19. Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch, beautifully situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands, is the second oldest town in South Africa. A walk through Dorp Street and a visit to Oom Samie se winkel (Ungle Samie’s shop) introduce you to the fascinating history of this University town. The historical University grounds is an attraction in itself. Jonkershoek Valley provides stunning mountain scenery and is a must- visit for all nature lovers. Further on, between Stellenbosch and Strand you will find the popular Mooiberg Farm Stall. Here you can buy jams and food you’ve only dreamed about…

A visit to historical Stellenbosch should be on any traveller’s wish list. The town, known as the “City of Oaks” is famous for its beautiful streets lined with Oaks and white painted buildings, of which many date back as far as the 1700s. Many students will agree that the town is like no other on earth – actually a world on its own. The best way to explore this gem is on foot (the student way), and it is relatively small enough to discover within a day or so. Guided walks are also popular .

The Cape Spirit Stellenbosch Town Walk

Start your walk at the Stellenbosch Tourism Information Bureau located at “Die Braak” (a small town park) on Market Street, where you can obtain a street map of the town. You can also decide here if you would like to add any other attractions to our suggested walk.

From Die Braak head down in Market Street towards Dorp Street (Afrikaans term for “Town Street”). Dorp Street should be the focus point of any tourist’s visit to Stellenbosch. It is here where you will find the most listed historical houses in South Africa. Walk to the corner of Dorp and Old Strand Road where you will see the Libertas Parva building, an immaculate restored homestead. Built in 1783 it houses the famous Rembrant van Rijn Art Gallery and the Oude Meester Wine Museum today. The Oude Meester Wine Museum documents the history of winemaking in South Africa, and is worth the visit.

Continue east up in Dorp Street towards the ever-so-popular Oom Samie se Winkel (Ungle Samie’s Shop) – the oldest shop in Stellenbosch. The shop has been trading since 1904 and well, not much has changed since. You will find everything of anything here - from hats to cups to antiques to food – most items date back many years. It’s the perfect place to grab something interesting and unique for the loved ones home.

Walk all along Dorp Street - much of the town’s original village feel can still be experienced here and it is like walking through a different time period. You will pass some interesting buildings along the way - including the Lutheran Church (corner of Dorp and Bird Street), La Gratitude (95 Dorp Street), Saxenhof (159 Dorp Street) and the Theological Seminary (171 Dorp Street). Continue until you reach Drostdy road, and turn left. You will see the fascinating Moeder Kerk on your right – this is the town’s main Dutch Reformed Church and one of the most spectacular buildings in Stellenbosch. Turn left again into Church street for a lunch break at the historical D’Ouwe Werf – South Africa’s oldest country Inn, established in 1710. Alternatively you can visit Die Wijnhuis (Wine house), on the corner of Church and Andringa Street. It is a great place for wine tasting and lunches with hundreds of the region’s wines displayed under one roof.

Turn into Van Ryneveld Street in a northern direction. Stop at The Village Museum (18 Van Ryneveld Street) for a beautiful insight into the town and its rich history. The museum, set in the oldest part of Stellenbosch, is divided into four historical houses and gardens, each reflecting a different architectural period with some beautiful Cape Dutch architecture. Across the road and further on you will find the Stellenbosch Art Gallery (corner of Van Riebeeck and Van Ryneveld) and the Sasol Art Museum (34 Van Ryneveld Street) Both buildings hold some impressive collections of art. Even those not interested in art will find a visit rewarding: It provides a good insight into the town and cultural aspects of the country and its people.

Continue along Van Ryneveld until you reach Victoria Street. Accross this corner you will see an impressive white building called the Ou Hoofgebou ("Old Main building"). This is the oldest academic building of the University of Stellenbosch and was inaugurated in 1886. Today it serves as a national monument and houses the University’s Law Faculty. Turn right into Victoria street and walk all along this beautiful street lined with Oak trees. You are now in the main University area and many faculty buildings and student hostels are located on this road. You can continue to the very end of this road (a long but relaxing walk) and go into Jan Marais nature park for a quick stroll (look out for the proteas).

Your last attraction on our walk is the famous University Rooiplein (“Red Square”), located between Victoria, De Beer, Merriman and Van Ryneveld Streets. This is the very centre of the University of Stellenbosch and is surrounded by beautiful architecture and spectacular mountains. It’s like being in Oxford but only in Africa. Grab a quick bite with the students at the Langenhoven Student Centre or visit the biggest underground library in the Southern Hemisphere, both situated around the Rooiplein.

