Nestled in the heart of the Boland, Stellenbosch is a picturesque town that embodies South Africa’s wine culture and rich heritage.
Looking for things to do in Stellenbosch? Look no further than its renowned wine farms and rich history. This charming town is perfect for a weekend away and offers activities for all ages.
With its oak-lined streets, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere, Stellenbosch is not just a haven for oenophiles but also a treasure trove of activities for individuals and families alike.
Here are ten worthwhile experiences that will make the most of your visit to the charming dorpie:
1. Stellenbosch Village Museum
For a bit of historical context, spend a day visiting the museums and heritage buildings in Stellenbosch.
At the V.O.C. Kruithuis, you’ll find the original building designed to store Stellenbosch’s arms and ammunition for defence; and the Toy and Miniature Museum will take you on a trip back to the good old days before computer games and mobile phones.
The Village Museum is comprised of four pristinely restored historic homes, which you can view at your leisure: Schreuderhuis, Blettermanhuis, OM Berghhuis and the beautiful Grosvenor House, built in 1782.
- Location: 18 Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch
- Times: Monday – Saturday, 9am – 5pm
- Cost: Adults: R100 | Children 2 to 17 years: R40
- Contact: 021 887 2937
2. Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden
Located in the centre of Stellenbosch, the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden is the oldest of its kind in the country. This compact Garden boasts an enormous variety of indigenous and exotic plants. A wide range of local and regional products, along with beautifully cultivated plants, can also be purchased.
- Location: Neethling St &, Van Riebeeck St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7602
- Times: Open daily 8am – 5pm
- Cost: Adults: R15 | Seniors: R10 | University students & staff: Free
- Contact: 021 887 2937
3. Trek Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
With its refreshing waterfall and beautiful, lush vegetation, this hike through the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is breathtaking at any time of year. The reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has a distance range of 5km to 17km, taking between two and eight hours to explore, with 9 800 hectares of terrain.
For those looking for things to do in Stellenbosch for free, a visit to Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is a must-do activity for nature lovers and hikers alike. The breathtaking scenery and tranquil atmosphere make it the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
- Location: Jonkershoek Rd, Stellenbosch, 7600
- Cost: Entrance fee: R70 per person and Children (ages 4 to 17) R50
- Times: Summer : 7am to 4pm | Winter : 8am to 4pm | Gate close: 6pm
- Contact: 087 087 4118
4. Strawberry picking at Mooiberg
If you’re looking for things to do in Stellenbosch with kids, this family-friendly farm is the perfect destination.
When Sam Zetler settled near Stellenbosch in the early 1900s, the land was still somewhat untamed and wild. As time passed by, Zetler had five sons, all of whom joined the farming business. Soon after, it was known as S. Zetler and Sons, and more recently, Wynland Boerdery.
Today, you can grab a basket and let the kids pick the luscious strawberries growing in the fields. They can also enjoy mini-golf, face painting, tractor rides and pony rides.
- Location: R44, Annandale Road, Stellenbosch
- Cost: R25 for a small container to R170 for a large one (note: prices may vary slightly)
- Times: Weekends and public holidays, 9:30am – 4:30pm
- Contact: 021 881 3222
5. Wine farms in Stellenbosch to visit
A visit to Stellenbosch would not be complete without stopping at some of the region’s many wine farms. There are more than 200 wine and grape producers in the region.
You will find the winelands of Stellenbosch offer a variety of wining and dining experiences in a picturesque setting. You don’t need an excuse to enjoy scenic views while sipping on some of the best wine in the world!
Some popular farms in Stellenbosch include Quoin Rock, a storied Stellenbosch wine estate in the Knorhoek Valley, the Lanzerac Wine Estate and Hidden Valley Wines, among many others.
6. Camping sites in Stellenbosch
Camping near Stellenbosch is an ever-popular pastime, with few hidden gems that offer beautiful camping grounds for the whole family to enjoy.
SCAS Eiland Campsite & Training Centre is equipped to host groups, camps, events and seminars. It is located in Stellenbosch’s stunning Jonkershoek Valley.
- Location: Jonkershoek Rd, Stellenbosch, 7600
- Contact: 021 866 1433
Orange-Ville Guesthouse offers a small, grassy campsite for 4×4 overlanders, complete with hot-water ablutions, power points and shaded views over horse pastures and surrounding mountains.
- Location: Swart Street, Kylemore Road, Stellenbosch, 7599
- Contact: 021 885 1575
Nestled between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, in the highlands, the Bergplaas Resort offers excellent hiking trail runs and is conveniently situated for visiting wine farms and the historic town of Stellenbosch.
- Location: Old Helshoogte Rd, Idas Valley, Stellenbosch, 7600
- Contact: 060 713 7905
7. Markets in Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is also renowned for its weekend markets with a multitude of options for the family to browse and enjoy.
The ever-popular Blaauwklippen Family Market is open on Saturdays and Sundays with a strong emphasis on seasonal, local, organic and sustainable food, produce and items.
The beautiful vineyards and trees surrounding the Root44 Market offer live music, fantastic food and drinks and leisurely browsing.
Sadly, the Stellenbosch Dorp Street Sunday Market closed, but their sister market, Market in the Garden, is open every Saturday in collaboration with the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden and sells a lot of locally made goodies.
8. Take a stroll in the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Gardens
Boasting more than 60 exquisite sculptures by celebrated local artist Dylan Lewis, the gardens at Mulberry Farm are not to be missed. The seven-hectare gardens took 11 years to complete and contain an array of native fynbos, Buchu, and Erica in addition to a visual feast of sculptures.
- Times: Tuesday to Saturday | 8:30am to 5pm
- Cost: Adults: R260 | Students & seniors: R160
- Location: Klein Joostenberg Farm Muldersvlei Rd, 7550
- Contacts: 021 880 0054, or email [email protected].
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