Stellenbosch Visitor's Guide - Mont Angelis, Stellenbosch

A Day Trip to Cape Town

2019-07-31T00:00:00+02:00

1. Kirstenbosch

Photo courtesy of capetown.travel

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is world-famous for the beauty and variety of the Cape flora it displays and for the magnificence of its setting against the slopes of Table Mountain in Cape Town.

Kirstenbosch grows only indigenous South African plants. The Kirstenbosch estate covers 528 hectares and supports a diverse fynbos flora and natural forest.

The cultivated garden (36 hectares) displays collections of South African plants, particularly those from the winter rainfall region of the country. The Kirstenbosch Visitors' Centre includes an information desk and various retail outlets and a coffee shop. The Centre for Home Gardening has outlets for plants and other services to support the home garden.

One of the newest additions to Kirstenbosch is the “Boomslang”, an elevated walkway that takes you over the tops of the trees and gives you a bird’s eye view of Cape Town – a must-see and do!

During the summer months, Kirstenbosch hosts Sunday picnic Summer Concerts on one of the big laws, definitely one of the most spectacular views to enjoy while sipping on some great Cape Winelands wine and enjoying great local and international music.

We would suggest you take a few hours to walk through the gardens and experience the beauty of the Cape Flora, pack lunch or enjoy lunch at one of the great restaurants they have in the gardens. However you choose to explore Kirstenbosch, just make sure you find time during your trip to visit!

2. Table Mountain

Photo courtesy of capetown.travel

Cape Town locals are pretty fond of the mountain that watches over their city… and with good reason! Table Mountain was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2011.

Hugged by Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head, Table Mountain makes up the northern part of the Cape Fold Mountain range. The top of the mountain is a three-kilometre level plateau giving it the name Table Mountain.

The easiest option for getting up the mountain is the cableway, which has attracted an astonishing 24 million visitors since it first opened in 1929. Significantly revamped in 1997, the cable-cars now carry up to 65 passengers per trip. The journey up the mountain takes about five minutes and the cars rotate through 360 degrees during the trip, giving you incredible views of the mountain below. Cars depart from the lower cable station on Tafelberg Road every 10 to 15 minutes, but you can expect to spend a fair amount of time in the queue during peak season. The cableway doesn’t operate if the wind is too strong or the visibility too poor, so check in advance if the conditions seem unfavourable.

While the cableway is convenient and fun, you’ll get a much more adrenaline-filled experience by hiking up or down yourself. Just make sure to not do it alone, and check out the different hiking trails for difficulty level before choosing one.

The cableway station at the top of the mountain has a curio shop, a shop where you can stock up on snacks, and a restaurant. If you take the cableway up the mountain, but still want to do a little walking, there are some easy walks you can do at the top while enjoying the most beautiful view in the whole of Cape Town.

3. Zeitz MOCAA

Photo courtesy of Urban.Next

Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) is a public not-for-profit contemporary art museum which collects, preserves, researches, and exhibits twenty-first-century art from Africa and African artists throughout the world. The Museum is the biggest Art Museum in Africa and also the biggest museum in world that showcases art from Africa and its artists. The Museum hosts international exhibitions; develops supporting educational programmes; encourages intercultural understanding; and guarantees access for all. Over one hundred galleries on the nine floors, are dedicated to a large cutting edge permanent collection as well as some temporary collections and installations.

The museum is situated in an important historical landmark—the old grain silo at the V&A Waterfront. The silos were built in 1921, and for about 100 years they were the industrial heart of the harbour area. The original structure was comprised of 56 storage silos and an adjacent elevator building, and was made a heritage site.

The exhibition space covers 6,000 square meters over nine floors, with 100 gallery spaces. In other words; set aside at least a full day to visit. You can get tickets online or at the door. Daily admission in R180 per adult, or free for under-18s. On Wednesdays between 10 am and 1 pm, there is free entry for all citizens of African countries, and on the first Friday of every month, admission is half price between 4 pm and 9 pm.

4. Robben Island

Photo courtesy of capetown.travel

Robben Island is an Island in Table bay about 6.9km away from the coast of Bloubergstrand, Cape Town.

Nobel winner and former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela was imprisoned there for 18 of the 27 years he served behind bars before the fall of apartheid. To date, three former inmates of Robben Island have gone on to become President of South Africa: Nelson Mandela, Kgalema Motlanthe and Jacob Zuma.