Other Stellenbosch Attractions

Apart from the Cape Spirit Stellenbosch Town Walk, do not miss these exciting destinations – all located within easy reach of Stellenbosch:

Jonkershoek Nature Reserve The small road circling through the Jonkershoek Mountains is spectacular. The reserve is famous for its mountain trails (bicycles are also welcome) and there are five hiking routes ranging from easy 5km ones to more challenging routes. Don’t miss the walk to the second waterfall, Cape Spirit Travel’s favourite walk. The first part of the walk is easy and can be accompanied by the whole family. The route takes you through breathtaking scenery, including beautiful fynbos and is sadly not experienced by many visitors to Cape Town. Take note that the last section of the trail is dangerous and has been closed to the public. Jonkershoek should not be missed by anyone and it can easily be a whole day’s outing - it's the perfect place for a picnic. For those not keen on hiking it is still worth driving through the reserve to experience the dramatic nature scenes.

Spier Wine Estate The Mother of Stellenbosch wine estates has become more popular than ever. The whole estate is a tourist complex with plenty to do – activities include horse riding, wine tasting, interaction with cheetahs and a beautiful picnic area. Outdoor festivals are also held at Spier during summer months. The estate is part of the oldest wine route in South Africa with more than 100 wine farm members.

Van Ryn Brandy Cellar The Van Ryn Wine and Brandy company dates back to 1845, and has a proud tradition of brandy excellence. Daily tours (expect Sundays) will take you through this historic distillery celebrating South Africa’s brandy industry. You will visit the cellar, see the resident cooper practise his ancient craft, and learn more about the art of brandy maturation.

Festivals and summer concerts The Oude Libertas Amphitheatre, know as the “theatre in the winelands” presents some of the smartest of local and international performances during their annual summer theatre festivals. (December – March each year) It is the perfect spot to relax with a supper picnic bag. Everyone’s invited!

If you are here over October, do not miss the annual Strawberry festival. Strawberries are the second largest export product from Stellenbosch after wine. Other festivals include the Stellenbosch Music and Arts Festival in September, and the Stellenbosch Wine Festival in August.

Mooiberg Farm Stall The stall is packed with a great selection of interesting homemades and farm products. Grab something you’ve never tasted before. It is located halfway between Stellenbosch and Strand on the R44 Strand Road. From Spier you can take Annandale Road off the R310 that will take you towards the R44.

How to get there

From the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) (corner of Coen Steytler Ave and Buitengracht street) take the N1 highway towards Paarl. Continue for about 30 minutes and take the R304 ramp-off towards Stellenbosch. Continue all along this road which becomes Bird Street in Stellenbosch. Die Braak, the starting point of our walk is situated on the corner of Bird and Alexander Street.

For Jonkershoek drive along Merriman Street, Stellenbosch (off Bird) eastwards until it becomes Martinson Road and then Jonkershoek road. The reserve is located at the end of Jonkershoek Road, about a 15 minute drive out of town.

For Oude Libertas drive to Adam Tas Street (R44/R310), at the end of Dorp Street. Turn left into Adam Tas and right towards Cape Town / Kuilsriver (R310). Turn right into Oude Libertas Road. For Van Ryn Brandy Cellar continue along Adam Tas Street (R310), turn left into the R310, and left again into Van Ryn Road. Spier Estate is located further along the R310, on your left side.

Travel checklist

Visited the Rembrant van Rijn Art Gallery and the Oude Meester Wine Museum
Shopped at Oom Samie se Winkel and walked through Dorp Street
Lunch break at D’Ouwe Werf Inn or The Wine house
Explored The Village Museum
Visited the Stellenbosch Art Gallery and Sasol Art Museum
Photo stop at the Ou Hoofgebou
Walked along Victoria Street
Met students on the Rooiplein, University of Stellenbosch
Drove through the Jonkershoek Valley and hiked in the reserve
Visited Spier Wine Estate
Tasted brandy at the Van Ryn Brandy Cellar
Attended a summer festival at Oude Libertas
Stopped at the Mooiberg Farm Stall

Useful numbers

The Cape Spirit Stellenbosch Town Walk

Rembrandt van Rijn Art Gallery 021 886 4340
Oom Samie se winkel 021 887 0797
Die Moederkerk 021 883 3458
D’Ouwe Werf Restaurant and tea lounge 021 887 4608
Wijnhuis (Wine house) 021 887 5844
The Village Museum 021 887 2902
Stellenbosch Art Gallery 021 887 8343
The University and Sasol Art Museum 021 808 3691
Jan Marais Nature Reserve 021 808 8455
University of Stellenbosch 021 808 9111

Other Stellenbosch attractions

Jonkershoek Nature Reserve 021 483 2949
Spier Wine Farm and outdoor concerts 021 809 1177
Van Ryn Brandy Cellar 021 881 3875
Oude Libertas Amphitheatre 021 809 7473
Strawberry festival 021 883 3584
Stellenbosch Music and Arts Festival 021 883 3891
Stellenbosch Wine Festival 021 886 4310

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