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
Marloth Main Entrance = -34.004491, 20.440881
Duiwelsbos Trail Start/ Parking = -33.999118, 20.457068
CONSERVATION FEE:
Adults = R50
Kids = R30
Wildcard = Free
WHEN ARE HIKING TRAILS OPEN:
SUNRISE TO SUNSET
WHEN IS MARLOTH OFFICE OPEN:
7:30 to 16:00