Robben Island is a World Heritage Site and museum, offering daily tours. The tour begins at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront with a multimedia exhibition, museum shop and restaurant, after which, guests depart on the ferry for a scenic trip to the island. Once on Robben Island itself, the tour is guided by a former political prisoner of the island, for unique and incomparable insights into the island’s history.

The tours depart at 9am, 11am and 1pm and we suggest that you buy tickets prior to the trip. Tickets range from R200 to R550.

5. Kalk Bay

Photo courtesy of Getaway Magazine

Whether it's food, art or adventure you're after, this seaside village has something for everyone.

It was named one of The 12 Coolest Cities Around The World by Forbes magazine in July 2018, after one visit to the quirky seaside village of Kalk Bay, it’s easy to understand why.

Part-sleepy fishing village and part-buzzy high street, Kalk Bay’s eclectic mix of historic buildings, cobbled streets, bohemian bric-a-brac shops, vintage bookstores, art and antique galleries, ocean and mountain views, quaint cafés and restaurants, colourful fishing vessels and creative locals is what makes it so charming, offering a unique experience unlike anywhere else in the city. If you haven’t already, pin Kalk Bay to the top of your list. Make sure you stop by Kalky’s for an authentic Fish and Chips lunch, have a drink at the bar at Brass Bell and explore all the other little stops in Kalk Bay for a truly authentic Kalk Bay experience.

6. Cape Point

Cape Point offers a variety of thing to see and do, from the most spectacular viewpoints to the most isolated and serene beaches, and it’s impossible to fit them all in to a single visit. But here are some of our favourite things to do:

Just drive through the Nature reserve and take in some of the most breathtaking ocean and mountain scenery in the world.

Ride the Flying Dutchman Funicular up to the viewing point, below the old lighthouse. Or walk up if you have a little more time and energy! The view is definitely worth the trip!

Discover cultural and historical spots, including monuments to explorers such as Vasco da Gama and Bartolomeu Dias.

Great swimming spots, picnic sites and walks at the tidal pools.

Photograph or just enjoy the more than 1 100 indigenous plant species that you will find nowhere else in the world. As well as the 250 bird species found in the area.

Watch massive whales moving past Cape Point on their annual migration (around June to October).

Spot the Cape mountain zebra and the world’s largest antelope, the eland, among a variety of other fauna.

Walk the shipwreck trail to view a few of the 26 recorded shipwrecks around Cape Point.

Hike along a wide variety of scenic and overnight trails through natural fynbos and along sandy beaches.

Take part in a range of exciting outdoor activities, such as sea kayaking and mountain biking.

Explore a wide variety of stunning dive sites that lie waiting to be explored on both sides of the Point.

Always keep a lookout for the legendary ghost ship – The Flying Dutchman!

It may sound overwhelming to try and do it all, but we do encourage you to at least do a few of the activities at Cape Point!

7. Boulders Beach

Photo courtesy of capetown.travel

The beautiful Boulders Beach is one of Cape Town’s most visited beaches and the only place in the world where you get close to African Penguins.

Cape Town has some of the most amazing beaches in the world, but Boulders Beach in False Bay offers something extra special – a colony of African Penguins in all their smartly dresses, waddling glory, right under your nose.

Boulders Beach isn’t just a great place for penguins, it’s also a popular family-friendly swimming beach where kids can climb over the boulders, explore the rock pools, or swim in the cool, clear False Bay water. It’s also a great place for a leisurely picnic. Due to the R65 conservation fee, the beach is rarely packed.

A couple of years ago three wheelchair-friendly boardwalks were constructed to accommodate the thousands of tourists and locals that visit the beach each year. These boardwalks wind their way through the dunes and vegetation and not only provides great viewing spots, but also protects nesting penguins and their chicks, which is fantastic because the African Penguin is now an endangered species, but at Boulder’s Beach they get to nest and live in a safe environment.

8. Bo-Kaap

Photo courtesy of capetown.travel

Situated at the foot of Signal Hill, on the edge of the city centre, and formerly known as the Malay Quarter, the Bo-Kaap’s origins date back to the 1760s when numerous rental houses were built and leased to slaves. These people were known as Cape Malays, and were brought from Malaysia, Indonesia and the rest of Africa to work in the Cape.

