Stellenbosch South Africa is one of the oldest and most charming towns in the country. Its streets are shaded by giant oak trees and lined with white gabled Cape Dutch houses. Meanwhile, rolling vineyards surround the town, with rugged mountains rising behind them. In addition, a lively university keeps the cafés and restaurants buzzing. In fact, few places combine history, food and scenery so well. So, here is how to plan your visit to the heart of the Cape Winelands.
Quick Facts About Stellenbosch South Africa
| Country | South Africa |
| Region | Western Cape, in the Cape Winelands |
| Known For | Cape Dutch architecture, oak-lined streets, a famous university and world-class wine farms |
| UNESCO Status | Not listed |
| Founded | 1679, by Governor Simon van der Stel |
| Best Time to Visit | February to April and October to November |
| Getting There | About 45 minutes by car from Cape Town |
Where Is Stellenbosch South Africa?
Stellenbosch lies in the Western Cape, about 50 kilometers east of Cape Town. Specifically, it sits in the Eerste River valley, surrounded by the peaks of the Jonkershoek and Simonsberg mountains. As a result, it is an easy day trip from the city, although staying a few nights is far more relaxing. Also, the wine towns of Franschhoek and Paarl are close by.
Why Visit Stellenbosch South Africa?
First, the town has a rich history. Governor Simon van der Stel founded it in 1679, which makes it the second-oldest European settlement in South Africa after Cape Town. Consequently, its historic center is full of beautifully preserved buildings.
Second, Stellenbosch South Africa is the heart of the country’s wine industry. For example, more than a hundred wine farms lie within a short drive of town. Finally, the food scene is excellent, from farm-to-table restaurants to relaxed cafés. If you loved our guide to Colmar in France, you will enjoy this other historic wine town.
Things to Do in Stellenbosch South Africa
Stroll Along Dorp Street
Dorp Street is one of the longest streets of historic buildings in South Africa. In fact, it is lined with Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian houses, many of them shaded by old oaks. Then, stop at Oom Samie se Winkel, a traditional general store that has been trading for more than a century.
Visit the Village Museum
The Village Museum is made up of four historic houses, each furnished in the style of a different period. Together, they tell the story of life in town from the late 1600s to the 1800s. In addition, guides in period costume bring the houses to life.
Explore the Braak and the Moederkerk
The Braak is the old village green, surrounded by historic buildings such as the Rhenish Church and the old powder house. Nearby, the Moederkerk, or Mother Church, has a tall white spire that rises above the treetops. Furthermore, the university campus is pleasant to walk through, with its museums and gardens.
Go Wine Tasting
Stellenbosch is famous for its wine. For instance, try Pinotage, a red grape developed at the local university in the 1920s. Many estates also offer cellar tours, cheese pairings and lunch with views of the vineyards. Therefore, consider a guided tour or the hop-on hop-off wine tram so that nobody has to drive.
Day Trips From Stellenbosch South Africa
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
Just outside town, Jonkershoek Nature Reserve has hiking trails, waterfalls and dramatic mountain views. Above all, the Twin Peaks dominate the valley. Similarly, the area is great for mountain biking and birdwatching.
Franschhoek
Franschhoek was settled by French Huguenots in the late 1600s. Today, it is known for its gourmet restaurants and beautiful valley setting. Moreover, the Franschhoek Wine Tram makes it easy to visit several estates in one day.
One Historical Fact About Stellenbosch South Africa
Stellenbosch is often called Eikestad, which means “City of Oaks”. In fact, Simon van der Stel and later settlers planted thousands of oak trees along the streets. Many of these trees still shade the town today.
How to Get to Stellenbosch South Africa
Cape Town International Airport is about 35 to 45 minutes away by car. Alternatively, trains and shuttles run from Cape Town, although a car is more convenient. In addition, renting a car lets you explore the wine farms and nearby valleys at your own pace. Once in town, the historic center is easy to explore on foot.
Best Time to Visit Stellenbosch South Africa
The best time to visit is from February to April, during the grape harvest. During these months, the weather is warm and the vineyards are busy. On the other hand, October and November are also lovely, with spring flowers and fewer visitors. Meanwhile, winter from June to August is cooler and wetter, but cozy fireside tastings make up for it.
Is Stellenbosch South Africa Worth Visiting?
Yes, absolutely. Stellenbosch South Africa offers history, great wine, excellent food and mountain scenery in one easygoing town. Ideally, spend at least two or three nights in the Winelands. For another beautiful historic town, see our guide to Arrowtown in New Zealand.
Final Thoughts on Stellenbosch South Africa
In short, Stellenbosch is a town to savor slowly. Walk under the oaks on Dorp Street, taste Pinotage on a sunny terrace and hike in Jonkershoek. By the end of your stay, the Cape Winelands will have won your heart.
Image Credits
Wikimedia Commons
- Matthias Bethke: Vineyards in Stellenbosch II, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Steven Morrow: Oak trees, Dorp Street, Stellenbosch, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Ossewa: 47 Dorp Street, Stellenbosch, CC BY-SA 3.0
- KodachromeFan: Jonkershoek Valley Twin Peaks, CC BY-SA 3.0
- SkyPixels: Franschhoek Valley in Cape Winelands, CC BY-SA 4.0
