Stellenbosch Tourism introduces a new Route

Stellenbosch, in the heart of the Winelands, with its majestic mountains and traditional vineyards, is a major tourist attraction. Stellenbosch tourism has now introduced a brand new Stellenbosch experience called Route 360.

Glenelly, Idasvalley

Locals playing soccer in Groendal Franschhoek

Soccer with a view in Groendal

Route 360 is an initiative by Stellenbosch Tourism, offering a lifestyle experience, showcasing the diversity of activities and experiences offered on the route. Route 360 is not a geographical designated route, rather a cultural lifestyle experience allowing visitors to discover Stellenbosch’s best kept secret, its people.

Siena’s in Kylemore

The Route was developed round the following eight categories and attractions in Stellenbosch namely, Heritage, Food, Wine, Art, Nature, Sport, Adventure and Education. Visitors have the option to plan their own itinerary by choosing from activities available on Route 360 or choose packages put together by the tourism office. The guides involved on several of the options available are all locals of the community; experience the winelands through the eyes of a farm worker or discover Stellenbosch art with a walkabout guided by an art-lover.

Locals in Kayamandi

Kayamandi Barber

The Cultural tour, in the Heritage category, offers a unique opportunity to see and experience life in the different Communities around Stellenbosch where visitors can expect to meet and interact with some of the locals.

Highlights on the Cultural Tour

In Kayamandi you will be able see how the locals prepare a “Smiley” (see picture) which is a traditional delicacy amongst local, or visit a crèche or school.

“Smiley” (Sheep Head)

Local Artists

Meet locals in Cloetesville, buy a painting from a local artist and enjoy tea at a local guesthouse.

Glenelly

Wine tasting at Glenelly

Visiting Idas Valley will take you to a state of the art Wine Estate called Glenelle, previously run as a fruit farm, till Madame de Lencquesaing from France bought the farm in 2003 and, from scratch, turned it into wine producing farm where you can enjoy a wine tasting with views never to be forgotten.

Pniel has a rich history, a beautiful historic church still in use and a popular choice amongst locals and celebrities for weddings ceremonies. Meet the locals of Kylemore and enjoy a cuppa at Siena se Plek (Siena’s place) or grab a nice boerie roll (a hot dog roll with meat sausage) a firm favourite amongst South Africans.

Die Teesakkie

A visit to Ruth’s tea and coffee shop, Die Tee Sakkie (the tea bag) in Franschhoek is a delightful experience; here you can expect to enjoy some lovely homemade delectables such as pumpkin tart, banana bread or Melktert.

See how two locals in Groendal, a Township on the outskirts of Franschhoek, have used their entrepreneurial skills, John in setting up a restaurant Batho’s Place and Cecil producing his own wines and offering Wine Tastings in his Shebeen.

Cecil’s Wine

Cecil’s Shebeen

Tourist attractions in Stellenbosch have now gone full circle and tourists can now experience Stellenbosch, its history and culture along with all the major attractions up close and personal, making the Stellenbosch Winelands as a tourist destination not to be missed!