Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch (founded in 1679) is about 50 km east of Cape Town and is the second oldest town in South Africa. It was named (like Simon's Town) after the former Governor Simon van der Stel. The town is situated on the banks of the Eerste River ('First River') and has some fine examples of Cape Dutch architecture. It is also known as 'Eikestad' ('Oak City') because of its oak tree lined streets. Wines from the Stellenbosch region are known internationally and rank among the best in the world. Stellenbosch is also home to one of the country's oldest established universities with over 25,000 students. There is a bustling night life during the university term-time, with many night clubs catering for young people.

By bus

A van service runs from hostels in Cape Town to Stellenbosch for about R120/pp, depending on how many passengers there are (just one and it's R200). The main bus companies also go to Stellenbosch.

By train

MetroRail operates a regular train service to Stellenbosch from Cape Town via Bellville. Check the schedule, as trains do not run very often. It is also advisable to travel in groups and avoid busy travel times in the morning and evening on weekdays. is on Adam Tas Street, on the western edge of town; it is a few minutes walk from the station to the city centre. If heading to the northern parts of town, alighting at might also be an option.

By plane

Stellenbosch has its own airfield but the nearest international airport is near Cape Town. Cape Town International airport is about 35 minutes away by car and airport shuttle service is available. Most hotels and guest houses will arrange transfers on request: expect to pay around R400-500 for up to four people.

By car

Stellenbosch lies approximately 60km from Cape Town. Drive on either the N1 or N2 highway.
If on the N1, exit at the R304 towards Stellenbosch.
If on the N2, exit at the R310 (Baden Powell Drive) and follow the signs.
The N1 is generally considered to be the safer route, particularly at night.

Stellenbosch is small enough that the entire city centre can easily be covered on foot. The Tourism Bureau also has a few cycles to rent. A curiosity is that there are no street signs. If you look closely you will see that the street names are indicated in yellow (in Afrikaans) on the edge of the sidewalks.
Unlike many larger South African cities, the centre of Stellenbosch is completely safe at night. There is no need to take taxis for safety - although if you want to eat (and drink) at one of the outlying wine estates, you'll have to.

A walking tour of Stellenbosch provides fascinating glimpses of colonial Dutch architecture. The Stellenbosch Tourism and Information Bureau, 36 Market St., organizes 1½ hour guided tours M-F at 11:00 and 15:00 (R80pp). Special groups can also be arranged for on request. Alternatively, buy the brochure "Historical Stellenbosch on Foot" from the Bureau for R5 and guide yourselves.

• Stellenbosch Museum

  phone: +27 21 887 2937
  address: 37 Ryneveld St
  The Stellenbosch Village Museum consists of four adjacent houses of historical interest. Each of these homes represents a different period in the architectural development of the city. The houses, their interiors and their gardens have been restored, and furnished, to illustrate the particular style and taste of the time.

• The Powder House

  address: Blom Rd
  Powder, lead and flint were supplied to the inhabitants of Stellenbosch. During the first quarter of the 18th century the annual allowance was 150 pounds of gunpowder, 100 pounds of lead bullets and 300 flintlock stones. This was delivered at the end of September each year for distribution to the citizen army. To avoid damage to the city in the event of an explosion the Powder House was situated away from the main town. These days it houses a small collection of weapons.

• Fick House

  address: 40 Blom Rd
  Well-preserved Dutch house. Inside is an excellent collection of traditional furniture, kitchen equipment, etc. that can be visited in office hours

• Theological Seminary

  address: Dorp St
  On the site of the original settlement, which was on an island in the Eerste River until one of its watercourses was filled in. This became the first university-level institution in 1859. The garden contains two pines from Norfolk Island, near Australia, which the university's students sometimes like to climb!

• Stellenbosch University Conservatoire

  phone: +27 21 808-2345
  address: c/o Victoria and Neethling St
  The Stellenbosch Conservatoire is home to the Music Department of the Stellenbosch University. It features the acclaimed 550 seat Endler Hall as well as various other performance and lecture venues. Various concerts take place every week ranging from student concerts and ensembles to performances by renowned artists, both locally and internationally. It is also home to the world-renowned Stellenbosch University Choir.

• Klein Libertas Theatre

  phone: +27 21 883-8164
  address: Bergzight Plein, Du Toit St

Wine tours

• Luhambo Tours

  phone: +27 21 551-0467
  address: Cape Town
  Specialised in wine tours to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, leaving daily from Cape Town. Small groups with specialised wine guides.

• Stellenbosch University (Maties)

  phone: +27 21 808-4514
  address: Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is not short of tourist shops. If you are tempted to take some of the local wine home, don't forget that it will not be accepted in airline hand luggage!

• Oom Samie se Winkel means "Uncle Samie's Shop" in Afrikaans. The shop is situated near the lower end of Dorp Street. You will find wines from the local wine estates, antiques, confectionary, sweets, jams, furniture and curios.

• Champagne

  phone: +27 21 880-1643
  address: Blaauklippen road (Paradyskloof)
  Relax at Chabivin's Eucalyptus amphitheater while live music and cold bubbles make you appreciate the finer things in life. Either outside on the lawn on giant pillows or in their rustic tasting room.

There are many good restaurants in the town. The area around Church Street is informally known as the local restaurant district, with approximately 19 venues within a four-block radius.