To this day, the houses are a mix of Cape Dutch and Georgian architecture, in distinctive multi-coloured rows on steeply cobbled roads. The bright colours are a result of the rental houses that had to be white, so when the rule was lifted and the slaves were allowed to buy the houses they painted them in different bright colours to celebrate their freedom. Many of the families have been living there for many generations and the Bo-Kaap community is an essential part of the cultural heritage of Cape Town.

The oldest building in the Bo-Kaap is in Wale Street and currently houses the Bo-Kaap Museum. This is the best place to discover the real history of the area and to get a glimpse into the life of a typical Malay family. The first established Muslim mosque in South Africa, the Auwal Mosque, can also be found in the Bo-Kaap.

A must-do while visiting the Bo-Kaap is to enjoy a traditional Cape Malay meal at one of the restaurants, or a Cape Malay cooking course with one of the expert locals. Recipes date back centuries and are a spicy mix of Middle Eastern and Dutch styles of cooking, usually consisting of fruit, spices, vegetables and meat. Or you can also stop at a corner café and pick up a few snacks like samoosas (crispy triangle pastries), half-moons (crescent-shaped savoury snacks), daltjies (chilli bites), slangetjies and paaper bites (crisps), koesisters (spicy doughnuts) and boeber (a sweet sago and vermicelli drink).

The Bo-Kaap is not only a gorgeous, colourful and fun backdrop for photos it is also rich in heritage and culture, which makes it a must do when visiting Cape Town.

9. Woodstock

Photo courtesy of capetown.travel

Woodstock is one of the oldest suburbs in Cape Town and it is also one of the trendiest. An incredible mix of diversity and cultures combine to make the neighbourhood a vibrant, bustling blend of food, fashion, arts, and design. Woodstock is a place to be seen and heard, favoured by locals for good reason.

Located just 10 minutes from the centre of Cape Town, Woodstock is the oldest suburb. Formerly one of Cape Town’s most dangerous neighbourhoods, this multiracial melting pot has undergone a vast regeneration over the past several years to become arguably the trendiest suburb in the ‘Mother City’.

Here you can enjoy a variety of coffee houses, eateries, breweries, boutiques, art galleries, street art, and of course, the crazy main streets.

The streets are adorned with incredible street art, it is a hub for boutique stores and markets and you can eat at some of the best restaurants in the country right in the heart of Woodstock, as well as enjoy some amazing craft beer – whatever you are looking for, you are guaranteed to find it in Woodstock, so be sure to add this stop on your trip to Cape Town.

10. Sunset Cruise and shopping at V&A

Photo courtesy of Cape Town Magazine

Cape Town has one of the best coastlines in the world – producing some of the best wines on top of the natural beauty it holds. As the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean and fills the sky with vibrant colours, you could find yourself in the middle of it all with a romantic boat cruise. There are many Sunset cruises to choose from, but they all offer a sunset cruise to give you the full experience of Cape Town from a whole different viewpoint.

The V&A Waterfront attracts more than 23 million visitors a year, as it is situated in South Africa’s oldest working harbour that boasts some of the best commercial and residential real estate on the West Coast. The waterfront hosts over 450 retail outlets, together with the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa and the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island as well as the Two Oceans Aquarium, the Cape Wheel and some of the best restaurants in Cape Town. No doubt, you can expect to be thoroughly entertained before and after enjoying your sunset cruise from the V&A Waterfront.

Mont Angelis* Guide to Adventures and Activities in and Around Stellenbosch

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Wine Tours

There is a good chance you are travelling to Stellenbosch for the wine. We recommend using a chauffeured tour as you need to choose between hundreds of wineries and you don't want to drink and drive. A simple Google search will yield a good choice of guides. You can discover the Winelands by car, bus, bicycle, horse, Tuk Tuk, helicopter or on foot. You may wish to include lunch at one of the farm restaurants.

Scootours Jonkershoek Valley

Scootours give you the opportunity to experience this gem of Stellenbosch like never before, exploring Jonkershoek on a Mountain Scooter. This is a fun active way of embracing the Stellenbosch surrounding and taking in the stunning views, majestic mountains and endless downhill slopes.

