Marloth Nature Reserve

Marloth covers about 11,000 hectares of the Langeberg range immediately behind Swellendam, and the mountains go up fast - from town at around 150 metres to peaks over 1,600 in a few horizontal kilometres. Day walks climb into forested kloofs to waterfalls and pools; the Duiwelsbos walk to a shaded fall is the standard short outing, and the Ten Bosch and Koloniesbos routes go further. The reserve's reputation, though, rests on the Swellendam Hiking Trail, a demanding multi-day traverse of the range whose huts sit high and exposed. The Langeberg makes its own weather: cloud pours over the ridge, temperatures drop fast, and the trail has a history of parties getting caught out. Vegetation shifts from fynbos on the slopes to patches of Afrotemperate forest in the wetter ravines, with yellowwood and stinkwood in the gullies.

What you actually see

• Duiwelsbos - the short forest walk to a shaded waterfall and pool.
• The Swellendam trail - a multi-day traverse with high, exposed huts.
• The kloof forest - yellowwood and stinkwood in the wet ravines.
• The Langeberg weather - cloud pouring over the ridge, changing in minutes.

When to go

March to May and September to November. Half a day for waterfall walks; the traverse takes up to six days and is booked ahead.

Honest expectations

Weather on the ridge turns fast and has caught out experienced parties - the multi-day trail is not a casual undertaking. Day paths are steep and rocky. Fire closures happen in summer. The reserve office keeps limited hours.

Nearby

Swellendam is at the foot of the reserve; Bontebok park is south of the N2.