• Basic Bistro

  phone: +27 21 883-3629
  address: 31 Church St
  Offers a variety of international cuisine. Reviewed by Rossouw's Restaurants - 7/10 food, 8/10 service

• The Farmer's Kitchen at Mooiberge Farmstall

  phone: +27 21 881 3444
  address: cnr R44 and Annandale Road
  A modern take on many traditional South African food, set in a quirky location next to Mooiberge Farmstall, a pick-your-own strawberry farm and store, where you'll be greeted by their "friendly scarecrows."

• Binnenhof

  phone: +27 21 887 9560
  address: 2A Ryneveld St
  Formerly known as Zest. Has a lovely hidden courtyard at the back of the old house.

• Fandango

  phone: +27 21 887-7506
  address: Bird St

• Java Cafe

  phone: +27 21 887 6261
  address: 25 Church St

• Stellenbosch Kitchen

  phone: +27 21 883 2893

• Slowfood Market

  address: Corner of Bosmans & Distilery rd
  There is a festive atmosphere and a variety of local foods to choose from. Come and see what the locals are up to and indulge in a aray of fresh produce, seafood, luxury bakes and fresly baked breads

• Wijnhuis

  phone: +27 21 887-5844
  address: Cnr Church and Andringa, Central
  Wijnhuis offers a wine tasting lounge, wine shop and restaurant in a charming setting situated in the heart of the old town. It is a bustling meeting place for visitors to Stellenbosch, locals and students alike.

• Banghoek Place

  phone: +27 21 887-0048
  address: 193 Banghoek Road, Campus
  Great value double rooms with en suite bathrooms, swimming pool and safe on site parking. Dorm available too. Very helpful and friendly staff. Guests are rather relaxed and calm.

• Cultivar Guest Lodge

  phone: +27 82 327-3344
  address: Bonniemile Road, Off M12
  All rooms equipped with cable television, air-conditioning, Private patio in select rooms, Fully equipped kitchen/kitchenette and dining area in select rooms. Some of its facilities and services are room service, barbeque facilities, massage treatments, swimming pool, laundry service, secure parking, shuttle service and daily excursions and airport transfers, on request.

• Bertha's guest flats

  phone: +27 21 887-4113
  address: 16 Helderberg St

• BellaBosch B&B & Self Catering

  phone: +27 21 882-9686
  address: 7 School St
  Friendly hosts, comfortable beds, and excellent breakfast.

• Oude Werf Hotel

  phone: +27 21 887-4608
  address: 30 Church St
  Formerly "D'Ouwe Werf". Offers 44 very good rooms and has an excellent restaurant although it's just a short and completely safe walk from many others. Also 5 apartments on site sleeping up to 4; good value if travelling as a group.

• Eendracht Hotel

  phone: +27 21 883-8842
  address: 161 Dorp St
  Historic house in the oldest part of town in Dorp Street.

• Evergreen Manor & Spa

  phone: +27 21 886-6832
  address: 11 Murray Street, Central

• iKhaya Stellenbosch Backpackers

  phone: +27 21 883-8550
  address: 56 Bird St

• Oude Leeskamer Guest House

  phone: +27 21 882-9449
  address: 182 Dorp St

• Protea Hotel Dorpshuis & Spa

  phone: +27 21 883-9881
  address: 22 Dorp St
  27-room boutique hotel with spa, small pool, restaurant and luxurious lounging areas. WiFi and room service available.

• Stellenbosch Traveller's Lodge

  phone: +27 83 714-3871
  address: Corner of Dorp and Stadler Streets

• Stumble Inn Backpackers Lodge

  phone: +27 21 887-4049
  address: 12 Market Street, Central
  Great value backpackers lodge with double rooms and dormitory beds, swimming pool and safe on site parking.

• de Oude Ryneveld

  phone: +27 21 887-7221
  address: 71 Ryneveld St
  Cosy three-star guesthouse with various neat double rooms. Private toilet, washbasin and bath/shower. Good breakfast with the current newspaper, possibly with English breakfast and/or fruit with muesli and delicious yogurt. Can also be eaten outside. Very friendly service, quiet location. Optionally you can rent a bike, a relaxed beach cruiser. On the rooftop you can enjoy the setting sun. Each room has a desk and free internet.

• Batavia Boutique Hotel

  phone: +27 21 887-2914
  address: 12 Louw St
  Boutique hotel.

• Life and Leisure

  phone: +27 21 886-6955
  address: 20 Van Riebeeck St
  Apartment and guesthouse accommodation.

• Fynbos Villa Guesthouse

  phone: +27 21 883-8670
  address: 14 Neethling St
  Rooms are clean and non smoking and in an idyllic location. Offering safe off street parking for guests, and a beautiful solar-heated swimming pool is available on premises.

• Visit the nearby vineyards of the Cape Winelands. Maps, information on vineyards that receive and accommodate visitors and advice on getting to them is all available from the very helpful people at the Tourism and Information Bureau. There are many companies and individuals offering organised and customised tours - or more simply and cheaply, you can take the Vine Hopper minibus which picks up anywhere in central Stellenbosch and takes circular routes around 12 local vineyards (6 each on alternate days). Get off the bus where you want, stay as long as you want, and get on a later bus to take you to the next vineyard or - if you've had enough daytime drinking - back to Stellenbosch. Tickets for the Vine Hopper cost R200 and are available from the Tourism and Information Bureau or the larger hotels. Other activities available in the area include whitewater rafting and tour organizers can also be found at the Bureau.