After a year of sitting perched in front of the computer attending Zoom meeting after Zoom meeting, it’s probably an understatement to say that you are desperate to get out and about once again. If you’re keen to get moving and closer to nature, breathe in that fresh mountain air, munch on farm-fresh gourmet meals, and sample some award-winning wine, a trip to Stellenbosch should be at the top of your list of priorities. Here is a quick round-up of some things to do to help you unwind, stretch your legs and take your mind off what was a challenging year!
Segway Tours at Spier Wine Farm
Spier Wine Farm’s sought-after Segway tours promise glorious views of the leafy vineyards, the towering Helderberg Mountain, the honeyed summertime sunset, and Spier’s indigenous River Garden. Hop on this two-wheeled, self-balancing device and zoom around the farm. There are three different Segway tours to choose from, ranging from 1 – 2 hours each and differing in cost and experience. Regardless of the tour you choose, be sure to stop by Vadas Smokehouse and Bakery for a light lunch or a laid-back picnic underneath the shady trees, complemented by a glass of Spier’s finest of course!
Scootours
If you would prefer to conduct some sight-seeing on board a scooter instead, then Scootours are for you. It’s great for families of all ages as younger kids (4 – 9) can simply hop on the same scooter as their parents. Together, you will cruise along on a sturdy Monster Mountain® Scooter through the picturesque Jonkershoek Reserve with a qualified guide by your side. From the craggy Jonkershoek Mountains and the lush fynbos to the expansive Jonkershoek valley, there’s plenty to see and endless opportunity to breathe deeply, de-stress, and savour every moment with your loved ones.
Vinebikes
Vinebikes specialises in guided and self-guided e-bike adventures through Stellenbosch. Guided e-bike wine farm tours are especially popular and will take you through some of the town’s most beautiful vineyards, including Lanzerac and Stark Conde. Alternatively, the e-bike adventure tours focus more on giving cyclists an adrenalin fix, taking you through soul-stirring mountainous terrain and on a short 2.5km hike to the top of a sparkling waterfall in Jonkershoek Reserve.
Adventureshop: E-bike to Boschendal
The Adventureshop is another excellent option for tourists hoping to explore this charming town on an e-bike. The e-bike to Boschendal half-day tour takes you on a route from Stellenbosch to Boschendal Wine estate via one of the most scenic valleys in the Cape Winelands. You will have the pleasure of cycling through the Stellenbosch Trail Fund trails and the Banhoek Conservancy trails, which are home to roaming Eland and Blue Wildebeest.
Another plus is that you will embark on the tour with a knowledgeable guide on hand to provide insights into the region and its breath-taking natural surrounds. When arriving at the Boschendal Wine Estate, cyclists are encouraged to take a load off and enjoy a mouth-watering meal and a glass of silky wine at the Boschendal Deli.
Café Furlough
Café Furlough is a stylish café offering a modern twist on many breakfast and lunchtime favourites. The café is especially well-known for its salads and crunch bowls, both overflowing with fresh, crisp, and locally sourced ingredients. Fill up on the yellow beetroot and falafel salad or tuck into something with a bit of a kick in the form of the sweet potato and coconut curry bowl, featuring a swirl of the creamiest coconut milk and topped with freshly-picked coriander.
Bootlegger Coffee Company
Boasting some of the most intense and flavourful brews in all of Stellenbosch, Bootlegger Coffee Company is a go-to for local cyclists, runners, and anyone looking for a quick and satisfying caffeine jolt to get those energy levels up. It offers classic cuppas along with a variety of new-age creative concoctions to try – each one even more delicious than the last. Pair your steaming cup of caffeinated goodness with a hearty breakfast or a double slice of the café’s signature Bootlegger Banana Bread, baked fresh on-site every single day.
De Warenmarkt
Explore a collection of diverse and passionate merchants at De Warenmarkt on Ryneveld Street. Terbodore Coffee Roasters, and For the Love of Yumminess are just a few purveyors that you will find here. The Kaapse Vonkel is a must for those who can’t get enough of sparkling wine and luxurious oysters. This MCC and oyster bar specialises in taste bud tantalising cultivated Saldanha Bay oysters. Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for something sweet, De Warenmarkt is also famous for its yummies crepes and waffles.
Jordan Suites
All guests who check into Jordan Suites at Jordan wine estate receive a complimentary bottle of wine and a wine tasting upon arrival – what better way to kick-start your getaway? Wrap up in luxurious Egyptian cotton linen, enjoy the air conditioning, and catch up on your favourite series on the HD LED TV with a cup of coffee in hand, courtesy of the in-room Nespresso coffee machine. Be sure to maximise your stay with a ‘Synergy between Soul and Soil’ tour of the Jordan vineyards and wine cellar.
Muratie: The GP Canitz Guest Cottage
De-stress with the Simonsberg Mountain range as the backdrop when you opt to stay at The GP Canitz Guest Cottage at Muratie. The cottage was originally the art studio of renowned painter and previous owner, George Paul Canitz, and boasts a bohemian aesthetic with plenty of old-world charm. Guests can savour every moment of tranquil, farm-style living or get active by exploring the estate’s winding hiking and mountain bike trails.
So, shut down that laptop, get off your office chair, and get moving in and around Stellenbosch for a break-away that will leave you feeling energised and restored.
