through fynbos veld and patches of indigenous forests, where yellowwood, stinkwood and white alder stand tall.
The highlight of the easy Flower Route is a stretch of 2,5km that leads through rich protea and erica stands, that are very colourful in flower season.
Marloth, however, is probably best known as the home of the six-day Swellendam Hiking Trail, one of the most strenuous multi-day hikes offered in the Western Cape.
Shorter routes are also possible. Small animals, mountain fynbos, patches of afromontane forest and birds will be on show as you wind your way along the Langeberg mountains.
The reserve isnt only an exclusive hiking spot. Although there is no fixed cycle trail at Marloth, there are a number of jeep tracks for mountain bikers to explore around the base of the mountain, both within the reserve and adjoining private plantations. The tracks vary in length and severity.
October to March is the best time to visit the reserve. Entry (during daylight hours) is by permit, available on weekdays from the office at the entrance between 8 a.m and 4 p.m.
How to get there:
To get to Marloth Nature Reserve, follow the signposts from Swellendam's Andrew Whyte Street.
Contact
Cape Nature
Private Bag X29
Rondebosch
7701
(021) 426 0723
(021) 423 9611
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