VISIT
SWELLENDAM
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Duiwelsbos
HOW LONG AND TOUGH IS THIS HIKE:
Distance = 2km
Climb = 250m
Direction = up and down on same route
Total Hiking time = 1.5 hours
Option A: Total Hiking time = 90 minutes
> From parking area to waterfall = 45 minutes
> From waterfall back to parking area = 45 minutes
Blogger Note:
> This route is straight up and then straight down. No flats. It will make you sweat.
> My boys hiked this when they were 4&5 years old. With no friends going along you might have to motivate or bribe them. With friends along, you will struggle to keep up with your children.
Option B: Total Hiking time = 30 minutes
> From parking area to the first water pool = 15minutes
> From the first water pool back to parking area = 15minutes
Blogger Note:
> At this pool you will feel like you are in paradise - more than worth the hike.
> Keep checking on your right for the pool turn-off. You will see the pool and steps that take you there.
> We hiked this when our oldest was 1 year old and my wife and I had to carry him. A friend's 3 year old boy hiked this, along with friends that were a bit older.
HOW DO I GET TO THE START OF THIS HIKE:
> Drive 2.5km from the Drostdy to Marloth Main Office.
> Get your CapeNature permit and drive 3.8km on bakkie road (in Marloth Nature Reserve) up to Duiwelsbos parking area.
GENERAL NOTES:
> The only fresh water on this route is from the river, so remember to take your own.
> There is a picnic bench at the Duiwelsbos Parking area.
> Would I have hiked this route on honeymoon? Definitely.
> Children can hike this route, but grownups should not underestimate it.
> Duiwelsbos and Koloniesbos use the same parking area and their routes both start here.
> Koloniesbos is a slightly easier hike than Duiwelsbos.
> The whole route is in the shade of the forest.
Blogger Note:
> Do you need a 4x4 in Marloth? No. I drive there with my Renault Megane.
GPS Location:
Swellendam Tourism Office (23 Swellengrebel st) = -34.018355, 20.452315
WHEN ARE HIKING TRAILS OPEN:
SUNRISE TO SUNSET
*If you want to start hiking before the Marloth Office opens, you can issue yourself a permit at the building between the office and Marloth's main gate. This must be done for safety reasons. When you return after the hike, please remember to pay the entrance fee.
