- Stellenbosch
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.
- 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 Cape Town winelands are situated on either side of the Hottentot Holland Mountains which lie to the north and east of Cape Town. They have a Mediterranean climate, plentiful water and fertile valleys which provide ideal conditions for vineyards and orchards to flourish. There are a number of fantastic backpacking hostels in the Stellenbosch area. Most of the Stellenbosch backpackers offer great day trips and activities within the Winelands area.
Blessed with a Mediterranean climate and fertile valleys, the Winelands offer travellers the perfect opportunity to sample succulent wines in heaven sent surroundings.
There are over 100 wine varieties to get stuck into - so give that tongue a scrub and get tasting.
Wine’s not the only thing you can tantalise your taste-buds with however. Sample cheese at Simonsberg or sniff heady brandy at the cellars.
As far as our taste buds can tell, South Africa is right Up There when it comes to great wine, the glorious drink of the Gods.
Any visit to the Cape without be incomplete without a trip or two to the winelands. And with the variety of exquisite routes you have to choose from you might just have to make a week of it.
Geoff is a quaffer extraordinaire - so if you ever have a weight problem with your baggage when you book onto your return flight, you know where to send surplus bottles...
Graceful old Cape Dutch farmhouses, reminiscent of a bygone era, are a grand feature of many farms.
Places to Stay
- Banghoek Backpackers Lodge
This Stellenbosch backpackers has been designed with couples in mind, with its en suite double rooms.
- 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.
- Vine Hopper
A South African wine tour with a difference.
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
A blast into the past and a very popular little town that postively hums with busy-ness every now and then.
(Clarens Eastern Free State,Free State)
Join hot Rod - for the ride of your life!
(Graskop,Mpumalanga)
Built in the days when castles were homes
(Johannesburg,Johannesburg)
Small group safaris throughout Southern Africa.
(Maputo,)
This Cederberg backpackers is close to the mountains and hiking trails it is a good base for exploring the area.
(Citrusdal,West Coast)
A real home away from home, the Old Vic Backpacking hostel offers snug doubles at refreshingly affordable prices.
(Nelspruit,Mpumalanga)
Spice up your Big Five holiday with a generous measure of local culture and vibrant music
(Hoedspruit,Limpopo)
An established lodge with backpacker facilties.
(Zavora,Mozambique)
This Hermanus backpackers has been here forever. "Zoete Inval" means "drop in and make yourself at home" in Dutch - which is easy enough to do here.
(Hermanus,Overberg )
A backpackers overlooking Wilderness.
(Wilderness,Garden Route)
