When visiting
Stellenbosch, one soon discovers that it is worth far more than just a day trip
to indulge in world-class wines and gourmet food. Although daily wine tastings
and cellar tours are non-negotiable features on the itinerary of visitors to the
area, the town itself encompasses a vibrant, living culture. Its innovative
hub, brimming with a spectacular array of restaurants, esteemed hotels and
guest houses, street cafes where locals, students and visitors indulge their
coffee and art culture, is celebrated for its unique mix of urban, cultural and
unspoilt, natural offerings.
From the
whitewashed Anglican church and museums surrounding the emerald green Braak -
Stellenbosch’s historical centre - to the myriad Cape Dutch buildings and
modern Victorian architecture filtered through oak-lined streets and the 19th
century university buildings, the town exudes history, yet there is nothing
‘old’ about Stellenbosch, which has a youthful, pioneering lifestyle.
Cape Town is
just 45 minutes from Stellenbosch, which makes it the perfect hub from where to
explore the city and coastal regions. The town is virtually surrounded by
mountains which frame a serene outdoor paradise offering numerous hiking and
mountain biking trails through the Cape Floral Kingdom, horse riding, wellness
centres and spas, a number of golf courses and much more.
A major draw
card is its people. Stellenbosch boasts no less than six neighbouring
communities: Cloetesville, Ida’s Valley, Jamestown,
Kayamandi, Klapmuts and Raithby. It is during September that these communities
take centre stage to showcase the abundance of inherent talent, natural
resources and authentic offerings that make
Stellenbosch such a real and memorable destination.
Homegrown
community attractions in aid of cultural tourism this month include the revival
of the Breughel Theater in Cloetesville. This local theater has dusted
of the cobwebs and is officially re-opening its doors on the 27th of
September, with a special celebration of the community’s heritage through
storytelling and cabaret. The auditorium will also be launched under its new
name, Ben Dehaeck
Theatre.
Kayamandi, means ‘Sweet Home’ in isi-Xhosa and this is exactly what
visitors will experience when they
set
foot on one of Bites and Sites’s (www.bitesansites.co.za)
inspirational walks through this pulsating township, complete with an authentic
Xhosa lunch prepared by the ‘mammas’ who will welcome you into their homes and
hearts. Kayamandi is also home to South Africa’s first township theatre,
Amazink, so swing by for some culturally authentic musical entertainment.
All
the Stellenbosch communities will also descend on the famous Die Laan on the
Eerste River on 24 September for the annual Stellenbosch e’Bosch Heritage
Festival (www.heritagefestival.co.za).
Young and old are invited to “come braai” and share some ubuntu spirit on the
festival site, which stretches from the historic Ou Landbousaal to Coetzenburg
Bridge. Attractions include stalls of authentic Stellenbosch products and food;
a beer and wine tent, braai sites, captivating art exhibitions, the elite Spier
Eerste River paddling contest and live music by local talent from the various
communities including well-known and loved musician, Valiant Swart.
“Three years
ago, Stellenbosch 360 NPC adopted an all-inclusive approach to positioning
Stellenbosch as a premier leisure and corporate destination. As a result, we
conceptualized Route 360 as a culture tourism route, aimed at providing
visitors with a unique, authentic cultural experience in the company of locals,
including those who live in our six surrounding communities,” says Annemarie
Ferns, CEO of Stellenbosch 360, the town’s tourism and marketing organisation.
“Culture
tourism is an ideal vehicle for socio-economic upliftment, as it focuses on
inherent talent and heritage, rather than on infrastructure. Route 360 is not
designed as a geographic route, but a way into the hearts and homes of our
culturally diverse communities,” added Annemarie Ferns. The new tourism route
will launch officially in October this year.
Herewith
Annemarie’s Top Ten reasons to visit Stellenbosch:
1.
A
rich living culture with a unique urban, creative, food and wine offering.
2.
South
Africa’s wine tourism capital.
3.
The
best location from where to explore surrounding regions like Cape Town.
4.
Value
for money.
5.
Scenic
beauty and a biodiversity hotspot.
6.
South
Africa’s most loved university town with an interesting history.
7.
Top
quality food and wine.
8.
Outdoor
and adventure paradise.
9.
Family
friendly.
10.
Quality
accommodation and tourism experiences.
Stellenbosch
is proudly marketed by Stellenbosch 360, they town’s dynamic tourism outfit,
and you can contact them for information, to book a bespoke tour or to find out
what they, as the locals “in the know” recommend.
Tel: +27 (0) 21 883 3584
Email: info@stellenbosch360.co.za
Like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter
@MyStellenbosch or visit
their offices at 36 Market Street, Stellenbosch.