Stellenbosch (pop. about 100,000) is a city in the Western Cape of South Africa and is the heart of the Cape Winelands, South Africa's prime wine region.
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.
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, 37 Ryneveld St, +27 21 887 2937. 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, Blom Rd (close to the Information Centre. 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. R5.
- Fick House, 40 Blom Rd (corner Bloem and Alexander. Well-preserved Dutch house. Inside is an excellent collection of traditional furniture, kitchen equipment, etc. that can be visited in office hours
- Theological Seminary, 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 Museum, 37 Ryneveld St, +27 21 887 2937. 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, Blom Rd (close to the Information Centre. 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. R5.
Fick House, 40 Blom Rd (corner Bloem and Alexander. Well-preserved Dutch house. Inside is an excellent collection of traditional furniture, kitchen equipment, etc. that can be visited in office hours
Theological Seminary, 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, c/o Victoria and Neethling St, +27 21 808-2345. 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, Bergzight Plein, Du Toit St (Next to Van Der Stel Sports Complex, +27 21 883-8164.
- Luhambo Tours, Cape Town, +27 21 551-0467. Specialised in wine tours to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, leaving daily from Cape Town. Small groups with specialised wine guides.
Luhambo Tours, Cape Town, +27 21 551-0467. Specialised in wine tours to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, leaving daily from Cape Town. Small groups with specialised wine guides.
Stellenbosch University Conservatoire, c/o Victoria and Neethling St, +27 21 808-2345. 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, Bergzight Plein, Du Toit St (Next to Van Der Stel Sports Complex, +27 21 883-8164.
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, Blaauklippen road (Paradyskloof) (www.chabivin.co.za, +27 21 880-1643. Tu-Sa 9AM-5PM. 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.
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, Blaauklippen road (Paradyskloof) (www.chabivin.co.za, +27 21 880-1643. Tu-Sa 9AM-5PM. 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, 31 Church St, +27 21 883-3629. Offers a variety of international cuisine. Reviewed by Rossouw's Restaurants - 7/10 food, 8/10 service
- The Farmer's Kitchen at Mooiberge Farmstall, cnr R44 and Annandale Road, +27 21 881 3444. 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, 2A Ryneveld St, +27 21 887 9560. Formerly known as Zest. Has a lovely hidden courtyard at the back of the old house.
- Fandango, Bird St, +27 21 887-7506.
- Java Cafe, 25 Church St, +27 21 887 6261.
- Stellenbosch Kitchen, +27 21 883 2893.
- Slowfood Market, Corner of Bosmans & Distilery rd. Sa 9AM-4PM.. 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, Cnr Church and Andringa, Central, +27 21 887-5844. 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.
Basic Bistro, 31 Church St, +27 21 883-3629. Offers a variety of international cuisine. Reviewed by Rossouw's Restaurants - 7/10 food, 8/10 service
The Farmer's Kitchen at Mooiberge Farmstall, cnr R44 and Annandale Road, +27 21 881 3444. 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, 2A Ryneveld St, +27 21 887 9560. Formerly known as Zest. Has a lovely hidden courtyard at the back of the old house.
Fandango, Bird St, +27 21 887-7506.
Java Cafe, 25 Church St, +27 21 887 6261.
Stellenbosch Kitchen, +27 21 883 2893.
Slowfood Market, Corner of Bosmans & Distilery rd. Sa 9AM-4PM.. 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, Cnr Church and Andringa, Central, +27 21 887-5844. 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.
- 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.
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.