Stellenbosch, known as the City of Oaks for trees planted hundreds of years ago, is an essential stop on any visit to the Western Cape. It also makes an ideal weekend escape from Cape Town. Think Cape Dutch architecture, wine estates, mountain scenery, hiking and biking, art galleries and restaurants. Here’s my pick of things to do in Stellenbosch.
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By Roxanne Reid
Stellenbosch, known as the City of Oaks for trees planted hundreds of years ago, is an essential stop on any visit to the Western Cape. It also makes an ideal weekend escape from Cape Town. Think Cape Dutch architecture, wine estates, mountain scenery, hiking and biking, art galleries and restaurants. Here’s my pick of things to do in Stellenbosch.
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By Roxanne Reid
We’re sitting on our stoep in the middle of a wildlife area, watching mountain zebras and red hartebeest shuffle through the dust to drink at our own private waterhole. A black-backed jackal is calling in the distance as the sun sinks below the horizon and sets the clouds on fire. Read on to discover why you’ll love Afsaal Cottage in the Karoo National Park. By Roxanne Reid
Dreaming of sandy beaches and watersports? Or is birding along a river, exploring nature reserves, and whale watching more your thing? You can find all this and more at Still Bay / Stilbaai in the southern Cape. History buffs will enjoy historical buildings and the archaeological museum, while foodies will love its fynbos-inspired gin, olives, cheese, and seafood restaurants. Here’s my pick of things to do in Still Bay. By Roxanne Reid
A turquoise-blue ocean and white sand dunes, whitewashed cottages and brightly painted fishing boats, a coastline scattered with shipwrecks, and a sleepy little village with two names. If all this sounds intriguing, hop in your car and drive 2.5-hours from Cape Town to find Arniston/Waenhuiskrans – perfect for whale-spotting, cave exploring, fishing, snorkelling, hiking, and gorging on seafood. By Roxanne Reid
Hermanus, just a 90-minute drive from Cape Town, was once a sleepy little fishing village. Now it buzzes with life. Whether you’re after budget stays or something a bit fancy, there’s a spot for you. There’s loads to keep you busy too. We’re talking wine tasting, great food, art galleries, top-class whale-watching, scenic hikes, and long white beaches. Here are my top 17 things to do in Hermanus on South Africa’s Whale Coast. By Roxanne Reid
Riebeek Kasteel and the Riebeek Valley have some serious history – stone-age tools and ancient KhoiSan rock art kind of old. But these days, it’s more about lazy weekends and good vibes, especially for Capetonians looking to escape the city for a few days. Here are some of my favourite things to do, from heritage, art and culture to food, wine and olives, with some outdoor adventure thrown in too. By Roxanne Reid
Craggy mountains, knobbly old oak trees, curving Cape Dutch gables, endless rows of vineyards and orchards, and maybe a peaceful little farm dam. These are the things you’ll be daydreaming about after a trip to Tulbagh. Just an easy 90-minute drive from Cape Town, this charming little town in the Cape Winelands is all about rich history and stunning views, with loads to explore. By Roxanne Reid
What I love about CapeNature reserves is how they balance looking after nature with letting people actually experience it. Conservation is the top priority (as it should be), but they understand that ecotourism is a brilliant way to get people excited about nature – and also help fund the work that keeps these places protected. Here are some of my favourite spots, stretching from the rugged Cederberg all the way to the wild beauty of Kogelberg and beyond. By Roxanne Reid
Out in South Africa’s dry, rugged heartland lies a wealth of wild animals, fossils and geology, a profusion of soaring cliffs and sweeping landscapes that beg to be explored. You’ll spot the entrance to this special place just off the N1, about 6km south of Beaufort West in the Karoo. Ready for an adventure? Here are my top 17 things to do in the Karoo National Park. By Roxanne Reid
Wilderness. Even the word speaks to my soul. Visit the village of Wilderness along South Africa’s Garden Route and you’ll revel in a festival of beaches, lakes, lagoons, rivers, mountains and forests all rolled into one unforgettable spot. Whether you love hiking, birdwatching and paragliding, or restaurants and shopping, there’s something here to make you happy. Dive into my top 20 favourite things to do in Wilderness. |
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AboutI'm an independent travel writer and book editor with a passion for Africa - anything from African travel, people, safari and wildlife to adventure, heritage, road-tripping and slow travel. Categories
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