Top 10 Things to Do in Stellenbosch
Written by Nina van Zyl
The second-oldest town in South Africa and surely one of its most beautiful, Stellenbosch attracts many tourists to its laid-back streets and vineyard-stacked surroundings. One of the biggest draw cards for visitors to the town is its position as the capital of the Western Cape’s Winelands, however, there are a ton of non-wine-related activities in the area to get excited about. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the top 10 things to do in and around Stellenbosch.
1 Go wine tasting (duh!)
Yes, we did say there are many activities that have nothing to do with wine in Stellenbosch, but to be fair, a trip to Stellenbosch just isn’t complete without a wine tour. Furthermore, most wine farms are a destination in their own right, with stunning views, top-notch restaurants, tranquil spas and so much more. Plus, many wine farms produce other delicious products that you can sample, like MCC (the South-African version of champagne) and chocolate. You can book a spot on the local wine tram, which takes you to a series of wine farms for a day of wine tasting, leaving your car safely parked and you free to indulge.
2. Explore Stellenbosch by bicycle (e- or otherwise)
We’re definitely fans of exploring a place on foot, but with a little extra speed and a seat from which to enjoy the surroundings, taking a bike around town is simply much more fun than legging it. Stellenbosch is the perfect place to pedal about town, with slow roads, a bicycle-lane here and there, and creative bike-racks. E-bikes are always a good idea, because they allow you to save your energy for enjoying the sights and give you a bit of a boost, but we have nothing against the classic bicycle – whichever floats your, eh, bicycle.
3. Hike the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
This Unesco World Heritage Site is perfect for hikers and nature lovers to explore. There are a variety of trails to take, from the relatively short 5 km to the more intense 17 km. You might prefer to do this activity with an experienced guide, who’ll be able to take you to the waterfall or up the highest peaks for stunning views.
4. Go mountain biking
If you’re the active type, get ready to fall in love with Stellenbosch. The town is surrounded by tree-filled mountains, with those closest to the town crisscrossed with bike and jogging paths. Once you’re up in the mountains, it’s easy to forget that there’s a major town down below as you lose yourself in nature. It’s really no surprise that mountain biking is such a popular activity. We recommend you enjoy this activity in a group of at least two people, just to be on the safe side.
5. Go strawberry picking
If you are a fan of fruits, and strawberries in particular, there’s no better way to get your dose of the good stuff than by picking it yourself. A walk among the strawberry bushes, surrounded by mountains in one of the most beautiful areas in South Africa is really what you pay for – the strawberries are merely a bonus! We recommend Mooiberge, which is only a few minutes’ drive from the town centre. Remember that this activity is only available seasonally, between October and December.
6. Drive a sports car through Helshoogte Pass
We can’t all have a sports car parked in our garage, but we can drive one through one of the most picturesque passes in the area. Jump in a sleek Cobra and cruise all the way from Cape Town to Stellenbosch (with the top down, of course). e’ll forgive you for feeling like a celebrity and doing it all over again.
7. Visit the Stellenbosch botanical garden
Botanical gardens the world over are lovely places to relax and wander around in and the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden is no different. Located near the heart of Stellenbosch, it is the oldest university botanical garden in South Africa. Spending time around such a wide variety of plants is sure to fill your tank. Take a walk to the lily pond, rest at the picnic lawn or have a cup to drink at the little restaurant. And on your way out, you can even pick up a plant at the shop to take home.
8. Visit a farmer’s market
Farmer’s markets started popping up a couple of years ago and while many may have thought they were just a fad, time has proven they are here to stay. Any respectable town should have one, and Stellenbosch is no different. In fact, the town boasts many, but we recommend the Blaauwklippen Family Market every Sunday at Blaauwklippen wine estate, The Stellenbosch Organic Farmers Market every Saturday at Spier wine estate, and the Stellenbosch Slow Market every Saturday at Oude Libertas.
9. Dine with locals in Kayamandi
When done right, a township tour can be both informative and fun for the visitor, while being beneficial to the local community. We recommend spending time interacting with your guide and getting to know their way of life through a walking tour that takes you to a local restaurant, shops and other businesses.
10. Lock lips in Die Laan
Last on our list, a trip to Stellenbosch is never complete without the sweetest activity of all: a kiss in De Laan. For some reason or other, the street known as Die Laan (“the Lane”) has become synonymous with romantic trysts between lovers. Spanning just three blocks, Die Laan is a shady street far enough from the hustle of the centre of town to offer a calm walk along the meandering Eerste (“first”) River.
There you have it! Our list of top 10 things to do in Stellenbosch during your next visit. Keen to go? Start planning your next trip here.