About Stellenbosch
Welcome to the warm heart of Stellenbosch – South Africa’s second oldest town and most inspiring wine,food, art and cultural destination.
The scenic Stellenbosch Wine Route is the oldest in the country and one of the most popular destinations for local and international visitors alike. We’ll introduce you to unforgettable cellar door experiences, award-winning wine estates, celebrated restaurants and Stellenbosch’s unique and enviable lifestyle.
Stellenbosch is sure to warm your heart year-round. Our historic town centre is a living museum with a vibrant street culture. Expect friendly locals, a generous array of attractions and events (from outdoor pursuits to art, music and history) and natural scenery to rival even our finest grape.
There’s a Stellenbosch for everyone.
Stellenbosch Ready
Stellenbosch has launched many initiatives implementing and addressing elevated standards of health and safety, ensuring that we are ready to safely welcome local and international visitors.
Among the many initiatives is Stellenbosch Ready, a unique programme that meets three critical guest needs, including.
- WTTC validated health and safety protocols
- Adoption of health and safety protocols through staff training
- Flexible booking terms
So, when you make the journey to our beautiful warm-hearted part of the world, you can do so with absolute peace of mind.
Getting There
The warm-hearted town of Stellenbosch is located just over 50km from Cape Town and only 30km from Cape Town International Airport, making it an easily accessible destination for a weekend away, longer getaway or business trip for locals and international visitors alike.
Getting to and around Stellenbosch is simple. The Western Cape boasts a world-class road network making hiring a car one of the easiest ways to get to Stellenbosch.
Visitors also have several other options to travel to Stellenbosch, including metered taxis, Uber, transfer companies, tour operators or self-drive.
Getting Around
Our beautiful and historic town centre of Stellenbosch is small and walkable. Consider renting a bicycle and exploring the winelands by bike or hop on a Vine Hopper and see the sights in slow motion.
For guests who would like to visit Greater Stellenbosch, metered taxis, Uber and transfer companies offer safe transport to wine farms and other attractions in the area.
Driving while under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence, so if you plan to visit our many wonderful wine farms, it is essential that you have a designated driver in your group.
Stellenbosch supports responsible consumption of alcohol so if you are going to drink or taste, make arrangements with a guide or taxi to enjoy the experience safely.
Fast Facts
Population
There are approximately 55 million people in South Africa and 6.2 million people in the Western Cape. Stellenbosch is considered a large town in the Western Cape. The current population in Stellenbosch is approximately 173,190 of which 31,000 are students (according to 2016 Census / 2018 SU Stats)
Language
English is the main business and academic language; although there are 11 official languages in South Africa. The main local languages spoken are English, Afrikaans and Xhosa. With large numbers of foreign residents, the Cape Winelands also has significant German, Dutch, French, Chinese and Spanish communities with the available language skills to assist during an international business event.
Water
It is safe to drink water from the tap in South Africa although bottled water is readily available as well.
Currency
The South African Rand is the official currency in South Africa and foreign currency can be exchanged at the Cape Town International Airport, at commercial banks and at Bureaux de Change. The exchange rate is extremely favourable for visitors.
Time and Measurement
South African Time is GMT +2. There are no time differences within South Africa and no daylight-saving time. Shopping hours vary but shops are typically open from Monday to Sunday, 9 am – 5.30 pm. The Eikestad Mall and Stellenbosch Square shopping malls, trade from 9 am – 6 pm. Distances are measured in kilometres and metres. Weight is indicated by grams and kilograms. Temperature is mainly measured in degrees Celsius.
Visas
Visas are issued by the South African missions abroad and must be affixed in the applicant’s passport before departing for South Africa. Visas are not issued on arrival at South African ports of entry. Many nationalities do not require a visa to enter South Africa, therefore it is best to check with the South African mission or with a travel agent if a visa is required.
For more information, visit: http://bit.do/DHA_VisaExemptCountries .
Tax
The majority of goods sold in South Africa are subject to a 15% Value Added Tax (VAT). Visitors are not exempt from paying VAT although they can claim it back if the value of the goods bought exceeds R250. To claim the VAT, the goods must be taken out of the country within 90 days from the date of purchase. Visitors who wish to claim VAT should go to the VAT Refund Administration Office or customs official at the port of exit. For more information, please visit: www.taxrefunds.co.za.
Connectivity
South Africa offers a sophisticated internet network and Wi-Fi is readily available throughout the Western Cape. There are a number of mobile networks available and SIM cards can be bought at airports and shopping centres.
