Marloth Nature Reserve
Marloth Nature Reserve is hidden away in the breathtaking Swellendam Mountains, between Swellendam, Ashton, Barrydale and Suurbraak. This peaceful reserve, which is 14 123 hectares in size, is managed together with 16 532 hectares of privately owned land, and is a World Heritage Site.
The reserve’s vegetation is predominantly mountain fynbos, with patches of forest. There are several species of protea and more than 25 species of erica, most of which flower in November. Marloth, like the rest of the southern Cape, has hot summers and cold winters. The higher mountain peaks are occasionally dusted in snow during the cold winter months. This Nature Reserve can be entered from the Marloth Main Office or from Berg street next to the Swellendam Tourism Information office at the Drostdy.
RIDE – Friends of Marloth MTB Trails
Marloth Reserve has great routes for mountain bikers to explore, varying from easy to advanced trails, with some of the best views possible on a mountain bike. The trails start and end in Berg Street at the Swellendam Tourism Information office, across the Drostdy.
The trails are well marked and range from a relatively easy 9km green trail to a challenging 28km red route for skilled riders with some technical sections, single track and lots of climbing per kilometre. The trails cross over into plantation and municipal areas consisting mostly of jeep track with small sections of single-track. Please show respect to the landowners. Wild Card and CapeNature Permits do not apply in these areas – you must sign the Friends of Marloth indemnity.
WHERE TO GET PERMITS:
Locals: Friends of Marloth Membership (available from 1 April 2017 at Boshoff Visser office)
Non-Locals: Cape Nature Permit day permit – R40 Marloth Main Office
TRAIL MAPS AND INFORMATION
The latest information on the trails and GPS/ Print Trail maps can be found here. All work done on these trails are being done by Friends of Marloth volunteers. The project is supported by Swellendam Cycle Club, CapeNature, Swellendam Municipality and surrounding land owners.
STAY – Bushbuck Cottage
Marloth Nature Reserve offers charming and comfortable accommodation in a self-catering cottage that sleep up to six people at a time. Bushbuck Cottage is a fully equipped self-catering cottage. It is perfect for a weekend getaway or as an overnight stop before starting the six-day Swellendam Trail. Book the cottage through Cape Nature.