Where: Jonkershoek Rd, Stellenbosch

https://scootours.co.za/stellenbosch-jonkershoek/

Segway Tours

Glide through the vineyards. Breeze through the River Garden. Take a turn past the yin-yang water recycling and re-energising plant. Segways are the coolest way to do a breezy lap around the farm, on just a two-wheeled, self-balancing, battery-powered personal transporters, you will enjoy the seasons on wheels at Spier Wine Farm.

Where: R310 Baden Powell Drive, Stellenbosch

https://www.spier.co.za/visit/vineyard-segway-tour

Shark Cage Diving

This is a beautiful day-trip to the small sea village Gaansbaai. Chance of seeing sharks: 97% all year round. The company does not feed or handle the sharks, to do so would jeopardize the ecology and our permit to run these tours. You will merely be observing the Great White Shark in its natural environment whilst learning a lot about this incredible predator.

Where: Gansbaai (near Hermanus), Western Cape

http://www.greatwhitesharkdiving.co.za/

Hang Gliding

You do not need wings to fly. But hang gliding will sure take your spirit to new heights. Where altitude is everything.

Where: Helderbeg Rural, Stellenbosch

https://www.dirtyboots.co.za/operators/big-sky-hang-gliding

Para Gliding

Enjoy an incredible tandem paragliding flight from Lions head or Signal Hill. It is definitely one of the most exciting adventures you will do.

Not many other activities would let you enjoy such spectacular panoramas! No matter how nervous you might feel before the takeoff, the experienced team will put you at ease and make sure you are comfortable and safe.

https://www.adventureshop.co.za/adventure-activities/paragliding/

Zipline Elgin

Are you in hot pursuit of adrenalin adventure in nature? Cape Canopy Tours offers just that thrill. A zipline canopy tour in the company of soaring eagles, being surrounded by breath-taking Cape fynbos panoramas and mountainscapes. Scream, fun, take photos and still want to go back. Definitely one for the books.

Where: R321 Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve

https://www.canopytour.co.za/locations/cape/

Hiking

A walk through nature, into the mountain to free your mind and find your soul. The scenic views of the Jonkershoek mountains cater the perfect dose of tranquillity.

Where: Jonkershoek Rd, Stellenbosch

https://www.capenature.co.za/reserves/jonkershoek-nature-reserve

Eagle Encounter

Enjoy up-close-and-personal interactions with eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, kites, buzzards, snakes and lizards. Take part in heart-stopping falconry displays, where we fly birds to you. Kids will also enjoy our piglets, rabbits, tortoises, chickens and unique playground.

Spier Wine Farm, R310 Baden Powell Drive, Stellenbosch

http://www.eagle-encounters.co.za/

Acrobranch

Have you discovered the Tarzan in you? These acrobranch tree-top courses are just the answer, suitable for all age groups. Acrobranch Stellenbosch is the perfect venue for your next team building activity.

Where: Klein Joostenberg, R304, Muldersvlei, Stellenbosch

https://acrobranch.co.za/outdoor-activity-parks/outdoor-activity-park-in-stellenbosch/

Hot Air Balloon

Enjoy the wonderful feeling of floating through the sky as slow as a cloud and as free as a bird between the mountains of one of the most magnificent valleys on Earth at Wineland Ballooning.

Where: Paarl

http://www.kapinfo.com/Wineland_Ballooning_Cape_Town/wineland_ballooning_cape_town.html

Root 44 Parkrun

Rise with the sun and join the 5km parkrun at root 44. It is fun, and simply at your own pace.

Where: Root 44, Audacia Wine Farm

https://www.parkrun.co.za/root44/

Water Skiing

Get your adrenalin pumping, while having fun in the sun water-skiing. Bluerock in Somerset West has you covered. This is a great adventure sport that you definitely need to tick off your bucket list.

Where: Sir Lowry's Pass Road, Somerset West, Cape Town

http://bluerock.co.za/

Farmers Markets

Good food, lively music, delicious drinks, great company and relaxing family time away from everything on a weekend.

Where: Root 44, Corner of R44 and Annandale Rd, Stellenbosch
https://root44.co.za/

Botanical Garden

The Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, located in the historical centre of Stellenbosch, is the oldest university botanical garden in South Africa. The garden houses an enormous diversity of plants, both indigenous to South Africa and exotic. After a scenery stroll, you can enjoy refreshments at the onsite Katjiepiering restaurant, the perfect place to rest and enjoy the Garden while the shop offers a wide range of local and regional products.

