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.
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.
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 8:00 and 16:00.
