Things to Do in Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch in a nutshell, the Declair Graffe Estate offers the best of the city- wines, good food, luxurious stay and Spa all in one place.

The elite lodges offer a view of the beautiful vineyards and comes with amenities including a pool and spa services along with other necessities. The estate has three restaurants which offer elegant, tantalizing dishes with a good wine menu.

A stay here is perfect if you are visiting Stellenbosch for a short time and want to experience its beautiful ambience complete with wine-tasting and fine dining.

A family vacation farm which offers premium accommodation nestled amidst beautiful vineyards and a bio-centric, organic farm, the Spier Wine Farm is all things Stellenbosch in a nutshell.

The organic farms which produce healthy harvests and the‘more than comfortable rooms and a wine bar to envy, all offer the perfect combination for a short trip to Stellenbosch.

Highlights include:

• Wine Tasting- 235 Creative Block, Frans K Smith, Award winning 21 Gables
• Eagle Encounters- Interacting with majestic Owls and Eagles
• In-house Spa
• Segway Tours
• Heritage Tour
• Art museum

No matter what your age, interests or company, the Spier Wine farm is perfect for anyone who wants to breathe all the things that Stellenbosch stands for.

If you are looking for that adrenaline rush or simply want to experience safari drives so intrinsic to Africa, then head to the Cheetah Outreach located 20 kilometers away from Stellenbosch city center.

Interact with cute Cheetah cubs, Meerkats, Bat-eared foxes and Caracals and learn about how they are cared for and loved. The Cheetah Outreach also arranges educational programs about the animals- making it a perfect learning center for kids.

Watch the regal animals at their best at the outreach in an environment they shine in. You are sure to come out feeling a bit happier. A must for animal lovers.

A perfect place for people who love plants and all things green, the botanical Garden at the University of Stellenbosch is sure to keep you busy with their variety of plants.

An on0ground café is perfect to cool off with refreshing drinks while you soak up the sun or simply stroll around the garden observing the plants and flowers which grace every inch of the garden.  A must during your stay at Stellenbosch, the botanical gardens are perfect for a small family picnic on a sunny day.

A road-trip lover’s dream come true, the Helshoogte Pass was built in 1854 and is the oldest pass in Cap Town. It is fondly known as ‘Hell’s Heights’ due to the panoramic view of the mountain peeks which grace every turn of the pass.

If you want to see a photo-shopped live version of some of the best road stretches in the world, the Helshoogte Pass will not disappoint. Rent a car in the city and drive the pass as you soak in the sun and the play of shadows of the mountains.

South Africa is known for its wild encounters, and the Eagle encounters offer just that. Get to know about the many types of the winged predators and interact with them under the watchful eye of their highly skilled trainers.

Highlights include:

• Eagles including the large Black Eagle.
• Owls including the spotted Eagle Owl and Barn Owl.
• Cape Dwarf Chameleons
• Red Tailed Boa Constrictor

A good way to kick start you visit in Stellenbosch, you will walk out making a couple of wild friends.

Located on a hill, Tokara is known for its fabulous food with a serene view of Stellenbosch. The vineyards, valleys and the Bay all add to the unique gastronomic experience which Tokara is loved for.

Highlights include:

• Chicken and Beef menu
• Elaborate wine menu

When here, do try their signature Tokara Shiraz and Chardonnay. A must during your stay at Stellenbosch, Tokara is food, invention and nature all rolled in a beautiful package.

Loved by locals and tourists alike, the Devonvale Golf and Wine Estate is a must if you love the sport or simply want to try your hand at it. The well maintained course invites Professional Golfers from all over the region and is known for its impeccable grass and interesting terrain.

The Estate also has a fine-cuisine restaurant and offers accommodation on the premises. Golf, Food, Wine- the perfect combination on a sunny day.A visit here is a must!

The city center of Stellenbosch is old-world charm personified. The white washed historic buildings among the dark roads is a divine urban scene. The best part about the street is that it accommodates a sea of restaurants, cafes and shops.

Whether you want to grab a quick bite, shop till you drop or simply see a whole new world within Stellenbosch, the street is perfect for taking a quiet leisurely stroll.

Witness the wild side of the Ocean as you Shark Dive in a cage amidst the majestic beasts. The Shark Safari Tours is popular for their Shark diving and Whale watching and this has to top the list of things to do while in Stellenbosch and Cape Town. Located less than 60 kilometers away from Stellenbosch, this experience is worth the ride.

The Shard dive tour includes:

• A light meal on arrival and after returning to the shore.
• An information and safety briefing.
• 3-5 hours at sea.
• Cinematographer to capture all the action.
• Experienced dive master and skipper.
• A 7mm wetsuit with mask and snorkel.
• An 8 man cage that allows you to have several dives.

The tour also arranges Whale Watching from June to November- when the whales surface to say hello!

Visiting Stellenbosch and not exploring the wines produced here is only half the experience of the city! At Waterford Estate, the experience is accompanied by beautifully maintained gardens, pathways and a lush green vineyard which accommodates its luxurious Winery.

Find a sweet-spot for yourself as you are pampered with wines and chocolates under the shade of its loving trees. The estate is known for its wide variety of wines- Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosemary, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

The estate offers their highlight drive- the Wine Safari through the Helderberg Mountain slopes which are known for its quality vineyards.

The cultural museum of Stellenbosch, the city’s museum is a complex consisting of 4 Period houses- Schreuder House, Bletterman House, Grosvenor House and  O.M. Bergh House and The Powder House (V.O.C Kruithuis).

The Stellenbosch museum preserves the lifestyle, architecture, interiors and ambience dating back to their authentic periods and is a must when you visit the city. The four houses are well cared for and staff dressed in period clothes is not uncommon here. The V.O.C Kruithuis preserves cannons, guns and barrels wall dating back to the 18th century.

The Strak Conde wines are in business since 1998 and are known as one of the best wine-makers in the Cape. The place accommodates beautiful vineyards spread across 40 hectares of the whole estate’s 250 hectares and has an on-ground Postcard Café which serves scrumptious meals and desserts along with complimenting wines.

The Stark Conde Wines are known for their Three Pines wine, Stellenbosch classic wines, Postcard series wines and the Lingen.

Highlights include:

• Wine tasting
• Meal at Postcard Cafe

Wine, dine and hibernating in the lap of vineyards is an experience in itself and Jordan Wine Estate offers all that and more to its visitors.

Choose from a variety of wine tasting and tours which are sure to get you a little but tipsy or simply relax to the view of the grape-adorned valleys which are home to the estate.

Highlights include:

• Wine tasting
• Exclusive Vineyard and Cellar Experience Tours

A bit on the expensive side, the Jordan Wine estate justifies the price for the ride and is a favorite spot for honeymooners and family vacations.

The most popular reserve for Mountain Biking and Hiking, the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is known for its majestic Pines and gravel-stoned pathways which make it ideal for adventurous activities. The reserve offers accommodation and restaurant facilities along with other necessary amenities and services- making it a popular choice among tourists and locals alike. The reserve is also home to many plant and animal species sure to make your hiking experience a splendid one.

Highlights include:

• MTB trails
• Picnics
• Hiking

The whole reserve is a photographer’s dream come true. Do carry your camera when you visit.