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. Its self-catering cottage looks up on the Langeberg mountains and overlooks a plantation, allowing you the opportunity to either prepare yourself mentally for the challenge of a hike that lies ahead, or to lose yourself to reverie and extend your stay by a week! There’s even a dam nearby.
The comfortable three-bedroomed house can sleep eight people. One bedroom has a double bed, while the other two rooms have three single beds (one loose and one double bunk).
If the weather does not permit long walks around the reserve, the spacious living area, with a fireplace, is the spot to find solace with a good book or a game of cards. The house is fully equipped, including a microwave, stove and fridge in the kitchen. The bathroom has a bath and shower. All you need to bring is your own food and other comforts.
Staying over in the cottage for a day or two, and using this as a base from where to discover the scenic splendour of Marloth’s fynbos-clad mountains, patches of indigenous forests and vistas, is by far the less strenuous option to choice.
The house, after all, lies near the start of seven 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 isn’t 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.
For more information on the reserve, visit the section on nature reserves on Cape Nature Conservation’s website, www.capenature.org.za, phone 028 514 1410 or email marloth@cnc.org.za.
Accommodation prices: R350 for 1-4 persons, R85 per person extra up to eight.
Reserve entrance (R14 adults, R7) included in accommodation price
