Stellenbosch Cape Winelands

Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa, was developed from a settlement of Dutch immigrants to whom arable land on the banks of the Eerste Rivier (first river) was given. The first govenor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel, called a small island in the Eerste Rivier where he and his men had made a camp in 1679, Stellenbosch, meaning Stel's bush.

Some years later the place had developed enough for a regional administration and a magistrate's court to be established. Stellenbosch became a border town and the last outpost before the wild, uninhabited hinterland in the north-east.
       
Although the town was devastated more than once by catastrophic fires, a great number of historical buildings have remained and are well restored. Today, Stellenbosch is one of the best preserved towns from the founding days of the Cape Colony. In the impressive Dorp Museum in the old town centre one can visit Cape Dutch houses from different eras. One will also get familiarised with the change in the colonialists' lifestyle over the centuries. The mechanical shower in the latest house from Victorian days is unforgettable.

Universiteit van Stellenbosch nowadays, Stellenbosch has some 50,000 inhabitants and is the centre of the wealthy wine-growing area of the Cape. The town is home to one of the most famous universities of South Africa, which includes an oincological (wine-growing) department. So far the medium was exclusively Afrikaans, but now they are phasing English in.

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Stellenbosch Village Museum - Walking Through History

Stellenbosch, in the Western Cape, is one South Africa’s historic towns containing an array of different attractions to explore. One of these being the Stellenbosch village museum, which has four wonderfully, restored homes to visit at your leisure. These four historic homes are Grosvenor House, Blettermanhuis, OM Berghs House, Shreuderhuis and their gardens. Each of these lovely homes represents Stellenbosch’s architectural development over the different periods. Not only will you be able to view the interior of the homes, during these time periods, but also you will be able to gain an idea of the layout of the garden, decorations showing you the tastes of that particular time period. Stellenbosch village museum will certainly keep you busy for hours!

Shreudeurhuis was the first house to be restored by the museum. Not only that but it is the oldest documented and restored town house in the whole of South Africa. It was built in 1709, and survived the enormous fire in Stellenbosch. The interior furnishings, hand made wooden furniture and garden are from 1680 – 1720, typical of a Stellenbosch home of that time.

The second home to be restored was Blettermanhuis, a typical 18th Century Cape style house. It was named for Hendrik Lodewyk Bletterman, the Dutch East India Company’s last magistrate, who they appointed in Stellenbosch. This lovely home illustrates how a wealthy home from around 1750 – 1790 would be furnished.

In 1782 Christian Ludolph Neethling built the original Grosvenor House and from there was added to by successive owners until its finished form in 1803. This double storey, patrician town house, with a flat roof, is a wonderful example of the building seen a lot in Stellenbosch and Cape Town.

Om Bergh house, the fourth home of the Stellenbosh village museum, represents the time period of 1850 to 1870. It originally had a thatched roof similar to that of the Blettermanhuis, but in the mid-nineteenth century it was changed to look like it does today. This home characterizes this period with its wallpaper, furniture and all the other trimmings. From 1836 to 1877 Olof Marthinus Bergh and his family lived there.

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Stellenbosch Guest House Accommodation - Villa Grande

Hotels in Stellenbosch South Africa

Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch, town of Oaks with great culture and beauty for all seasons

With Oaks spread all over places and nature’s beauty at its peak, Stellenbosch has always drawn people towards it. Among all towns established by Dutch, Stellenbosch is a well preserved town. It is renowned for Oak trees. It includes good resorts for accommodation, inns, churches, shops and the famous Stellenbosch University.

It was established in 1679 by Simon Van Der Stel and is now considered to be South Africa’s second ancient town. It is situated in Jonkershoek valley which is very fertile and includes scenic mountains, vineyards and orchards. It is also very famous for its wines, university and Cape Dutch Building. Community in this town is completely involved in learning and farming.

Stellenbosch lies along the fertile river valley named Jonkershoek and has calm Mediterranean climate with hot summer and rainy winter. The River named Ester that flows through town has originated from mountains near Jonkershoek and falls into the sea in False Bay which is at a distance of 20 kilometers.

The mountains of Stellenbosch are the part of chain of mountains which stretches from south coast of Western Cape to southern region of Africa. When Dutch had decided to move towards interior region of Africa, Stellenbosch is the first town where they established and cultivated.

Stellenbosch consists of great natural scenic views from the mountains; vineyards, and orchards that get covered with wild flowers during spring. The mountains in Stellenbosch are 1600 meters in height having number of natural herbs and plants, which create a magnificent background for the town.

Stellenbosch is the best place for visitors who have interest in spending quality time with nature, by walking around. Cozy Coffee shops, Open-air restaurants, are on every street attracting nature lovers to have a unique experience observing everyday routine of this busy village.

Many other towns as well as Stellenbosch was established in Western Cape by Dutch East India Company. Stellenbosch is the only well preserved town. This is evident when you take a walk in Dorp Street which is a national monument. This street has the oldest buildings in South Africa. Dorp Street in fact is a clear mix of varied cultures including Dutch, Cape, Victorian, and Georgian architecture.

