
Swim Club 2024 | Here’s What You Thought.
In December 2024, 631 swimmers took to the waters in Cape Town and the Garden Route for the 4th annual Mungo Swim Club. With 8 clubs in Glencairn, Camps Bay, Hout Bay, Greyton, Plettenberg Bay, Buffelsbaai, Nature’s Valley and Knysna, we collectively raised over R170,000, which was donated to I AM WATER Foundation, Nature’s Valley Trust and Cultural Connections, supporting ocean conservation and community upliftment.
To all who took part, well done on taking up the challenge. You were, like us, perhaps driven by the collective feeling that an early morning dip does wonders for the soul, and by the spirit of impacting meaningful change in your respective communities. Or perhaps by the keen sense that you never regret a swim…
We hope you feel revived. And that your custom Mungo towels remind you fondly of your swims. Here’s to Swim Club 2025.
Here’s What You Had to Say About It…

My first Mungo dip 3 years ago was so daunting. It pushed me to do hard things, and to believe in myself. And get out of my comfort zone.
Swimming with dolphins was absolutely wonderful!


I loved our early morning swim as a family. A unique experience being able to participate in an activity with your teenage children that brings a sense of joy and excitement of an early morning dip, as well as a feeling of community with like-minded individuals. Not to mention the awesome Mungo towel as a most valuable trophy!
I love, love, love seeing all my swim besties first thing in the morning – sets me up for a great day.


As an introvert, I realised I hadn’t been doing many solo things lately, and I missed it. I’m also aware of how easily I give up on things. So, when I heard about the Swim Club, I decided to tick two boxes at once and signed up immediately. Doing it alone and being consistent for the five days brought me immense pride and joy. It’s small but meant a lot. I look forward to doing the next one.
Playing around in the waves and spending quality times with friends put me in the best mood for the day.


The little Egyptian Geese family at the tidal pool were a highlight each morning!
Absolutely loved every minute! The atmosphere was so lovely! After the 5 days, I was so sorry that it was over! Maybe there should be two of these swim clubs a year? One in the winter too – now that will be a challenge!


As a regular bobber I didn’t see the Swim Club as too much of a challenge. But alas the weather said “you better work” and we weren’t gonna get those towels easily. All the sweeter to eventually be wrapped in cotton and the slight superiority of being both an early riser and charitable.
Absolutely loved the early morning swims – the cold water, the different mix of people, a very worthy charity and a wonderful towel at the end.


I swim throughout the year with my friends at the Glencairn tidal pool. It’s a great way to catch up and see the sunrise. I like to believe that I created this life for myself (I moved to CT 18 years ago, escaping Gauteng), and I am forever grateful for what I have and can experience here. I call this kind of activity “pockets of happiness”, and I try to sprinkle them throughout my week. So to see a whole beach full of new faces and eager people, experiencing this pocket of happiness, really doubled MY happiness pocket! I hope the Swim Club will inspire more people to find joy in a morning swim.
The early cold swims were great motivation to get me up in the morning and keep me connected to my friends and nature. The earlier-than-usual wake up time was definitely the biggest challenge, but as soon as I walked out my front door towards the Greyton River it was a no-brainer. My dog absolutely loved joining me every morning too!

More from our blog:
Beyond the Waves | The Winter Solstice Swim | The Evolution of the Willow Beach Towel