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Stellenbosch Travel Guide: 92 reviews and 253 photos
Stellenbosch was founded in 1679 by the second Governor of the Cape Colony, Simon van der Stel. The name, Stellenbosch, may be directly translated as "(van der) Stel's forest" and is situated on the banks of the Eerste River about 50 km (30 mi) away from Cape Town, a mere 40 minute drive. It is also surrounded by the breathtaking mountain scenery of the Jonkershoek valley which supplies visitors with a variety of hiking trails.
Stellenbosch is the second oldest European settlement in the Western Cape Province of South Africa (after Cape Town) and is therefor rich in cultural heritage. Some of the most beautiful old buildings can be viewed by taking a simple walk down the peaceful Dorp Street.
The Stellenbosch Wine of Origin area consists of over 100 wine cellars, most of which are open to the public for tasting or viewing purposes.
Stellenbosch is also situated close to the beautiful Franschoek, also known for its production of good quality South African wine. The areas of Paarl and Wellington also offer a large number of wine farms and is also less than 30 minutes drive from Stellenbosch.
A wide variety of wine tours can be booked through the Stellenbosch travel agencies.
Stellenbosch is also home to one of South Africa's top Universities. The Stellenbosch University students are nicknamed Maties and has produced some of the countries top athletes and sporting heroes. But like most universities, campus is not only great place to start your tertiary education but also filled with vibrant inexpensive pubs and food shops. The main University campus also includes some of the oldest buildings in town. Simply taking a walk around campus is a must do!
On the university grounds there are also several hiking and Mountain biking trails.
Just be sure to check the University holidays depending on whether you want a quiet walk through campus or if you want to behold the hussle and bussle of the Stellenbosch student going about their usual routine.
- Pros:Beautiful historic area with great wine!
- Cons:Even though crime is not as bad as in most of SA, you should still be very aware of your surroundings...
- In a nutshell:Beautiful wine country!
Reviews (17)
Buying affordable memoirs
Shopping
(1)
A very small market (about 20 stalls, all filled to the brim) specializing in local crafts. They mostly sell wood... more travel advice
Great Cocktails and great food
Restaurants
(7)
Ideally located in the middle of town (in Dorp Street), Cognito is one of my personal favourite places to sit on a nice... more travel advice
Affordable Winefarm Restaurant with...
Restaurants
(7)
The food is mostly mediteranean, but it also includes a large variety of other wonderfully prepared dishes. There is a... more travel advice
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
Things to Do
(7)
There are quite a few hiking trails in this reserve, they range from an easy 5,3 km scenic walk to the challenging 17.1... more travel advice
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Stellenbosch
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Friends
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Wine Tasting
Beaches
Hiking and WalkingLatest Stellenbosch hotel reviews
- Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel & Spa
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Latest: May 22, 2013 - Asara Wine Estate & Hotel
- 215 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 21, 2013 - River Manor & Spa
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Latest: May 12, 2013 - Kleine Zalze Lodges
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Latest: May 20, 2013 - Protea Hotel Stellenbosch
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Latest: May 22, 2013 - Bonne Esperance
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Latest: May 8, 2013 - Eendracht Hotel
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Latest: Apr 25, 2013 - Hawksmoor House at Matjieskuil Farm
- 188 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 17, 2013 - Yellow Lodge Guest House
- 15 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Mar 15, 2013 - Stumble Inn Backpackers Lodge Stellenbosch
- 34 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 20, 2013 - Rivierbos Guest House
- 23 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Apr 10, 2013 - Lanzerac Manor and Winery Hotel
- 115 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 12, 2013 - Ons Genot Country Lodge
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Latest: Apr 5, 2013
Comments (10)
Hi Adri, Fairview is seker een van die beste wynplase hier wat my aan betref. Beste met jou studies by my ou alma mater ;-)
Happy Birthday Adri. Wish you the best and hope your future is filled with many more travels.
HI Adri, bly om te hoor jy is mal oor VT. Nice page, some great pics. Groete, Pierre
Fantastic page. Really great tips. Can't wait to return to Stellenbosch. Its one of my favorite towns anywhere!
Great tips Adri!
Hi Adri, I just returned from a long weekend in CT -- pity we had so little time and missed Stellenbosch. Great photos! Greetings from Germany, Brian
What a delightful page!!! I have yet to write mine, better get going soon. LOVE your main pic! Makes me so homesick!!
Interesting place and nice pictures.Regards,Ketan.
I visited Stellenbosch in 2004 and loved it. Sorry I missed the wine and chocolate tasting. One of our local doctors here is from Stellenbosch. Heard the Stellenbosch university choir and they were awesome.
I loved Stellenbosch when I was there. Next time (if there is) I hope to spend more time there. Fun to read your pages. :)