Electricity
The electric current is 240 volts AC so visitors should bring a plug adaptor for three-pin sockets for small appliances. Communities with the available language skills to assist during an international business event.
Driving
In South Africa, motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road. An international driver’s license will be required if a visitor wishes to drive while in South Africa.
Health Facilities
Stellenbosch is well-positioned when it comes to Health Care. There are private and government Emergency units located within 5 minutes of the Stellenbosch CBD, in addition to primary Emergency Centre (Mediclinic Stellenbosch) and a Campus Health clinic. The town has two ambulance services. Stellenbosch has multiple world-class hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and other health facilities. Rest assured that should you need healthcare facilities in Stellenbosch, you’ll be well looked after.
The Western Cape is not a malaria region and there are no tropical diseases to be aware of and no vaccine requirements for visitors.
Call it by its name – 501Y.V2
The 501Y.V2 variant is not a unique South African Variant. Our scientists are world leaders in genomic surveillance and were able to identify a variant within weeks of getting the first sample.
This quick action, plus collaboration with the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organisation has enabled other countries, to identify more Corona variants.
Mixing Business and Pleasure
Business travellers are spoilt for choice in Stellenbosch. Our warm-hearted town is full of exciting things to do and the sky is the limit. Stellenbosch travel incentives and conference travel packages provide a wonderful array of possibilities, thanks to a variety of wonderful programmes that allow you to mix business and pleasure as you please.
Business travellers are spoilt for choice in Stellenbosch. Our warm-hearted town is full of exciting things to do and the sky is the limit. Stellenbosch travel incentives and conference travel packages provide a wonderful array of possibilities, thanks to a variety of wonderful programmes that allow you to mix business and pleasure as you please.
Stellenbosch travel incentives can be based around various levels of experience. This Cape Winelands town caters for all accommodation budgets from basic to beautiful and there are also many options for groups. Choose from a great variety of establishments including luxury hotels, magnificent wine and olive farms, golf estates, lodges and more.
A conference travel package in Stellenbosch can be arranged for any time of year. Each season brings out new delights which can be incorporated into delegate itineraries. Summer is an action-packed time highlighting outdoor activities, open-air concerts and shows, picnics, water sports and beach trips
Winter highlights food and wine festivals, wellness, exploring museums and indoor attractions, refreshing walks and savouring some of the best wines South Africa has to offer.
Stellenbosch travel incentives and conference travel packages can include the following diverse array of activities in and around this university town:
• Health & Wellness – Spas and retreats & fitness, skin clinics, salons
• Shopping – Markets, lifestyle shops, boutiques, antiques, jewellery, art
• Nightlife – Pubs, restaurants, theatres, live music, jazz & summer concerts
• Cuisine – Acclaimed gourmet restaurants, cooking courses, dine-with-locals
• History & Culture – Museums, architecture, festivals, town walks, township experiences, social-impact tours
• Winelands – Wine, brandy and gin routes, tours by helicopter, car, or bike
• Golf – At least 6 courses in the valley and many more in the area
• Adventure – Mountain biking, horse riding, hiking, Scootours
• Outdoor – Fishing, water sports, biking and walking trails, wine estate picnics
• Nature – Botanic gardens and nature reserves, mountain passes, wildlife
• Scenery – Tours of the valley, vineyards and gardens
Delegates on conference travel packages in Stellenbosch can go wine tasting on many different types of Cape Winelands tours or hire a car and explore on their own. Adventurous visitors can also horse ride or mountain bike on wine trails.
The Vine Hopper is an executive version of wine tasting, offering guests the chance to visit selected estates by helicopter, for those with limited time on a bigger budget. The Stellenbosch Wine Routes is the oldest in the country and includes 5 sub-routes namely, Bottelary Hills, Greater Simonsberg, Helderberg, Stellenbosch Berg and Stellenbosch Valley.
Stellenbosch also offers numerous festivals and events throughout the year. Stellenbosch travel incentives can be tailor-made to coincide with any of our exciting scheduled events. Some highlights on the annual calendar include:
January: Summer concerts, pop-up street wine festivals
February: Harvest Festival, pop-up street wine festivals
March: Woordfees (literary) festival, the Getaway show
April: Cheese festival
May: Golf tourism Day
Jun – Aug: Food & wine festivals, wine auction
Sept – Oct: Garden week, restaurant week, various festivals
November: Cape Winelands marathon, Strawberry festival, and Christmas markets
December: Food & wine shows, concert season
Stellenbosch is the perfect base to take day-trips to Cape Town and explore the surrounding Cape Winelands and beyond.