- 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)
Set just outside Durban, Blue Sky Mining is interesting and an unusual place with awesome views.
(Warner Beach,South Coast)
Think of a cultural tour in Zululand and they probably offer it - or something like it.
(Eshowe,Zululand)
This Mozambiquan backpackers is situated in paradise.
(Vilanculos,Mozambique)
Come here and find out why Long Street is such a happening spot.
(Cape Town City Centre,Cape Town)
Kruger Inn Backpackers is a community inside a nature reserve, on the border of the Kruger National Park.
(Marloth Park,Mpumalanga)
Deep in the mountains, Sani Lodge Backpackers offers a laid-back and relaxed base from which to enjoy the wonders of the Berg.
(Southern Drakensberg,Drakensberg Backpacker Hostels)
At Starling you’ll experience all the beauty, wildlife, culture and all the adventure that you came to find in South Africa.
(Plettenberg Bay,Garden Route)
This Botswana backpackers is only 10km outside the city of Gaborone and in the bush.
(Gaborone,Botswana)
You should put AroundAboutCars on speeddial.
(Nelspruit,Mpumalanga)
A classic wilderness experience in true Rider Haggard style.
(Shamwari,Eastern Cape Inland and the Karoo)
