Sample the Good Life in Stellenbosch

The picturesque town of Stellenbosch (affectionately known as “Stellies”) was founded in 1679 by the Governor of the Cape Colony, Simon van der Stel, who named it after himself – Stellenbosch means “(van der) Stel’s forest”. It is situated on the banks of the Eerste River (“First River”), just 55km east of Cape Town, South Africa.

Diverse and buzzing, Stellenbosch is often considered a “students’ town”, with the University of Stellenbosch forming a central point of entry and exploration, and not just of the mind kind. It is interesting to note that Stellenbosch University has produced many of the South Africa’s great sporting heroes, including more than 155 rugby Springboks.

Local Stellenbosch attractions offer you a unique experience in this melting pot of language and culture And the helpful and friendly hosts you’ll find at your Stellenbosch accommodation will happily guide you towards the best that “Stellies” has to offer.

With it’s venerable old buildings, Dorp Street is the University’s main thoroughfare, where modern student life sits comfortably side by side with abundant history and architectural heritage.

An important cultural centre, Stellenbosch has many galleries and museums housing important national and international art collections. The Stellenbosch Conservatoire is the country’s oldest music school and once again, your host at your Stellenbosch guest house, hotel or bed and breakfast will be able to point you in the right direction of the must-see places to visit.

Your accommodation in Stellenbosch will perfectly position you for entry into some of the most enticing vineyards and wine routes to be found in South Africa. Stellenbosch forms part of the magnificent Western Cape Winelands region, and is renowned for its mountainous beauty.

The Stellenbosch Wine Route produces award winning wines and is arguably the country’s most famous wine attraction and the Stellenbosch Wine of Origin area includes 106 cellars, most of which are open to the public all year round. Enjoy a long day’s wine tasting or buying and, you’ll sip more than great South African wines – you’ll experience a taste of a much-cherished South African way of life.