Where It All Began

Marvel at Marloth Reserve, Swellendam South Africa

An oasis of waterfalls, ponds and streams set in verdant, virgin forest awaits you just outside the town of Swellendam, South Africa.

This diminutive reserve offers four main hiking trails (none too strenuous) and a chance to encounter porcupine, hyrax and mongoose.

Now a World Heritage Site since 2015, it was named after the pioneer South African botanist Rudolf Marloth who, in 1928 together with a group of Swellendam residents, petitioned the Minister of Lands and Forestry to set aside part of the mountain as a nature reserve.

Most of the trails lead into the depths of the indigenous forest where you can explore the many rock pools and waterfalls along the way.

If you would prefer to enjoy the reserve by bike or maybe on horse-back then this can be organised at the Reserve Office – get a map whilst you’re there.