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Four X Four Holidays in Winelands South Africa - Essential Travel Info
South Africa Winelands | four by four trails,4 by 4, 4 X 4 4X4 in Winelands South Africa
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Geography: Known as the Eikestad (City of Oaks), the historic town of Stellenbosch is 46km east of Cape Town.
History: Stellenbosch is second only to Cape Town in the "oldest town in South Africa" stakes. One of Simon van der Stel's first missions when he arrived as governor in the Cape in 1679 was to explore further up the Eerste River. He came upon a magical little valley and named it Stellenbosch (Stel's Bush). By 1687, sixty freehold grants had been made and within 25 years Stellenbosch was well established and thriving.
Arts and Culture: Dorp Street consists of one of the longest rows of old buildings in the country, and the attractive frontages and well laid out town centre encourages casual walks. The highlight of the town is the Stellenbosch Village Museum which consists of four homesteads and gardens ranging from the late 17th to middle 19th centuries. Further down Dorp Street you will come across the now-famous Oom Samie se Winkel, a Victorian-style shop dealing in antiques and trinkets. Left into Strand Street visitors can check out the Rembrandt van Rijn Art Musuem chock full of South African art and at the Oude Libertas Amphitheatre concerts and the ballet between December and March can be enjoyed. The Tourist Information Bureau in the Rhenish Complex will give you all the info you need to start your explorations.
Science and Nature: Situated in the fertile Jonkershoek Valley, the famed wine route of Stellenbosch consists of over 100 wine estates and produces some of the Cape's best reds.
Entertainment: Festivals include the Simon van der Stel Festival which takes place in October every year to commemorate the birth of the founder of the town, as well as the Stellenbosch Food and Wine Festival. The Spier Summer Arts Festival also livens up summer nights at the Spier Wine Estate near the town. Be sure not to miss the Dorp Street Festival where local crafts are showcased on the last Sunday of each month.
Sport: There are two excellent golf courses in Stellenbosch; the Stellenbosch Golf Course and Klein Zalze at the Spier Estate.
Did you know? Stellenbosch was the first town to market the idea of a Wine Route.
| Provinces in Winelands South Africa (1 Results) |
| Western Cape Four X Four Holidays • |
| Cities / Towns in Winelands South Africa (1 Results) |
| Stellenbosch Four X Four Holidays • |
South Africa Winelands | four by four trails,4 by 4, 4 X 4 4X4 in Winelands South Africa