An extended Stellenbosch itinerary

Surrounded by over 170 world class wine farms and home to more than 80 restaurants – and numerous options for world-class accommodation – Stellenbosch has become the food, wine, art and sport capital of South Africa.

For travelers (and locals) looking to augment the innovative food and wine pairing experiences, there is more than enough to add to the itinerary for an extended Stellenbosch visit over the 2016 festive season.

Ecovillage accommodation

Over and above the many delightful guest-houses and hotels in and around Stellenbosch, The Sustainability Institute (near Spier Wine Farm) situated in the heart of the Lynedoch Ecovillage also has accommodation for those who are looking for something different. Only 4 km out of town, their Drie Geuwels Guest House offers relaxed, rustic accommodation, with organic Farm2Fork catering. Ideal for road-tripping friends and families who want to experience affordable farm house hospitality in a close-to-nature community. All proceeds go to the funding of their youth and community programmes.

Stellenbosch on Foot

Walking is still the best way to explore and to soak up the beauty of the town, meet the locals and see the historical buildings and attractions. Take a guided walking tour or set off on your own, after collecting a ‘Stellenbosch on Foot’ brochure from the Stellenbosch 360 Visitor’s Centre at 36 Market Street. The Wine Wandering tour is also a great option to combine exploring the historic town centre with having a cellar door experience.

Outdoor adventures and MTB routes

Mountains, hills, valleys, forests and streams offer unequalled opportunities for both the outdoor and adventure enthusiast. Try your hand at mountaineering, hang-gliding, abseiling, mountain biking (there are more than a dozen MTB routes to choose from), cycling, canoeing, aviation, paintball, 4×4 trails, horse-riding and hiking. Bookings can be made at the Stellenbosch 360 tourism information center.

No visit to Stellenbosch is complete without a visit to Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, or to the waterfalls in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. The reserve includes the smaller Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, and comprises the Jonkershoek Mountains and portions of the upper Jonkershoek Valley. Stellenbosch is also MTB paradise. Inquire at the Stellenbosch 360 offices about the new Mountain Bike routes map.

Festive season markets

Throughout the year every weekend people flock to the various markets around town, with two popular ones being the Route 44 Market at Audacia and the Slow Market at Oude Libertas. Over the festive season there are also various Christmas markets to explore. The Stellenbosch Kersmark is taking place from 23 November to 3 December at the NG Church Stellenbosch Sentraal in Martinsonstraat, Unipark. Also visit the websites of wine estates such as Blaauwklippen, Delheim, Simonsig, Vergenoegd, Villiera and Spier for to find out more about their extensive seasonal events.

Dinner theatre in Kayamandi

True to their legacy, but fresh from the box: AmaZink Live Season Five showcases astounding local talent in an interactive musical theatre performance which will have you dancing) in the aisles. More than dinner and a show, AmaZink Live is a truly unique South African experience. Every Friday evening. Tickets on Computicket.

Family activities

Stellenbosch also caters for affordable family entertainment where the kids will just love it! To find out more, please visit https://www.thingstodowithkids.co.za/blog/inexpensive-family-activities-stellenbosch

Route 360

The route allows both domestic and international visitors to select from inspirational and innovative cultural experiences, designed to showcase the abundance of our inherent talent and natural resources. It takes travelers to Kayamandi, which is regarded as the second oldest township in South Africa claiming its first inhabitants as early as 1940 and through Jamestown, one of the first places in the Cape where strawberry farming was conducted on a large scale and where the streets are named after strawberry cultivars. The village of Raithby overlooks the Helderberg Mountains with Table Mountain in the distance and is surrounded by popular wine farms and vineyards, while nearby Klapmuts and Ida’s Valley all exude their own charm. See http://www.stellenbosch.travel/route-360 for more details.

The 360 Visitor Information Centre is the one-stop for all Stellenbosch related information. Various resources are available for free to the public such as maps of Stellenbosch and the wine route as well as the Stellenbosch and its Wine Routes booklet. The iThemba Curios Shop is also located here, with gifts on offer that maintains a balance between art, community projects and promoting Stellenbosch.

The Stellenbosch 360 Visitor Centre is located at 36 Market Street, Stellenbosch and can be contacted at:  info@stellenbosch360.co.za / +27 21 88 33 584.

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