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.