- Gordon's Bay and Strand
Only 30 minutes from Cape Town's airport, these two towns offer mountains, wine and glorious sea.
- Joostenbergvlakte
A country suburb of Cape Town, out in the winelands, where horses are as much at home as people.
- Tulbaghcape
Wine farms and mountains. You can get here on the train.
- Franschhoek
Nestled in the Drakenstein Valley, this is where the French first settled (and made wine) some 300 years ago. Franschhoek is noted for its many magnificent wine estates, the Franschhoek Vineyards Co-operative and the Huguenot Memorial and Museum.
- Paarl Western Cape
Nestled on the banks of the Berg River, Paarl is named after the enormous dome-shaped granite rock that overshadows the town. The town has played a significant role in the development of the Afrikaans language and culture and is home to the KWV wine co-operative – one of South Africa’s major wine exporters.
- Ceres region
Surrounded by mountains, Ceres is the centre of a vibrant fruit growing industry. The surrounding areas are also well known for their fine wines, so why not go on an overnight tasting trip in the far flung parts of the winelands?
The backpackers wine haven of South Africa can be found in Stellenbosch which is the centre of the wine producing region. The setting is exquisite with old oak trees that date back to their original plantings in the 1600’s, wide streets, graceful Cape Dutch architecture, cobbled rain drains and spectacular 360 degree views.
Just a short distance from Cape Town, the university town of Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa. Her setting is exquisite with old oak trees that date back to their original plantings in the 1600s, wide streets, graceful Cape Dutch architecture, cobbled rain drains and spectacular 360° views.
With 17 000 students, over 80 restaurants and pubs, the town offers heaps of fun and adventure, a young vibrant atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. The nightlife throbs and everything is within walking distance.
Scenic hiking in the mountains around Stellenbosch abounds, downhill mountain bike trails are trippy, trout fishing is good and there's plenty of horse riding on offer.
The cultural and historical attractions - which include museums, delightful architecture, art galleries, amphitheatres, cinemas and plenty of live music - are also plentiful.
You can get out and about by bicycle, in a hired car or on an organised tour.
Places to Stay
- Banghoek Place
Looking for a queen-sized bed to curl up with your squeeze and sleep off an exhausting day of wine tasting?
- iKhaya Stellenbosch Backpackers
This Stellenbosch backpackers is In the hub of town and close to all the action.
- Stellenbosch Travellers Lodge
This Stellenbosch backpackers is a favourite with big groups, churches and schools.
- Stumble Inn
This Stellenbosch backpackers is an easy going place in the centre of Stellenbosch with lots of upbeat energy.
What to do
- Easy Rider Tours
Easy Rider tours offer great tours of the wine farms in and around Stellenbosch.
- Segway Gliding Tours
A quick lesson will soon have you zooting around Spier's vineyards and their famous protea garden, stopping to enjoy the spectacular scenery en zoot route.
- Vine Hopper
A South African wine tour with a difference.
Tourist Offices
- Packagetours.co.za
On-line bookings that make the most of what's on offer.
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
School at the sea side. Learn English AND learn to surf or just hang out on the beach.
(Jeffreys Bay,Sunshine Coast)
They are only 50m from the beach.
(Maputo,Mozambique)
This Stellenbosch backpackers is a favourite with big groups, churches and schools.
(Stellenbosch,Wine Region)
Ashanti backpackers is one of Cape Town's biggest hostels. They are a Cape Town backpackers which is busy, organised and knowledgeable and have a great building in a good location near the city centre of Cape Town.
(Cape Town City Bowl,Cape Town)
Take a 25-minute flight to 10,000 feet to see the Klein Karoo then jump harnessed to a pro and freefall for 35-seconds.
(Oudtshoorn,Garden Route)
This Mossel Bay backpackers is a genuine train that’s parked just a spit away from the main beach in Mossel Bay. All cabins face the sea. What more could you want?
(Mossel Bay,Garden Route)
An escape from city lights with the Winelands, beach and the airport within easy reach.
(Grabouw,Overberg )
Live with the locals and get to understand their culture
(Grahamstown,Eastern Cape Inland and the Karoo)
Learn to surf or hone your skills on J'Bay's legendary waves.
(Jeffreys Bay,Sunshine Coast)
Mandela Bay is a pozzie to make Madiba proud
(Port Elizabeth,Sunshine Coast)
