Location: Stellenbosch
Top Things to do in Stellenbosch
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The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Hiking trails and art galleries abound in Stellenbosch, but it's wine that takes center stage. More than 100 wine cellars, most open to the public, surround the oak-lined South African town, and tasting tours operate daily. Winter brings a four-day festival celebrating the local vintages. The historic town center houses the trading-post style shop Oom Samie se Winkel, the Neo-Gothic Moederkerk church, and museums dedicated to toys, military memorabilia, autos and early life on the Cape.
Restaurants in Stellenbosch
1. Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve
2. Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 116 reviews
TO ENTER AN ARTIST’S GARDEN IS TO VISIT ANOTHER WORLD. The Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden is a place of expansive vistas, scents and the sounds of nature, with tranquil groves, hidden paths and lush indigenous vegetation. The project began serendipitously in 2009 when Lewis hired an excavator on a whim and began shaping the contours of what would become the seven-hectare sculpture garden. Today, the artist continues to explore themes integral to his work in this serene landscape on the slopes of the Stellenbosch Mountain looking out over vineyards towards the ocean. Visits and tours by appointment only.
Reviewed By BarbaraMackenzie - Stellenbosch, South Africa
I was invited to take part in a private guided tour through the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden. I am not an art person but I do like nature. I was absolutely blown away by this serenity and peaceful atmosphere that opens up once one enters the garden. There is hope for mankind if someone can create something so beautiful and just let it breath - in nature - surrounded by mountains & skies and it almost feels like his sculptures were always there. From the beginning of the beginning. I would highly recommend to have a guide walking with you, it certainly is worth the money if one is interested how the artist started this amazing garden.
3. Eagle Encounters, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 526 reviews
Eagle Encounters is a privately-run, non-profit wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, conservation, education and eco-tourism organisation based on the organic Spier Wine Farm in the beautiful Stellenbosch Winelands. Our speciality is working with those mysterious, underrated and misunderstood creatures called birds of prey. Bring the family and friends along and join us on a journey of discovery into the amazing world of a variety of magnificent South African animals. Delight in spectacular interactive flying shows and be humbled by personal, one-on-one encounters with these enchanting, lovable, sentient beings. While you're savouring your experience, learn about our behind-the-scenes rescue, rehabilitation and conservation work in the fight to preserve these important creatures for future generations. Don't forget to bring your camera along to capture these unique and unforgettable memories!
Reviewed By theStefmeister - Somerset West, South Africa
Paid them a visit recently and was such an amazing experience. Birds are in great condition, staff are friendly and professional. They clearly care greatly for their animals! I would highly recommend ????????????????
4. Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 879 reviews
The Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, located in the historical center of Stellenbosch, is the oldest university botanical garden in South Africa. This compact Garden houses an enormous diversity of plants, both indigenous to South Africa and exotic. The Garden is open to the public and a R10 admission applies. Although the Garden does not have a visitor parking area, a parking lot is located adjacent to the garden in Van Riebeeck Street.
Reviewed By patriciaty
This was a 3 minute walk from our accommodation. Their Lily pond with Lily pads and water lilies was outstanding. They also have a great selection of Bonsai trees. The staff were extremely friendly and informative. Nice cafe with equally friendly staff.
5. Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 291 reviews
Reviewed By 417mariusr - Strand, South Africa
A real great walk in nature with a small river and two beautiful waterfalls. Steep at some places but a great walk with lots of vegetation.
6. Remhoogte Wine Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
Remhoogte Wine Estate is a family owned and run winery on the slopes of the Simonsberg, enjoy our fine wines while admiring the beautiful Stellenbosch mountains and the wild life camp stocked with Zebra, Black Wildebeest and Springbok. We also offer delicious cheese platters and have our own craft beer available by the bottle.
Reviewed By 435simonk - Stellenbosch, South Africa
In need of an escape . . . ? This quiet little wine estate with its protected valley, Zebra, Wildebeest and Springbok is ideal. The Zebra Lodge is quaint and well appointed - with great scenery and a fire place to take away the evening chill on a rainy weekend
7. Old Nectar Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By AZKwriter
Old Nectar Gardens is an amazing place to stay. Our hosts Mari and Hazel were incredible and always game to answer a question or help out with anything we needed. I have stayed here twice, both in the main house and in Villa Vittorio. The beds are super comfy and the rooms are beautiful. The bathrooms are luxurious, with lovely bathtubs and waterfall type showers. Walking out in the grounds is such a treat -- colorful flowers in bloom all around, with mountain views around every corner. Don't miss this gem if you ever have the chance to visit!
8. Jan Marais Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By desparatehousewife07 - South Africa, null
Lovely park. A pity the staff allow exercise patrons to pack large stones on the machines and so deface the paintwork. We have written to the park warden. Of course there was no answer
9. Jonkershoek Trails
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Come and join the adventure in Jonkershoek. Whether you are a mountain biker, trail runner or hiker, we have a trail for you. Mountain Biking: 35km of plantation roads & 35km of single tracks, 3,8km green kids trail and pump track. Trail Running: 35km of plantation roads & 9km of footpaths. Hiking: hikes ranging from 3,5km - 53km
Reviewed By Traveltartin
Nipped into Jonkershoek for a quick hike / trail run before flying out. Paid R50 and took my Corsa Lite hire car a few kms into the reserve. Park at the end of a loop road and walk. Superb trail for walking next to river and really not strenuous. Proteas were out, trails well maintained and safe enough to go on your own. I did the 2 waterfalls trail and round trip took me just over an hour if you put a bit of pace on it. Strongly recommend this. Alternatives for MTB trails with many different distances.
10. Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 182 reviews
Reviewed By Bcrs0257
We went to Giraffe House (now Giraffic Park) for our son's birthday and what an experience! We booked a party venue and Alana (the owner) specially organized a private show for us with some of the reptiles. The kids were in awe! We were greeted with a dedicated staff member and Alana also came to greet us. The food was fantastic and all the animals were exquisite to watch. Thank you Alana for giving a memorable experience.