A lot many numbers of such historic buildings have now been converted into restaurants, galleries, shops, hotels and guest houses. Preserved heritage has made Stellenbosch University to be South Africa’s second ancient University and also is actively involved in developing future leaders of South Africa.

The Coetzenburg sports ground has played a major role in nurturing South Africa’s renowned top ranked sportsmen, women, and athletes. It is also being used for hosting many events like music festivals and Pavarotti concerts.

There are many annual events being held at Stellenbosch. Street and music festival in the month of September and October, Wine and Food festival in the month of October, Athletic meeting in the month of February and March, and Simon Van Der Stel festival also in the month of October are some of the annual festivals celebrated in Stellenbosch that attracts many visitors every year to join and enjoy them.

Being a viticulture centre in South Africa, Stellenbosch has the oldest wine route which was set up in 1971.

To enjoy nature’s beauty, traverse through four passes that creates the fruit routes. You can start from Helshoogte Pass, then Franschhoek Pass, Riviersonderend valley, and after going through Viljoenspass, you can go back to Stellenbosch.

Stellenbosch has beautiful art galleries, shops that are part of Western Cape Arts and Crafts Route.

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Stellenbosch Guest House Accommodation - Villa Grande

Cape Town will always have great surf. It is in the unique position in having two coasts, east and west, providing very different waves. From the big waves of the Atlantic coast at places like Crayfish Factory, Sentinel and Misty Cliffs, to the small fun waves at Muizenberg on the opposite Indian coast. Whether you're a short board shredder or a serious soul longboarder, you will definitely find a wave to your liking.

The variety of beautiful, very surfable spots in this area is amazing. Take a place like Llandudno. With its sky blue crystal clear water and pristine beach. Make a day out of it, sit on the beach with the hundreds of stunning women that seem to tan for a living they're there so often, have a surf and then later go to La Med for sundowners.

Another amazing place to surf is Koe�l Bay. Situated on the Indian Ocean coast with its warm water, Koe�l Bay rates as one of the most popular spots on this side of the coast.

Guys like Glen Row of Explocean Surf Boards (021 - 4392944), and Dean Geraghty of Town and Country (021 5105495) have earned the right to shape for Capetonians, indulge yourself, instead of bringing your stick here and risk dinging it on the plane, have one custom made.

The Peninsula is also host to a number of board shapers, so if you are coming from abroad to surf our coast, it will be quite a good idea to check out some of our local shapers.

Cape Town does not have a shark problem. Some oversize Johnny Boys have been spotted from airplanes and helicopters, but as far as attacks go, Cape Town is probably the safest surfing destination in South Africa. The only price that you pay for this comfort is the fairly low water temperature. It's a fact; Lurkers do not like cold water.� What I mean by cold, is about 13 C or 57 F.So bring your suit along, on the odd occasion, you will however get a baggy surf at places like Muizenberg, Strand and Koe�l Bay on the Indian Coast, but these days are few and far between.

There are many surf reports in this area. Just phone up one of them and you will get a full update of what the waves are doing all around the coast. One of the most useful reports is one done by Tich Paul of Lifestyles Surf Shop which covers the entire peninsula. He updates his report every time the waves change enough to en - discourage you from going to a certain place. The number is 082- 2346340. We are also in the process of instituting a surf report on our web site, Southern Africa Places, which will enable you to find out what the surf is doing before you leave.

There are regular wind reports and swell reports supplied by the Weather Bureau for those of you who like to make your own deductions about the surfability of certain spots.

Picking up surf gear and clothing is not a problem. We have shops that stock all the well-known brand names, local and imported. There is a wetsuit factory in Town, which produces one of South Africa's foremost wetsuits. Shapers I have already mentioned.

Those of you who are not stand-ups need not feel left out. Many of the surf spots in and around Cape Town are actually more suited to bodyboarding than to surfing. A lot of the waves are really steep and fast, which makes the take-off for surfers extremely tricky. These spots are mostly surfed by bodyboarders as well as the odd really hot surfer that is willing to give the closeout sections a go.

Capetonians are not particularly hung up with the bickering between surfers and bodyboarders. On the odd occasion, you will find a jerk giving a bodyboarder some grief, but in general, we are pretty mature about that sort of crap. If you surf like a lemon and get in the way, you will be bitched no matter what your wave craft.

All in all, surfing in the Peninsula is good. No matter what your skill level or what you ride, you will find a wave that is ideally suited to you. Make a day out of it and sit on the beach or pop in for a quickie. No matter what your decision, Cape Town is a great place to play.

