Stellenbosch, South Africa
Stellenbosch is a charming South African town known for its picturesque Cape Dutch architecture, world-class wine region and vibrant university life. With stunning mountain views, top restaurants and vineyards, Stellenbosch offers a unique experience for travelers to South Africa.
Trip to Stellenbosch, South Africa
Day 1: Arrival in Stellenbosch
Welcome to South Africa! Today is dedicated to getting settled in at your accommodation and getting familiar with the surrounding areas. You can start with a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Stellenbosch, famous for its picturesque Cape Dutch architecture, stately oak trees and numerous eateries and boutiques. For your first dinner in town, I recommend taking a leisurely walk along the famous Dorp Street and trying out some of the local delicacies on offer.
Day 2: Stellenbosch Winelands
South Africa’s wine has made quite a name for itself and today’s focus will be enjoying and exploring the incredible wineries in the Stellenbosch area. You can start the morning off with a tour of the famous Spier Vineyards, where they produce environmentally friendly wine. Enjoy the scenic beauty of this organic farm, relax for a few hours with a glass of wine, and have an enhanced experience by taking a cellar or wine tasting tour.
Day 3: Franschhoek Wine Tram
After breakfast, you can take a trip on the Franschhoek Wine Tram that takes you through the picturesque countryside and the stunning Wineland region. This exciting tram offers a hop-on-hop-off experience stopping at various wine estates that include tastings and some food options at each stop. Sit back, relax and enjoy the vast wine landscapes as you travel through multiple estates in one day. This is sure to be a memorable experience and an excellent way to try out different wines.
Day 4: Cape Vidal Nature Reserve
After three days exploring the ins and outs of Stellenbosch indulge in outdoor activities at the Cape Vidal Nature Reserve, situated within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 3-hour drive from Stellenbosch, Cape Vidal offers plenty of adventure with its 12 km beachfront, snorkelling, and diving opportunities or an excellent hike to Mission Rocks. You can also spend some time observing the various creatures in their natural habitat, including giraffes, kudus and water buffaloes.
Day 5: Stellenbosch City and Art tour
Take a walk into the cultural richness of the city with a tour of the fascinating museums and galleries. The Rupert Museum showcases South African art, showcasing works from the twentieth century and beyond, while the Patchings Art Centre displays contemporary art by local artists. The Stellenbosch Botanical Gardens and the Helderberg Nature Reserve are other great options that offer lovely scenic views.
Day 6: Shopping and Nightlife
On the penultimate day of your trip, there is no better way to perk up than some shopping therapy. From exclusive fashion boutiques to local craft markets, Stellenbosch offers a wide variety of shopping options. After a busy day shopping, wrap up your trip with some wining and dining at one of the many vibrant and lively bars or clubs in the city.
Day 7: Departure
Today marks the end of your trip, and it’s time to pack up and say goodbye to beautiful Stellenbosch. You can take one last stroll through the charming city and soak up any sights and sounds you may have missed before departure.