Where: Neethling St & Van Riebeeck Street, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch

http://www.sun.ac.za/english/entities/botanical-garden/visitor-information

Picnic

When you are in need of a peaceful picnic on the grass, exceptional scenery and good wine, but yet do not feel up to the hassle of packing your own basket; Spier Wine Farm offers seasonal and vegetarian picnics, made with local, natural and organic produce wherever possible. Grab a partner a treat yourself.

Where: R310 Baden Powell Drive, Stellenbosch

https://www.spier.co.za/food/picnics-at-spier?p=food/picnics

Mountain Biking

Please refer to our dedicated article Mont Angelis* Mountain Bike Guide for Stellenbosch and Surrounds

https://www.montangelis.co.za/blog/

Full Moon Hike

Experience the splendour of the outdoors with magnificent views of the Cape Peninsula at Delvera Estate Stellenbosch. Embark on a 9.5km hike on a marked circle route through the vineyards, traversing the majestic Yellow Wood forest to the top of Klapmutskop in the heart of the Greater Simonsberg Conservancy.

Where: Cnr of R44 and, Muldersvlei Rd, Stellenbosch

https://www.dirtopia.co.za

Game Drive at Villiera

You don’t know magic until you have experienced the African safari. Enjoy a breath-taking sightseeing of animals at Villiera’s wildlife sanctuary. it includes 12 dams plus marsh areas which attract a huge variety of bird and mammal life.

Where: Cnr R304 & R101 Koelenhof Near, Stellenbosch

http://www.villiera.com

Golf

Please refer to our dedicated article Mont Angelis* Visitor's Guide to Stellenbosch Golf Courses

https://www.montangelis.co.za/blog/

*Mont Angelis Retreat offers a selection of well-designed and spacious self-catering cottages on a wine farm in Upper Blaauwklippen Valley, 10 km away from downtown Stellenbosch. It is an oasis of well-being for leisure and business travellers, as well as athletes, academics and wine lovers. Mont Angelis has been selected as one of the 15 best places to stay in Stellenbosch by The Inside Guide. www.montangelis.co.za

Mont Angelis* Visitor's Guide to Stellenbosch Golf Courses

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Stellenbosch Golf Club

Photo credit

Stellenbosch Golf Club sports a championship layout that has been host to many tournaments in the past.

Stellenbosch Golf Club is situated at the foot of the Helderberg mountains on the outskirts of Stellenbosch, where they offer golfers an immaculate golf course with friendly and welcoming service.

Golfers will find themselves surrounded by vineyards and beautiful mountain views when navigating this challenging, yet picturesque 18-hole. A parklands golf course that meanders through the large trees that frame most holes and where every hole seems distinct and memorable.

How far from Mont Angelis: 7km

De Zalze Golf Club

Photo credit

The De Zalze Golf Course is the perfect test for all golfers, their tees are marked for everyone from beginners to professionals. Situated within the De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate, it was designed by Peter Matkovich who made the most of the stunning setting and created a course that is challenging yet enjoyable.

The course has an excellent mix of parkland holes with its main challenges presented in the form of the water features on several holes, as well as the Oak tree lined Blaauwklippen River which winds its way through the Golf Estate and comes into play at various intervals

The course offers a memorable Winelands golf experience for all skill levels.

How far from Mont Angelis: 8.8km

Devonvale Golf Club

Devonvale's 18-hole championship golf course offers a regular challenge to both local and international golfers alike.

Nestled in the Bottelary Valley Hills, just a few minutes outside of the Stellenbosch, Devonvale Golf course promises to be a great course for golfers of all skill levels

The course offers panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains providing a peaceful golfing experience.

How far from Mont Angelis: 18.9 km

Erinvale Golf Club

Photo credit

Erinvale is considered one of the best residential golf courses in South Africa and was designed by legendary golfer Gary Player, the course features many of his distinctive immaculate challenges.

Stunning views, well-established shade trees and the substantial attention to the maintenance of the fairways elevate this course to world-class standards.