A Cheap Destination: Things to Do in Cape Town, South Africa

In BBC polls Cape Town is repeatedly listed in the top 10 of places one has to visit before one dies. Having lived there, I could not agree more. Cape Town not only has spectacular natural beauty, but it is also an extremely affordable vacation. When you visit make sure though that you stay at least two weeks. Also make sure that you visit Cape Town during February or March as this is the best time weather wise. For those of you living in the USA, Cape Town is South Africa's San Francisco. It is windy most of the time, except for these two months. It also rains in winter, so June and July is probably not the best time to visit.
The obvious first stop would be Table Mountain. This mountain presides over the mountain and the bowl which forms part of the Cape of Good Hope, also known as the Cape of Storms. It is a beautiful backdrop to a very cosmopolitan city. During the summer months the mountain is lit up at night. The sun sets at about 8:30 to 9pm daily and being on top of the mountain then is a breathtaking experience. You can take the aerial cable way from 8:30 in the morning to 6 pm daily. The lower station is high enough to take in the sunset that settles in the ocean in a ball of fire. In South African currency it will cost you R 130 ( $ 17 at an exchange rate of R7.50 for each dollar) for an adult return, R68 ($9) return for children. There is a restaurant on top of the mountain that will be opening again in August of 2008. There are several hiking trails, from easy to difficult, that you could choose to get to the top of the mountain.

One of the hiking trails start in another treasure of Cape Town, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. It is world renowned for its beauty and nestles on the eastern slopes of the mountain. It only features indigenous flora and specifically fynbos, that is exclusively found in the Western Cape in South Africa. It also has a coffee shop and several restaurants and has many beautiful paths one can walk. On Sundays in summer from December to March Kirstenbosch hosts several music concerts to coincide with the magnificent sunsets. It is a must see for any visitor.

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Visit Cape Town: South Africa's "Mother City"

Cape Town, - the "Mother City" of South Africa is a mismatch of Colonial history and a cosmopolitan vibe that can be felt as soon as you arrive. The famous international landmark, Table Mountain stands protective sentinel over the city's panoramic skyline, which is built on a lush peninsula that undulates like a slow walking, seductress dipping her toes into the Atlantic Ocean. Without a doubt, Cape Town is one of the world's most beautiful cities and is also said to be the first founded in South Africa in 1652 by the early seafaring Dutch explorers. Centuries of diverse cultures settling in the city have imbued the place with a fascinating legacy which can be seen in its historical sites, districts, food, religious and cultural events.

Breathtaking vistas leave a person spoilt with endless choices of things to see and do from exploring the Victoria & Albert Waterfront, eating at one of the huge variety of well appointed restaurants in and around the city, or simply lazing in the sun on one of the numerous beaches.

Don't miss the cable car ride up Table Mountain. Or for the adventure traveller, a hike up the steep walk to the top, whichever you decide to do, once there you will be amazed at the views. For the nature lover, the diverse flora and fauna that are unique to the area and in fact, the world is filled with fascinating discoveries.

Once you have taken in all the delights of the city and its immediate surrounds, you should try to explore one of the outlying historical towns in the wine growing regions of Constantia, Franschoek, Paarl or Stellenbosch. Tour operators run well organised packages to and from the wine lands where you can have fun visiting the many cellars, wine tasting and eating at gourmet restaurants.

South Africa's Western Cape Province with its temperate climate, and ideal soils, is one of the finest viticulture areas in the country and has become world renowned for its gold medal winning wines.

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The Story of Stellenbosch

There is a lot more to this lovely town than award-winning wines and magnificent scenery. Stellenbosch boasts a rich and colourful history. The town also boasts grand architecture, internationally renowned artists and one of the best Universities in the country.

Growth of the town
Stellenbosch is the oldest town in South Africa besides Cape Town. When Simon van der Stel traveled east in 1679 and was struck so much by the beauty he saw that he named the area ‘van der Stel se Bosch’ after himself. The name literally means ‘van der Stel’s bush. (Simon’s Town near Cape Point was also a victim of his egocentric place-naming policy)

Khoi farmers used Stellenbosch as a grazing land for their cattle but were forced out after the establishment of the town by the European settlers. It was forbidden to trade with them and they were regarded with great distain by the colonialists.

In 1680 a few families were allowed to settle on the land on the condition that they would not plant tobacco. A governing body had to be established in 1682 in order to settle land disputes and in 1685 Stellenbosch was declared a town. The residents were so proud of their new town that the first church and school house were completed by the very next year.

In 1688, French Huguenot settlers planted the first grape vines and soon established a thriving wine-making industry. Stellenbosch wines have won countless awards globally and many of the original vintages are still made using time honoured traditions of the wine-makers art.

The town became a military base for the British during the second Anglo-Boer war and many of the local ‘Hottentots’ (as they were called by the burghers at the time) were drafted into the army, much to the consternation of the locals who feared an uprising of armed “Hottentots”.

Major-General James Henry Craig, who was the acting military governor stationed there at the time remarked:'Nothing I know would intimidate the Boers of the Country more ...' (than a Hottentot Corps). By creating political division between the burghers and ‘Hottentots’, Major-General Craig hoped to strengthen British rule in the Colony and prevent an Afrikaner rebellion in the area.

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