Sightseeing in Stellenbosch - what to see. Complete travel guide

The colorful African town of Stellenbosch is a popular destination that many know as a large winery center. This town is located in an incredibly beautiful place, on the bank of the Eersterivier . Stellenbosch is surrounded by mountains on nearly all sides. This region has always been famous for its fertile soils that are ideal for growing grape and vegetables.

The picturesque town was founded in 1679 by Simon van der Stel. Together with Cape Town, Stellenbosch is one of the two “European” settlements in South Africa. Besides terrific wine, this town has one more symbol - Universiteit Stellenbosch , the opening of which took place in 1863. Numerous tourists come to Stellenbosch to see fantastic nature landmarks and ancient wineries that are famous far beyond the borders of the country.

Stellenbosch has truly earned its title of the “wine capital” of the Republic of South Africa. The territory of the town and its suburbs is home to more than 4,000 small wineries. As a rule, these companies were founded many years ago and are still family owned. For many local people, winemaking is the main occupation for generations and the main source of income. It’s safe to say that each of the local wineries offers exclusive drinks. Locals care about winemaking traditions of their families and keep recipes in secret. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Beautiful Stellenbosch will not disappoint fans of exciting excursions. They are welcome to walk on picturesque ancient streets, visit interesting nature reserves and admire the main architectural landmark of the city – the university building. Locals are used to a great number of tourists, many of which come to Stellenbosch for a short visit because Cape Town is their main destination.

Excursions to the most famous wineries remain the most popular pastime for tourists in this town. Needless to say, these wineries are always glad to greet new guests and offer sampling sessions for tourists. During such sessions, visitors can try the most popular sorts of the drink and buy the best South African wine at very affordable prices. Fans of nature will enjoy a walk in the large plantations and admire the beauty of this place. It’s really hard to believe that such a magnificent place with lush flora is actually located in the southern part of the hottest and most deserted continent of the planet.

Stellenbosch has many gorgeous villas with white stone facades that have remained since the colonial period. Nowadays, these villas are occupied by famous hotels, restaurants, museums, and shops. Bletterman House is an interesting museum that can be safely called a typical example of the Dutch architecture. This house still has the atmosphere of the past, so visitors will find out a lot of interesting information about the colonial period and lifestyle of people during those years. Among the exhibits of the museum, it is important to mention antique furniture and various household items, artworks and personal items of former owners of the house.

Many old mansions in the historic district have been transformed into interesting souvenir and antiquity shops. Some of these shops are no less exciting to attend than museums as they offer numerous artworks, beautiful woven baskets and bags, and unusual house decorations. Fans of thrilling experiences are usually in love with excursions to the local crocodile farm, Le Bonheur. At the farm, visitors can see one of the most dangerous reptiles in the world very close. Le Bonheur has been breeding crocodiles for several decades already. Naturally, there is a shop that sells items made of crocodile skin at very attractive prices.

Tourists craving for more peaceful entertainment will enjoy a visit to the Butterfly World pavilion. This pavilion has become home to rare insects from all over the world. The venue regularly organizes educational excursions for its visitors and special events for children. There is also an interesting souvenir shop and a charming café that is perfect to relax at once the excursion is over. A flight in a hot air balloon is one more way to admire the marvelous beauty of Stellenbosch and its neighborhoods. The majority of local tourist centers offer this unusual entertainment for tourists.

Stellenbosch is incredibly popular with fans of wellness tourism. Pay attention to the Hydro Wellness Center that is open in the mountain region. This center offers various hydrotherapy programs and dozens of massage types, fitness programs, and aromatherapy treatments. Absolutely all rejuvenating practices are based on natural treatments that activate the immune system, such as climate therapy. Experienced specialists in different areas of medicine work in this center.