Holiday Maker or a Traveller?

Posted on Mon November 19, 2012.
  • Stellenbosch is the ideal base for exploring Cape Town and surrounds
  • Stellenbosch, the “Town of Oaks” has a relaxed atmosphere for enjoyment
  • Stellenbosch is steeped in history and culture, but remains young and vibrant
  • Stellenbosch is home to one of South Africa’s premier universities
  • Stellenbosch is the center of the South African wine industry

It is said that there is a difference between a Holiday-maker and a Traveller:

The Holiday-maker wishes to escape the pressures – to relax and unwind; The Traveller seeks out a different part of the world and learns about its people, their culture and their environment, and leaves with an understanding of that world.

Whichever you are – Holiday-maker or Traveller, (or a bit of both) – Stellenbosch offers you a fulfilling experience.

The Holiday-maker will find a wonderfully relaxing ambience of a small town, but with superb restaurants, cafes and a half-dozen excellent golf courses within a 15 min ride. Unspoilt beaches and hikes along the Eerste river and up the Jonkershoek valley, are between 5 and 15 min away. Favourable weather – warm, sunny and blue skies, and a winter not dissimilar, make lounging at the pool with a book and a glass of wine, or visiting the many small, interesting shops a pleasurable experience.

The Traveller will find over 300 years of history, with a rich and varied architectural tradition evident in the centre core of the town, counter-balanced with the youth and energy that the university brings to Stellenbosch. The vibrant wine culture with many beautifully situated wine estates and private cellars, each striving to produce the ultimate wine, all beckon one to partake of their nectar. Stroll the oak-lined avenues and visit one of many fine art galleries or museums or perhaps just watch the passing parade from a side walk-cafe.

An added bonus is our proximity to so many other attractions; 40 min from the city of Cape Town, its Waterfront and Table Mountain; 75 min to the Cape of Good Hope, Hermanus (with its winter Whale-spotting), and the West Coast; Paarl, Franschhoek, Wellington and Somerset West all within 25 min; a mere 25 min to Cape Town International Airport. One can comfortably day-trip from Stellenbosch and return at days-end, to a relaxing glass of wine and a meal at one of her superb restaurants.