Swellendam Hiking Trail
Beauty: 4.5/5: Exceptional fynbos, especially proteas, with commanding mountain views.
Difficulty rating: 7/10: The first day is quite demanding. On other days, the hut can be reached before lunchtime, but the route has a fair bit of uphill on the way. Not for the unfit or inexperienced.
Technical rating: Standard walking trail. No scrambling is involved.
The Swellendam Hiking Trail, situated in the Marloth Nature Reserve, is one of the Western Cape’s most rewarding multi-day routes. As it criss-crosses a large swathe of the Langeberge, it meanders through secluded green kloofs, vast fynbos-covered valleys and imposing mountainous terrain. I completed the hike in November 2017 and loved every second of it – it truly deserves a spot high up on your backpacking bucket list!
Quick Stats
Distance: 60km
Duration: 4 nights, 5 days
Maximum group size: 10
Permit/accommodation cost: R120 p.p. per night
Truly a fynbos paradise. The views aren’t too shabby, either!
General remarks
The Swellendam Hiking Trail is often compared to the Otter in terms of difficulty – hikers must have suitable experience. All food and cooking gear must be carried with. There’s plenty of clean water en route, and each hut is close to a perennial stream.
Day 1’s hike is long, so aim to arrive at the office by 08:00. If you’re hiking in the heat of summer, consider accommodation in Swellendam to get an even earlier start. You can also enquire about the Glenstream Hut, situated at the reserve’s office.
It’s possible to reach every hut by lunchtime (except for Day 1) if you start early enough – ideally 07:00. The trail itself is very well-marked, though the distances on the CapeNature map are somewhat inaccurate.
Day 1: Office to Boskloof Hut – 15km/7 hours
After signing in, we could park our cars behind a locked gate and caught a lift with the friendly park manager to the start at Duiwelsbos (you might have to hike in the 2km to the start). The trail jumps right into the action with a steep zig-zag climb through the fynbos – a long day awaits, so take it easy and conserve your energy.
Lunchtime and mountain streams go together like bread and butter.
About halfway the trail swings north and heads over the mountain, with the majestic Boskloof gorge dropping down on the right-hand side. After a sting-in-the-tail uphill it’s wonderful to relax at Boskloof hut, taking a refreshing dip in the nearby rock pool and brewing up some boeretroos while basking in the peace and quiet.
Day 2: Boskloof Hut to Goedgeloof Hut – 12km/5.5 hours
As the first light woke us up, we started the day’s climb into a wide valley following the Langkuile river upstream. By mid-morning we reached Goedgeloofnek, overlooking the Robertson Valley, before descending to the hut far below. Goedgeloof is luxurious compared to Boskloof, with bunk beds, mattresses, eco toilets, and a cool stream nearby.
The late-afternoon sky at Goedgeloof, overlooking the Robertson valley.
Day 3: Goedgeloof Hut to Proteavallei Hut – 10km/5 hours
This was one of the easiest days. After a steady 500m climb to Warmwaternek, the rest of the day was a breeze through the protea-filled valleys. From here the trail winds along Protea Valley to its namesake hut, watched over by the impressive 1710m Misty Point.
Majestic views of the Clock Peaks over Protea Valley.
A magical moment as a rainbow encircled Misty Point.
Day 4: Proteavallei Hut to Wolfkloof Hut – 7km/4 hours
The trail, aptly named the “Kruispad”, crosses over again to the Swellendam side of the mountain. After a short climb and descent into Kleinhoutboskloof, it winds through fynbos slopes before reaching Wolfkloof hut by the river, where several natural pools invite a swim.
A quick celebrity shoot while heading down the Kruispad.
The lapa and fireplace at Wolfkloof hut.
Day 5: Wolfkloof Hut to Office – 10km/5 hours
The final day brings a sneaky climb out of Wolfkloof to Hermitagekloof, followed by a steep descent through pine plantations and jeep tracks back to the office. Sixty kilometres later, the satisfaction of finishing this demanding yet unforgettable trail is unmatched!
Stoep chats – check. Cup of tea – check. Happy hikers – check!
Hints and Tips
• Start early, ideally by 07:00.
• Day 1 is the toughest – pace yourself and refill water often.
• Assign roles within your hiking group (navigation, cooking, cleaning).
• Pack electrolyte drinks like Game or Rehidrat.
• Always carry waterproof layers and a complete first aid kit.
• Evacuation points exist at Goedgeloof and Wolfkloof.
Booking & Enquiries
All bookings are made through CapeNature’s central booking line. Book a few months ahead in the popular warmer months.
Cape Nature Bookings: reservation.alert@capenature.co.za
Marloth Reserve office: 028 514 1410
Other Resources
Official CapeNature Marloth brochure:
Download brochure and map
Detailed historical map (only the Boskloof-Goedgeloof-Proteavallei-Wolfkloof route currently open):
Download detailed map
Marloth GPS Location:
View on Google Maps