De Vagebond

Western Cape


The menu here is vast, but opt out of the sushi or pasta in favour of something a little more local. The bobotie (spiced mince with a savoury egg custard) is very good. Finish off with a gooey Malva pudding and something from the expansive wine list.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Western Cape attractions

1. Dutch Reformed Church

0.47 MILES

Swellendam residents swear every visitor takes a photograph of this wedding-cake-like church in the centre of town.

2. Mayville

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This residence, dating back to 1853, has a formal Victorian garden. It is part of the Drostdy Museum, and entrance is included with the museum ticket…

3. Drostdy Museum

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The centrepiece of this excellent museum is the beautiful drostdy (residence of an official) itself, which dates from 1747. The museum ticket also covers…

4. Old Gaol

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Part of the Drostdy Museum, you’ll find part of the original administrative buildings and a watermill here. Entrance included in the museum's ticket price…

5. Marloth Nature Reserve

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Perched in the Langeberge, 1.5km north of town, this reserve is particularly pretty in October and November when the ericas are in flower. If the day…

6. Bontebok National Park

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Some 6km south of Swellendam is this national park, proclaimed in 1931 to save the remaining 30 bontebok. The project was successful, and bontebok as well…

7. Joubert-Tradauw

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West of Barrydale, Joubert-Tradauw is a charming spot for some boutique wine tasting and a light lunch from its small menu of salads, platters and burgers.

8. Barrydale Cellar

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Although it looks like a characterless industrial cellar from the roadside, the tasting room and restaurant on the river bank are actually quite charming…