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Swellendam is the third oldest town in South Africa and has many interesting cultural-historic features. Marloth Nature Reserve is named after the pioneer botanist who, together with a deputation of Swellendam residents in 1928 petitioned the Minister of Lands and Forestry to set aside a part of the mountain (190 ha) as a nature reserve. This included the forest patches of Koloniesbos and Duiwelsbos and thus protected some of the land. During 1981 the reserve was enlarged to include the rest of the State Forest land and the Swellendam Hiking Trail was opened.

Climate

The climate in the Swellendam area is typical of the southern Cape, with hot summers and cold winters. The rainfall is fairly evenly spread throughout the year with June and July the driest months and March, October and November the wettest. The mountainous topography also influences local weather conditions, resulting in a higher rainfall and even snow in winter at the higher altitudes.

Vegetation

The vegetation in the nature reserve is predominantly mountain fynbos with patches of afro-montane forest. The fynbos includes several species of protea and more than 25 species of erica, most of which flower in November. The original forests covered a much larger area but over the years exploitation for timber for the local furniture and wagon industries, and fires, reduced them to isolated patches in the damper kloofs. Typical forest species include yellowwood, stinkwood, Cape beech, wild olive, assegaaibos, cherrywood and hard pear.

Animals

Marloth supports numerous animal species although most are relatively small and not easily observed. Mammals include grey rhebuck, klipspringer, common duiker, baboon, leopard, caracal, mongoose, porcupine, dassie and hare. The area is rich in birdlife with 114 species having been recorded, amongst them the African fish eagle, black eagle, wood owl, redwinged francolin, tambourine dove, four different species of woodpecker and the Cape vulture and narina trogon as vagrants. Puff adder, Cape cobra and mountain adder occur and hikers should be on the alert!

Hiking Trails

The reserve has eight-day trails and the six-day Swellendam Hiking Trail. The day trails vary from short, easy walks to longer, more strenuous routes. All the trails start and end at the reserve office, where vehicles may be parked.

The Swellendam Hiking Trail traverses the entire reserve and takes six days to complete, although shorter routes are possible. This trail is fairly demanding and should only be attempted by fit, competent and well-equipped hikers. Six rustic huts, equipped with mattresses, primitive toilets and drinking water provide overnight accommodation. Hikers should bring their own cooking utensils. Fires are only permitted at demarcated sites at the Glen Stream and Wolfkloof huts due to the high risk of veld fires and the scarcity of fire wood. Hikers should also be aware that trips should be well planned in advance as they are not permitted to leave the trail at any stage (i.e. Wolfkloof or Goedgeloof) due to private property and the possibility of getting lost.

Accommodation

Limited accommodation at the reserve is available in the form of a cottage. It overlooks plantation and has a mountain view, with a dam nearby. The kitchen is equipped with basic accessories. The hut is the ideal starting point for the various day walks.

Reservations

It is not necessary to reserve day visits but the Swellendam Hiking Trail and accommodation should be reserved in advance at the address below during office hours (Monday to Friday: 08:00 - 16:00). Enjoy your visit!