Stellenbosch is more than just a picturesque town — it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking through mountain trails to cycling past vineyards, indulging in outdoor dining, or appreciating art in the open, the opportunities to explore and unwind are endless.
Hiking and Biking Trails
Thanks to its endless mountain ranges and trail networks like Stellenbosch Trail Fund, CapeNature, and Idas Valley Community Trails, Stellenbosch boasts with a wide variety of trail routes ideal for hiking and mountain biking.
The Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is known for its lush landscapes and well-maintained trails, like the Panorama Route and the Waterfall Trail. For mountain bikers, the reserve is perfect for adrenaline seekers with a variety of technical trails.
Perfect for students and those looking to stay in central Stellenbosch, Coetzenburg Mountain offers a moderate trail with stunning views of the town and vineyards. For a greater climb, the Second Cross at the top of the mountain is a well-visited checkpoint to be crossed off anyone’s bucket list.
Playing an important role in connecting Stellenbosch with the Banhoek Valley and Franschhoek, the Idas Valley Community Trails Tourism Route flows through the Idas Valley Nature Area with indigenous plant species and two beautiful fresh water dams alongside panoramic views of surrounding wineries.
Click here for our list of 5 great Stellenbosch hiking trails to explore.
Outside Art
Explore the picturesque riverbanks along the Eerste River, complete with new bridges and art installations from the Stellenbosch Art Mile — an interactive art installation combining art with nature.
While known for its wide range of art galleries, Stellenbosch’s outdoor art scene invites you to appreciate sculpture while feeling the sunbeams on your skin. Visit some of the local sculpture gardens and experience art with an outside perspective.
Garden Visits
Perfect for a light outdoor stroll and a café visit, Stellenbosch’s open gardens invites visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of Stellenbosch.
Being one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms, it’s no secret that a visit to Babylonstoren’s is a must-have experience with diverse plant life, tranquil walking paths, delicious food offerings and interactive experiences.
Located in the historical center of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden is the oldest university botanical garden in South Africa and showcases local habitats and conservation issues, South African biomes and plants, medicinal plants and many research and taxon collections from South Africa and around the world. The Botanical Café offers a perfect place to rest and enjoy the garden.
Outdoor Dining
Nestled on the historic Lanzerac Wine Estate, the Lanzerac Deli invites guests to relax in a serene garden setting while savouring artisanal platters, freshly baked pastries, and locally roasted coffee.
At Stark-Condé Wines’ Postcard Café, you’ll find breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and a tranquil lakeside ambiance, complemented by fresh, seasonal dishes that celebrate simplicity and flavour.
For a more sophisticated affair, Stellenbosch Reserve impresses with its elegant courtyard dining, where delicious dishes and award-winning wines set the stage for a menu that exemplifies South African culinary excellence.
Wildlife Experiences
Discover over two decades of sustainability and rehabilitation on Vergelegen’s Environmental Tour. Explore a private nature reserve with conservation status equal to the Kruger National Park, and spot Nguni cattle, bontebok, Rau quagga, red hartebeest, black wildebeest, eland, smaller wildlife, birds.
The Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre offers easy access to some of Africa’s incredible wildlife and birds. Providing a space to enjoy the outdoors while learning about animals and their unique traits, Giraffe House is a fun stop to see and experience giraffes and other African wildlife.
Stellenbosch’s Equine Sport Centre offers trail rides for all ages, from short pony rides for children to longer adventures, including sunset and wine-tasting rides. Take a guided ride through vineyards and scenic landscapes, experiencing Stellenbosch at its best via horseback.