Erinvale Golf Course is without a doubt one of the best Golf Courses in South Africa. Surrounded by the Helderberg and Hottentots Holland Mountains. It offers two very different nines. The first nine winds its way through narrow fairways and the second nine flows beautifully into the foot of the Helderberg’s and eventually offers the most rewarding and magnificent sweeping views over False Bay.

At Erinvale, Gary Player created a true Championship Course which is widely considered a Golfing Gem – that not only tests the best Golfers in the World but also provides great enjoyment to amateur golfers of all skill levels.

How far from Mont Angelis: 23km

Paarl Golf Club

Scenically located in the Paarl-Franschhoek valley, Paarl Golf Club offers a superb golfing experience in a perfect setting. The original course has been developed into the first and only 27-hole championship golf course in the Western Cape.

Paarl Golf Club has a warm tradition of friendliness and has enthusiastically welcomed golfers from all over the world. The course is impeccably manicured and is framed by mountains, rivers and vineyards.

This spectacular course with tree-lined fairways, water hazards and bunkers challenges more proficient golfers, yet less-experienced amateurs will be encouraged to return.

How far from Mont Angelis: 38.8km

Pearl Valley Golf Course

Currently ranked the ‘5th best course in South Africa’ by Golf Digest, Pearl Valley Golf Estates was designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus and his unique touch is evident throughout the stunning course.

Pearl Valley is truly in a league of its own - the course design and surrounding beauty, the combination of the lush green on the fairways and greens, together with the white river sand lining the bunkers were carefully planned to make Pearl Valley the most visually spectacular golf course in the country.

Every hole is played against the spectacular backdrop of the mountains surrounding the estate and all are challenging due to the strategically set bunkers and fast greens.

How far from Mont Angelis: 45km

Mont Angelis* Art Guide for Stellenbosch

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GUS Gallery

Where: Cnr. Bird and, Dorp St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7600

The Gallery of the University of Stellenbosch (GUS) is an off-campus extension of the Visual Arts Department. Gus-gallery.co.za serves as a central online space, archiving and promoting exhibitions and events at GUS gallery.

“Our vision is to serve as a public multi-disciplinary community centre, creating a space for sharing of knowledge, ideas and inspiration. In addition to exhibitions, GUS hosts live music events, poetry sessions, open workshops, lectures and discussions.”

For more, visit www.gus.gallery.co.za

Die Dorpstraat Gallery

Courtesy of Dorpstraat Gallery, Copyright the artist

Where: Oude Bank, 10 Church St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch

The gallery specializes in solo and group exhibitions of contemporary South African artists and has provided a showcase for some of the country’s most talented artists: Judith Mason, Walter Oltmann, Gregory Kerr, Nicolas Maritz, Adrian van Zyl, Shanny van den Berg, Angus Taylor, Nora Newton, Chris Diedericks, Anton Momberg and Jenny Parsons to name a few.

Exhibitions take place on a regular basis and feature art in various mediums: painting, graphics, sculptures, ceramics, glass, and unique pieces of tribal and contemporary jewellery.

For more, visit dsg.withtank.com

Slee Gallery

Courtesy of Slee Gallery, Copyright the artist

Where: 103 Dorp Street

The Slee Gallery, an initiative of the architect and artist Johann Slee is a modern space in a historic building. The programme is eclectic and always interesting.

For more, visit https://www.slee.co.za/slee-gallery

Moving towards Church Street; the beating heart of the Stellenbosch

SMAC Gallery

Courtesy of SMAC Gallery, Copyright the artist

Where: 1st Floor, De Wet Centre, 2 Church Street, Stellenbosch

SMAC Gallery was established in 2007 in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Since it’s inception, SMAC has focused on presenting the work of emerging and mid-career South African artists, as well as established international artists. The gallery expanded to its current flagship space in Woodstock, Cape Town, in 2014 and opened a third space in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2016. In addition to its contemporary programme, the gallery regularly presents large-scale historical exhibitions and projects that offer a critical re-evaluation of South African art history within a global dialogue.

For more, visit smacgallery.com

Vincent da Silva

Where: 38 Church St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7600

Whilst you’re exploring Church Street, be sure to pop into Vincent da Silva’s gallery. Vincent has been exploring the figurative and the abstract personalities of art. He is challenging himself to attain an understanding of any subject and also aims to reveal an inner sense of whatever he creates.

