Stellenbosch

Founded in 1679, Stellenbosch is the second oldest European settlement in the Western province, after Cape Town. This historic town is known for oak lined cobblestone streets, classic Cape Dutch architecture, and its vibrant wine industry. Stellenbosch is a very walkable town with many small shops, boutiques, art galleries, some fabulous local restaurants and vineyards, and more than 100 wine cellars. There are a number of excellent hikes in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, as well as a full day Vineyard Hiking Trail which winds its way through vineyards, forests, olive groves, and coastal renosterveld.

Stellenbosch, along with nearby Paarl and Franschhoek, forms part of the Cape Winelands, the largest contributors to the one billion liters of wine produced in South Africa annually. It is approximately 50 km (30 mi) east of Cape Town, on a scenic road lined with breathtaking mountain ranges, green rolling hills and valleys and, as one approaches the Winelands, vineyards roll out in all directions. It is home to the University of Stellenbosch, founded in 1863, and today one of South Africa’s leading universities with nearly 30,000 students.

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