All You Need to Know: Stellenbosch
Written by Zeldi Smulders
With a history extending over 300 years, Stellenbosch is the second oldest town and European settlement in South Africa after Cape Town. Nicknamed “the town of oaks”, you will find many of these signature shady trees along the streets to keep you cool on a hot summer's day. Set in the Cape Winelands boasting mountain backdrops and vineyards, the spectacular activities and features adorning this beautiful town are what many keep coming back to.
With various museums and Dutch-influenced architecture that speak for its rich history, you won’t find a shortage of beauty and culture in this town. Owing to the fact that one of South’s Africa’s leading tertiary institutions is situated here, you'll see a fair number of students and vibrant youth enjoying the lively atmosphere in cafes and bars. Stellenbosch residents enjoy the small town atmosphere and those who come visit leave satisfied after the abundance of nature, activities, and culinary experiences they encounter.
Location
Stellenbosch is found east of Cape Town in the Eerste River valley of the Western Cape province of South Africa, an ideal location to experience the unmissable highlights of Southern Africa.
How to get there
Just a 45-minute drive from Cape Town, you can travel via the N1 or the N2 road to get to Stellenbosch. If you’re coming from the airport, you’re even closer to your destination. This road can be travelled in a rental car or with one of the many Uber drivers available in the area. You can also make use of the buses that have connecting routes between Cape Town and Stellenbosch.
Best time to go
Summertime (between November and February) offers warm, sunny days that can, and should, be spent outdoors. Between September and March, it is warm and dry, making it comfortable to travel between various stops. From April to August, it is cooler and rainier, but there are fewer crowds.
What to do
Main attractions
Wine farms and estates
Stellenbosch is one of the captivating areas that fall under the Cape Winelands region. This area was the first to establish a recognized wine route, and today there are over 140 wine farms. The 5 sub-routes of the Stellenbosch wine route offer unique wine styles to sample. Be sure to visit Spier Wine Estate, The House of J.C. Le Roux, and Babylonstoren.
Museums and history
The Village Museum in Stellenbosch has different historical houses that form part of it, each with their own set of characteristics representing the conditions of the 18th and 19th centuries. A short walk from there you can visit the Toy and Miniature Museum with its 1:12 scale miniatures and toys from yesteryear.
Passes and drives
On the R310 between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, you can explore the Helshoogte Pass, one of the oldest passes in the Cape area. Both drivers and cyclists can enjoy views of farms, vineyards, and Simonsberg. Note that cyclists should be up for the super steep challenge before taking it on.
Gardens and reserves
The Stellenbosch area has a lot to offer if you are looking for picnic spots, scenic views, and a variety of greenery and vegetation. Make your way to the Stellenbosch University Botanical Gardens, Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, and Jan Marais Nature Reserve to immerse yourself in these stunning sceneries.
Activities
Taste beer and wine
In recent years, a beer route was announced. It includes a few craft beer breweries in and around Stellenbosch, like LilyPatrick Brewery and Stellenbosch Brewing Company. As for wine, the signature wine cultivar, Pinotage, was first created in Stellenbosch in 1925, meaning you can expect palatable greatness from this area. Try the tuk-tuk winery hop tour for a carefree wine tasting experience.
Pick berries
Harvest your own sweet, ripe strawberries for a wholesome, family-friendly activity. Some of the places that offer this are the Polkadraai, Mooiberg, or Mountain Breeze farms. Everyone can pick their own strawberries, and eat them too. Lekker!
Follow trails
Health nuts, casual explorers, and families can discover the stunning mountains on scenic trails made for biking, running, hiking, and walking. Your inner adventurer will be in awe of the beautiful natural surroundings, dazzling sunsets, and a whole new world of towering trees and mountains.
Browse shops and markets
From small boutiques and art galleries to antique shops, you’ll find souvenirs, leather goods, and traditional arts and crafts for sale. The best way to spend a weekend in Stellenbosch is to enjoy the vibrance of this town in full capacity with delicious food and local goods all around you. Some of the most popular markets include Stellenbosch Slow Market, Root 44, and Blaauwklippen Family Market.
Nearby sites
Cape Town
Cape Town is built just under the famous Table Mountain and looks out onto the Atlantic ocean. If you want to include some city thrills in your trip, you definitely want to read our complete guide to Cape Town. When you are in the Western Cape province of South Africa, this city must be one of your stops.
Cape Winelands
If you’ve fallen in love with Stellenbosch, which you instantly will, you’ll love Franschhoek and Paarl just as much. Towns like these are on par with Stellenbosch and they all form part of the famous Cape Winelands region. For more information, read our complete guide to the Cape Winelands.
Where to stay
A few of our favourite stays can be found right in the heart of Stellenbosch, a short walk away from the most popular attractions and activities in town. However, you still have the option to stay just outside of town and drive wherever you want to go.
Accommodation
Basic
Stay in a family-friendly bed and breakfast with well-appointed rooms in Stellenbosch. A sun terrace, pool, and barbeque facilities will be just what you need after a full day of exploring the Winelands.
Penelope's Stellenbosch
Stay in elegant rooms in the Paradyskloof Valley where you can look at Simonsberg, the Stellenbosch Mountain, and Helderberg Mountains from your private balcony or sip a glass of quality local wine at the guesthouse’s swimming pool.
Africa’s first bike hotel offers a 5-star experience in comfy en-suite rooms. Check out the hotel’s bike training area, restaurant, wellness centre and relaxation areas to ensure your stay is full of excitement and restoration.
Medium
Stay in the town of Stellenbosch in a restored Victorian-style guesthouse and declared national monument built in 1904. Enjoy the convenience of the central location with its elegant rooms and mosaic pool.
Stay in fully equipped rooms in Stellenbosch’s Devon Valley. Choose between the estate’s honeymoon suite, vineyard suites, or orchard suites with private decks and access to the pool.
Stay in a charming guesthouse surrounded by vineyards and located near Stellenbosch Golf Course. Enjoy the view from your private balcony, take a dip in the pool or relax in the reading room.
Fancy
Stay in the Stellenbosch historic centre while being close enough to walk to the town’s best restaurants, bars, and shops. With the best of traditional and modern, you won’t regret staying in this guesthouse’s classically decorated en-suite bedrooms.
Stay in uniquely themed rooms on the Louisvale Wine Estate just outside of central Stellenbosch. Delight in the fireplaces, pool and outdoor decks, or go take hikes and walks in the surrounding area.
A 5-star sanctuary with individually styled rooms located in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Surrounded by prestigious wine farms, world-class restaurants, and incredible hiking and cycling tracks, you can also choose to unwind in an enclosed eco-pool or with a guided yoga session.
How to include Stellenbosch in your South African adventure
With only a 45-minute drive from Cape Town, this town is suitable for an exhilarating day trip. An abundance of accommodation options in the Cape Town and Stellenbosch areas ensure you have a base to start from and then unwind in after a long, fun-filled day. If you want to find out more fun things to do in Stellenbosch, check out our blog for plenty of extra activities!
Insider Tips
Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you are doing tours and tastings. This will give guides a chance to shine and make your experience so much better.
While there is more than enough to do in Stellenbosch, don’t forget to consider the surrounding areas like Franschhoek and Paarl or you could miss out!
There are various events and festivals in the area held year-round with tempting displays of craft beer, wine, and cheese. Check online calendars to see when they take place.
Are you ready to go on a memorable journey of food, culture, and history, mixed with a whole lot of spectacular nature? Plan your trip and adventure forth!
