STELLENBOSCH A TOWN FOR ALL SEASONS
Stellenbosch, the oldest
town in South Africa after Cape Town, is undoubtedly the most scenic
and historically-preserved town in Southern Africa. Oak-lined streets next
to water furrows compliment the many fine examples of elegant Cape Dutch, Victorian
and Georgian architecture - all part of this unique "Town of Oaks"
The
town, ideally situated in a magnificent mountain valley, boasts a mild Mediterranean
climate and is the ideal destination from which to explore the Winelands, Cape
Town, the Peninsula and the many tourists attractions that the area has to offer
Stellenbosch
is the center of the country's wine industry, and is also home to the world-renowned
'Maties' University. Many national and international industries have their headquarters
here.
Events and activities take place throughout the year- from music,
street, wine and art festivals to international sporting events.
But more
importantly it is a tranquil, friendly town and a prime tourist and conference
destination!
Welcome to the 'Town of Oaks'
THE BIRTH OF STELLENBOSCH
On
6 November 1679 the newly-appointed Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel,
discovered a river running through a fertile, green valley. This was the first
river he crossed on his journey from Cape Town and that is why he named it the
Eerste (First) river.He decided to establish a settlement here and named it after
himself - Stellenbosch. Within a short period the first settlers arrived. By 1682
the town had become a local authority and in 1685 it became the seat of a magistrate
with authority over 25 000 square kilo-metres. Grapes were planted in the fertile
valleys and soon Stellenbosch became the centre of the wine industry. In 1971
the world-renowned Stellenbosch Wine Route was established.
The
University of Stellenbosch, known affectionately as "Maties", had
its inception as the Stellenbosch Gymnasium in 1866. In 1880 it became Stellenbosch
College and in 1887 was renamed Victoria College in honour of Queen Victoria.
In 1918 the college officially became the University of Stellenbosch. The meticulously-restored
buildings, particularly in oak-lined, historic Dorp Street, bear witness to a
proud past, with many fine examples of Cape Dutch, Victorian and Georgian architecture.
Several
international enterprises have their headquarters in this bustling university
town. An innovative project that involves only "clean" industry (fashioned
after Silicon Valley in the United States) has been established at Techno-park.
Embraced
by the majestic Simonsberg, Stellenbosch, Jonkershoek, Pieke (Twin Peaks) and
Helderberg mountains, this once quiet little village has evolved into a leading
educational centre, a centre for industry and business, the heart of the wine
industry, and a prime tourist destination.
STELLENBOSCH ATTRACTIONS
With
its Mediterranean climate, scenic environment, well-maintained facilities and
close proximity to Cape Town and many other places of interest, Stellenbosch is
the perfect holiday destination. The second-oldest town in South Africa,
it is affectionately referred to as the 'Town of Oaks'. The Eerste River flows
through the centre of the town that enjoys a magnificent backdrop of mountain
ranges, including the Simonsberg, Stellenbosch, Jonkershoek and Pieke (Peaks)
mountains. You'll never run out of things to see and do; from scenic drives, wine
tours and tastings to hiking, mountain hiking and climbing. An academic university
town, Stellenbosch has a bustling sidewalk cafe' scene in the French tradition,
excellent restaurants, and a vibrant Nightlife for all ages.
If
eating well is your thing, restaurants offer a wide selection, from traditional
South African fare to continental and exotic fusion cuisine. You can even learn
to cook like a professional at the Culinary Arts school at Spier, where custom-made
courses are presented by specialist chefs.
The Stellenhosch Wine Route,
the oldest in the Cape, is a must. Visit the estates, book a picnic basket, taste
the wines then take a few special bottles home with you when you go. You can even
do the winelands on horseback, or book a wine tour and let someone else do the
driving....
Brandy, one of South Africa's most famous and finest products,
is distilled and matured in many different cellars located in the rolling Western
Cape winelands. The Brandy Route, launched in 1997, starts in Stellenbosch
and you can visit the Van Ryn Brandy Cellar, the Oude Molen Brandy Museum, Uitkyk
and Backsberg Estate. Then pop into the Simonsberg cheese factory and sample some
of their exotic cheeses. There are many farm stalls and deli's both in and around
the town offering an abundance of fresh produce and delicious homemade goodies.
In season, you can even go summer berry or strawberry picking, surrounded by some
landmark scarecrows. Forest walks could yield some mushrooms, but make sure you
know what to pick first. When your overindulgence really starts getting to you,
book into the world-renowned Hydro at Stellenbosch for a detoxification
and a complete rejuvenation.
With your energy levels up again, take to
the streets! On historic Dorp Street you will find elegant Cape Dutch, Victorian
and Georgian architecture.
Visit Oom Samie se Winkel, a general dealer reminiscent
of bygone days, where you can purchase everything from tobacco and dried fish
(bokkoms) to spices and leather. It includes a Victorian wine shop, a restaurant,
and a charming tea garden. A legend in its own lifetime, De Akker offers pub lunches
and light meals, as well as The Hidden Cellar, which features live music - the
blues, jazz, alternative rock and some incredible local talent.
The Stellenbosch
village Museum is a group of carefully restored and furnished buildings representing
the major stylistic periods of the previous three centuries The Toy and Miniature
Museum will enchant both young and old. There are also many other museums and
places of historical interest in and around the town. On the same note, take a
historical guided walking tour with one of the knowledgeable registered guides,
who will share some fascinating anecdotes with you. The Ghost Tour at sunset will
send a few shivers up your spine...
Günther, the Green Trisee-call
man, will pedal you around town on his specially adapted bicycle. If you want
to go a little faster - rent a scooter. Or slow right down and take a romantic
walk along the banks of the Eerste River which meanders through the town. Cross
the river and you will come to one of South Africa's most famous sports grounds.
There
is the Coetzenburg Athletics Stadium, with its modern track and floodlights, where
several world records have been set, and the home of Stellenbosch University rugby,
the Danie Craven Stadium, named after the legendary Doc Craven.
There are
several excellent golf courses in the area, including the Stellenbosch Golf Club
and Devonvale. The Idas Valley Dams are the spot for you if you're into fly-fishing.
Nestled in a forest at the foot of the majestic Simonsberg, these two trout still-waters
contain some of the largest rainbow, brown and elusive golden trout in South Africa.
Jonkershoek
Nature Reserve is the place for nature lovers. You can drive, hike or mountain
bike through spectacular scenery and then cool off in a clear mountain pool. The
Botanical Garden, South Africa's oldest university garden, contains indigenous
and exotic plants, from Amazon water-plants, orchids and lilies, to bonsai, herb
and desert plants, some of them extremely rare.
Avid shoppers are catered
for with many excellent specialist shops with rare collections of African and
other items. There are myriad antique and bric-a-brac shops to browse in as well
as some excellent interior decor shops.
Arts
and crafts are well represented in the town, with a host of galleries, pottery
studios and innovative jewelry design studios show-casing the wealth of talent
in this creative centre.
Dombeya Farm has a hand-spinning and dyeing workshop
where you can purchase a variety of wool and yarn, hand-knitted jerseys and soft
furnishings.
Theatre is alive and flourishing, with performances ranging
from the classical to the experimental, musicals to cabaret.
Many major
sporting events take place in Stellenbosch. Visitors can also enjoy the fun University
Rag & Carnival in February and the Stellenbosch Street and Music Festival
in September, which features street buskers and stalls as well as live music ranging
from classical to traditional. The Food & Wine Festival in October is another
opportunity to sample local fare.
For more reading on Stellenbosch visit
www.stellenbosch.org.za
