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NATURAL BEAUTY
Surrounded by mountains, the region boasts a mild climate throughout the year and is a prime destination for both national and international tourists.
Balmy summer days with temperatures between 22C and 34C lengthen into 15 hours of sunlight by mid-summer. During winter the day temperatures seldom drop below 16C. The countryside remains beautiful throughout the changing seasons.
The abundance of fauna and flora makes the region a nature lovers paradise. The Protea family, of which there are some 400 species, are an important part of the region's flora, as are yellowwood trees, wild plum and Cape ash. Surprisingly, the hundreds of oaks are not indigenous to the area, but have nevertheless become synonymous with this Town of Oaks.
Outdoor enthusiasts are spoilt for choice with the many types of adventure sports that are available at venues in and around Stellenbosch and the region. These include activities such as teambuilding, paintball, abseiling, river-rafting, mountain biking, adventure camps and more. Bungi - jumping, hot air ballooning and sky diving are also at the sports enthusiast's disposal.
Numerous horse trails are can be enjoyed and all will take you through the mountains and vineyards where wine farms can be visited for tasting, sun-downers or a nice meal under the Oaks.
The Jonkershoek mountains form the backdrop of the world famous Jonkershoek and Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve. The Vineyard hiking trail starts on the slopes of the Papegaaiberg and takes the hiker through a series of "koppies" (hills) and ridges, through forest plantation, vineyards and olive groves in what must be one of the most scenic and historic farming districts in our country. There is also numerous half and full day hikes on farms such as Delvera and Bein Wine.
Make the most of your visit and enjoy the bounty of Mother Nature. Villiera Wines have recently introduced a scintillating combination of wine and wildlife when they launched the 175-hectare Villiera wildlife sanctuary. Although the farm already had a vibrant birdlife including 1000 Peking ducks, pheasant, guinea fowl, blue cranes, owls etc, the reserve now also contains steenbok, duiker, springbok, red hartebeest, zebra, bontebok, eland, grysbok, gemsbok as well as bush pigs, foxes, mongeese, porcupines and caracal. Visitors can enjoy tasting Villiera's award-winning sparkling wines before experiencing a 2-hour game drive.
The full moon and sunset hikes at the Dirtopia Trail Centre can probably be counted amongst some of the most incredible hikes in and around Stellenbosch. Visitors can enjoy amazing sunsets or dazzling moon risings from the top of Klapmutskop with panoramic 360? views. Hikers can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the clearly marked vineyard trail through a Renosterveld conservancy and yellowwood forest. The route is 9.75km, but shorter routes are available on request. Mouthwatering picnic baskets can be ordered in advance. Reserve through Stellenbosch Tourism Information's office. Check out our events calendar for a schedule of upcoming full-moon and sunset hikes. Space is limited so advance booking is advised. Guests can also rent a bike and take a spin on the fabulous MTB tracks on the grounds.
The Children's Route will provide loads of entertainment and not only for the kids. Points of interest include the Tygerberg Zoo, Butterfly World, the Drakenstein Lion Park, The Giraffe House animal sanctuary, Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm as well as the Cheetah Outreach programme at Spier. Summer also mean strawberry season and members of the public can pick their own strawberries at the Mooiberge Strawberry Farm or Polkadraai Farm Stall, both child-friendly establishments. Many members of the Stellenbosch American Express® Wine Routes welcome children and offer special activities to entertain the youngsters, while parents enjoy fabulous food and wines.
