The Continent of Sulina: A Guide to Swellendam's Faerie Sanctuary

If you've ever wondered where all the faeries disappeared to, I've found them! They're hiding at the Continent of Sulina, a whimsical faerie sanctuary in Swellendam that's filled with fairy houses, dragons, unicorns, mermaids, inspirational quotes and enough tiny magical creations to make you question whether you've accidentally consumed a hallucinogenic. 

After visiting the Pixie & Fairy Village in Jacobsbaai, people kept telling me, "You have to go to the Continent of Sulina." Since I have absolutely no self-control when it comes to quirky attractions, I mentally added it to my ever-growing bucket list for oddballs. Then, while planning a trip to Karoo Stone Farm near Barrydale, I realised Swellendam was conveniently on the way.

It felt like fate.

Or, you know... logic. 

If you like faeries, fairies or strange places, this is one for your South African bucket list! 

What is the Continent of Sulina?

The Continent of Sulina is a place in Swellendam that looks like any other house at first glance, but after you enter the gate, it's anything but normal.  A pathway leads you through an eco-friendly garden that is filled with an abundance of sculptures of faeries, gnomes, dragons, mermaids, pixies, trolls, unicorns and magic hiding in every corner, while inspirational quotes scattered throughout remind us that we are special, loved and allowed to follow our dreams.    

It was created by Minky Sulin as the result of a childhood dream to draw attention to the magic of the faerie world, and to remind people how to be children again. (I think I might be doing okay in this department!) 

One of my favourite quotes appears on their website: “For it’s never too late to have a happy childhood!” Agreed!  The excessive use of unicorns in my interior decor attests to the fact that I live by this motto. 

Open since 1991, the sanctuary has grown to take up two adjacent properties and one house. To say that Minky has since passed on feels wrong because her spirit can definitely be felt here and maybe that’s what makes it so special.  

Inside the Swellendam Fairy Sanctuary: What You’ll Discover

One of my favourite things about Sulina is that it’s so detailed. Around every corner is another surprise. You think you've seen all the faeries... and then suddenly there's a dragon, or a mermaid, or an entire family of colour-coordinated gnomes having what appears to be a very important business meeting. 

"Let's put a pin in this and we can circle back to it after Q3"

Here are the things I loved most about it:

• The magical creatures were in collections that were often colour-coordinated.

• There was a unicorn section. As there should be!

• The mermaid section came with a water feature because if it didn’t, that would be cruelty.

• The children’s play area had a human-sized fairy house and castle (Well, a small-human-sized house and castle, but I made it work!)

• Instead of a wing mural, there’s a wing chair where you can be a fairy for as long as you want …as long as you don’t stand up. 

• Then there was Basil - there are a number of posters warning guests about Basil. We were lucky enough to meet this character. Fortunately, he didn’t object to “the kind of love we showed him” and we survived the encounter unscathed. He seemed charmingly indifferent to our presence. 

• You can picnic there. (I didn’t but you can!) There are some mosaiced tables under the trees with toadstool cushions. I’m not sure my friends would drive two hours from Cape Town if I were to have my next birthday party here but I am tempted. 

• The little signs with inspirational quotes were very uplifting.

• There was also a place where you could get a cup of tea because I would have to question if this place was really magical if there wasn’t. 

The “Faerie-nuf” Home Gallery & Adoption Centre

Inside the house is a gift store and a gallery. The gift shop is described of as an “adoption centre” for unique creations. I left with a very tiny unicorn, because how could I not?

One of the rooms houses a very elaborate fairy exhibition that cannot be photographed. (Normally, I take too many pictures but sometimes I appreciate being deprived of the opportunity. I was forced to take it all in with my eyes and try to commit it to memory.) 

The walls are lined with incredibly intricate fairy sculptures, scenes and dioramas packed with more tiny detail than my brain could comprehend. It was quite the spectacle. A definite passion project and work of love that must have taken years and is worth the two-hour drive to Swellendam on its own. 

 

Obviously, I didn't take pictures inside, so here's a picture of a creepy tree

Finding a New Home for Fairy #2:

Although the website of the Pixie and Fairy Village in Jacobsbaai says that they graciously accept any donations of pixies or fairies, and the website of the Continent of Sulina says no such thing, I took it upon myself to hand-paint another discount store fairy and make a contribution.  

We searched the entire sanctuary for just the right spot before finally putting fairy #2 in her new, hopefully forever home. 

She didn't like the wizards, the mermaids made her feel inadequate because she can’t swim, and her colour scheme didn't really match any of the fairy collections. But I think she's quite happy in her new castle. (I know I would be if anyone has a spare castle they would like to donate?) 

So if you visit the Continent of Sulina, be sure to see if you can find her. 

Clue

Is the Continent of Sulina Worth Visiting? 

Absolutely. Regardless of whether you’re a child, an adult who acts like a child, or an adult who could afford to act a little bit more like a child, you should absolutely go. Also, if you love anything different or a bit quirky, the Continent of Sulina is definitely one of the most unique attractions in the Overberg.

We got there about 45 minutes before closing, which was nowhere near enough time. I could easily have spent another hour wandering the gardens, discovering more hidden corners, having a cup of tea and that picnic I've been dreaming about ever since I spotted the toadstool cushions.

Next time.

Practical Information for your Swellendam Fairy Garden Visit

Address 

37 Buitekant Street, Swellendam, Western Cape, South Africa.

WhatsApp: +27 (0)76 276 2484

Directions 

We followed this Google Maps pin and had no trouble finding its location. 

Opening hours

• Wednesday to Saturday: 9am – 4pm (school term)
• Monday to Saturday: 9am – 4pm (school holidays)
• Sunday: 10am – 4pm
• Open on public holidays

Entrance fee

• R40 per person (correct at the time of my visit but subject to change)
• Children 2 & under Free

How long should you spend there?

Allow yourself at least an hour, more if you're having a picnic. 

Parking: 

Street parking is available outside. 

More information about the Continent of Sulina:

Click here to find out more about Swellendam's faerie sanctuary

Other Sharonicles you may enjoy:

• Read about the West Coast's Pixie & Fairy Village
• Find more strange places in and near Cape Town
• Discover more quirky attractions in the nearby town of Barrydale 
• Find out more about the Karoo Art Hotel if you're looking for accommodation near Swellendam,