Marloth Watervalkloof
Marloth Nature Reserve

Map of Reserve area

Marloth Nature Reserve is a hidden gem in the majestic Swellendam Mountains.

Where to Stay

What to Do

Avid birders should be on the lookout for the reserve’s 114 species, including the African fish eagle, black eagle, wood owl, red-winged francolin, tambourine dove, four different species of woodpecker, and the Cape vulture. 

Marloth offers various day trails, ranging from easy, short walks to more strenuous, longer hikes. These trails lead into the shady green indigenous forest, where cool pools and waterfalls wait to be discovered. Day walks are open from sunrise to sunset.

Hikers may, however, still walk the first section of the trail which starts at the office and passes through Boskloof, Goedgeloof, Proteavallei and Wolfkloof. Shorter day routes are possible. This trail is fairly demanding and should only be attempted by fit hikers. Reservations are limited to a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 10 people. Trips should be planned in advance as hikers are not permitted to leave the trail due to it being surrounded by private property, especially at Wolfkloof and Gooedgeloof, as well of the possibility of getting lost.

Hiking trails

Marloth offers four hiking trails, all with their own scenic attractions.

Easy to use trail maps for these hiking trails created by Forge can be downloaded here.

Huts

Four rustic huts equipped only with beds, water and primitive toilets provide limited overnight shelter. Hikers should bring their own cooking utensils, bedding, warm screen and drinking water. Boskloof shelter has no mattresses so hikers need to provide their own hiking mat rolls. Fires are only permitted at the demarcated site at Wolfkloof due to the high risk of veld fires and the scarcity of firewood. All shelters are self-maintained and must be left as found with “leave no trace" principles needing to be adhered to at all times. No refuse bins are provided as hikers must carry out everything carried in, and no dumping of any items is allowed.

Help us protect nature

No pets/no firearms/no picking of flowers or collection of seeds/no fishing without permits/fires (with eco-logs or charcoal) only in designated areas.

Permits

Permits may be purchased for R50 per adult and R30 per child at the reserve office or through CapeNature Central Reservations.

Trail preparation

  •  Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat.
  • Do not hike alone.
  • Carry enough food and water with you.
  • Make sure you know what the weather conditions are before you depart.
  • Take a warm jacket/raincoat in winter.
  • Make sure you have a relevant map of the area.
  • Take a field medical kit with you for emergencies.
  • Obey all signage.
  • Stay in a group and on the trails.

Twaalfuurkop Peak

Trail distance: 12.4km

Estimated time: 6 hours

This challenging hike starts from the reserve office. The trail takes hikers to the mountain peak of Twaalfuurkop (1 450m), offering breathtaking views of the entire Langeberg Mountains, the Rûensveld and even the Indian Ocean. We suggest hiking in a group of at least three. Be prepared for rapid climatic changes and extreme weather conditions.

Duiwelsbos Waterfall

 Trail distance: 2km

Estimated time: 2 hours

This lovely hike starts at the Koloniesbos parking area. Hikers make their way to the beautiful Duiwelsbos Waterfall via the cool green indigenous forest. On the trail, you’ll see the reserve’s rich plants and wildlife, including fynbos, birds and small animals.

Plaat Loop

Trail distance: 12km

Estimated time: 3 hours

The Plaat Loop is a moderate hike with inspiring views and plenty of cool mountain streams to swim in along the trail.

Appelsbos Loop

Trail distance: 21km

Estimated time: 5 hours

This trail starts from Marloth Office and provides a good workout.

Swellendam multi-day hike

The challenging Swellendam multi-day hiking trail is one of South Africa’s top ten hikes. Hikers can choose between two and six days hiking routes. The trails have rustic huts with mattresses, basic toilets, and drinking water catering for 12 people. Bring your own cooking utensils.

Fires (eco-logs or charcoal) are only allowed at the Glen Stream and Wolfkloof huts due to the high risk of wildfires and the scarcity of firewood. A trail map and brochure are available on request.

See all you need to know about this hike in the Survival Guide below.

Swellendam Multiday Hike April 2024

For those with their own horses, Marloth has various trails available in the reserve and the neighbouring plantation. Private operators in the area provide horses and guided trails. Details are available at the reserve office.
Marloth has great routes for mountain bikers to explore, varying from easy to advanced trails. The routes are limited to the plantation gravel roads. For more details visit the reserve office.

There are picnic tables at the reserve entrance, as well as a picnic area adjacent to the parking lot at the start of the picturesque Duiwelsbos waterfall hike. Both areas have panoramic views of the imposing mountain ranges above.

Marloth Nature Reserve is named after the pioneer botanist who, together with a deputation of Swellendam residents, petitioned the Minister of Lands and Forestry in 1928 to set aside part of the mountain as a nature reserve. In 1981, the reserve was enlarged to include the rest of the State Forest and the Swellendam hiking trail was opened.

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.

Please note that there is no WiFi for guests. 

To find out more, download the Marloth Nature Reserve brochure and map.

How to get there

From Cape Town: Take the N2 highway towards Swellendam. Just past Swellendam, turn left onto the R60 and then follow signs for Marloth Nature Reserve. Turn right at the signpost and travel about 3km until you reach the reserve gates. There is a short amount of gravel road, approximately 1.2km long, leading up to the reserve gates. The route from Cape Town is about 220km and will take about two and a half hours.

GPS: 33 57 56.16 S 20 23 31.2 E

Office hours: 07h00–16h00

Please report to reception on arrival. Check-in times for overnight guests are after 14h00, but before 16h00

Tel: +27 (0)87 087 3039/3883

After Hours Tel : +27 (0)82 496 2450  
Accommodation and permit bookings Tel: 087 087 8250

What Our Guests Say

We had the most wonderful time here! Loved the scenery, the hot tub and we couldn't believe how beautiful the house had been furnished. We would absolutely return!
Jeanne Duminy 21 Nov 2024
Beautiful location, well appointed cottage and attentive staff - loved our stay here!
Ruth Capon 21 Jun 2023
Tariffs

Explore the beauty of Swellendam with a 5-day hiking trail starting at R1,350. Enjoy the flexibility of self-catering options from R980 and daily hiking rates from R50.

See Tariffs
Conservation Fees

Adults

Day Access = R50; Overnight fee = R40

Children

Day Access = R30; Overnight fee = R20

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Filming
Marloth Nature Reserve Filming

The floral diversity of Marloth Nature Reserve is unmatched across the Western Cape and the fact that it is named after a pioneering botanist says much about the vegetation in this 14 123 hectares of pristine mountain tract.

As a filming location, this area consists mostly of mountain fynbos, including several species of protea and more than 25 varieties of erica. Patches of afromontane forest are also existent in the valleys and gorges of the reserve.

Find out more
What our guests say
We had the most wonderful time here!, 21 Nov 2024
We had the most wonderful time here! Loved the scenery, the hot tub and we couldn't believe how beautiful the house had been furnished. We would absolutely return!
Marloth Review 1, 21 Jun 2023
Beautiful location, well appointed cottage and attentive staff - loved our stay here!
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