Malmesbury, 65 km north of Cape Town, is the largest town in the Swartland area. The presence of a sulphur spring sparked the first development in the area and the first farms were setlled here in 1703. The town was originally known as “Het Zwartland (“The Black Land”) because of the natural vegetation of black rhinoceros bushes in the area. In 1829 the town was renamed by the then Governor of the Cape, Sir Lowry Cole, in honour of his father¬in-law Sir James Harris, the first Earl of Malmesbury.
Malmesbury is the centre of for sheep farming, grain and wine-production, as well as poultry rearing.
Adventure And Sport
Biking trails, horse-riding, golf course and hiking: Enjoy a wide range of activities in the Malmesbury area.
Cuisine
Sugarbird Glazed Fruit Factory: The factory produces glazed fruit products and sells them directly to the public.
Swartland Agri Info: The combined Tourism Bureau and wine-tasting centre is in an authentic old wheat mill.
Swartland Wine Route: This route includes the Allesverloren, Mamreweg, Porterville, Riebeek, Swartland and Winkelshoek vineyards. Taste the wines, have lunch and buy your favourites.
Fauna And Flora
Kalbaskraal Nature Reserve: This reserve offers the beauty of a wide selection of indigenous flora.
History And Architecture
Bokomo Mills: The building is the headquarters of Bokomo, the oldest milling company in the country, which was established in 1919.
Communion Wells: A series of wells that originated in 1750, the Communion wells, surround the Dutch Reformed Church. These wells supplied water to the members of the church’s congregation.
Malmesbury Museum: The museum houses a variety of photos of the town and displays various articles relating to the Anglo-Boer War of 1899 to 1902.
Swartland Dutch Reformed Church: This church was built in 1745.
Other Attractions
Bokomo Pasta Factory: This factory is one of only two of its kind in the world. Tours should be booked well in advance.