Courtesy of Vincent da Silva Gallery, Copyright the artist

For more, visit vincentdasilva.co.za

Let’s round the corner onto Ryneveld Street

Dyman Gallery

Courtesy of Dyman Gallery, Copyright the artist

Where: Corner Plein and Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch

As a leading South African art gallery, Dyman Gallery (previously known as Absolut Art Gallery) offers an extensive and exclusive range of original South African art, as well as expert art valuations and experienced investment advice.

The owners of Dyman Gallery, Gerrit Dyman Sr and Gerrit Dyman Jr, have more than three decades worth of specialist experience in the art industry.

For more, visit https://dymangallery.co.za/

A few more suggestions outside of town:

Dylan Lewis’ sculpture garden (by appointment only)

Dornier Wines has an exhibition of the artwork of its founder Christoph Dornier that can be viewed as part of a cellar tour (by appointment)

Cavalli Estate has a fantastic gallery

For these and many more galleries on wine farms in the area, watch this space for an upcoming feature on "Art on Wine Farms".

The top Art Museums in Stellenbosch

Rupert Museum

Courtesy of Rupert Museum. Copyright of Irma Stern, the artist.

Where: Stellentia Avenue off Dorp Street, Stellenbosch

This is certainly a gallery with one of the finest collections of South African Art and the permanent collection includes artists such as Maggie Laubser, Irma Stern, Pierneef, Jean Welz, Cecil Higgs, Herman van Nasareth, Keith Dietrich, Stanley Pinker, William Kentridge, and Alexis Preller.

Also featured at the Museum are works off Willie Bester, Tony Nkosi, Karel Nel, Penny Siopis, Cecil Skotnes, Otto Klar, Carl Büchner, Francois Krige, Hugo Naudé, Gregoire Boonzaaier, Maurice van Esche, Nel Erasmus, Frans Claerhout, Paul du Toit, Pieter Wenning, Frans Oerder, Walter Battiss, Maud Sumner, Wolf Kibel and more.

Sculptures include those of South Africa’s pioneering sculptor Anton van Wouw, as well as Sydney Kumalo and Ezrom Legae, with European works by leading sculptors such as Käthe Kollwitz and Auguste Rodin. Outside the gallery, there are sculptures by well-known artist, Dylan Lewis.

For more, visit http://rupertmuseum.org/

The Sasol Museum

Where: 52 Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch

The University Museum was formerly the Bloemhof School for Girls and thanks to a substantial donation by Sasol Ltd. the building was restored and transformed into a cultural centre.

The Sasol Art Museum houses the Stellenbosch University’s permanent collection and the exhibition includes furniture and consumers’ articles of historical value. Maggie Laubser bequeathed her 140 works to the University, which was fully restored in 1989 to 1990. Only a selection is exhibited in this building where she went to school.

The Anthropology Section of the Museum is the holder of an irreplaceable African collection, assembled over the years. The Museum also has a number of Cape scenes painted in 1839 by Solomon Caesar Malan, an amateur painter, this Africana-Treasure has a history of its own and makes the museum well worth visiting.

The Stellenbosch University Art Gallery was built in 1854 by renowned architect Carl Otto Hager. It is a satellite of the Sasol Art Museum and operates as a semi-commercial gallery.

For more information visit https://www0.sun.ac.za/museum/

Mont Angelis* Mountain Bike Guide for Stellenbosch and Surrounds

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G-Spot, Coetzenburg, Eden, Mont Marie

Photo credit Etienne Schoemann

These are the perfect trails to begin with. For starters, they are the closest to Stellenbosch and to Mont Angelis*, plus you don’t have to buy a permit. However, you may make a contribution to the Stellenbosch Trail Fund to support this incredible cause. G-Spot is legendary, both ways, up and down. Ride it at least twice. Avoid the jumps.

NOTE THAT MONT MARIE TRAILS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO ROGUE RIDING!

Start: Anywhere in Stellenbosch

Permit: Donation via the website recommended

Level: Easy if you avoid the jumps

Distance: Up to 25km

Climbing: Up to 700m

Option: check out the cross-country world cup trail. Many sections are very technical.

Website for donations and maps: https://www.stellenboschtrailfund.co.za/

Jonkershoek

The ultimate playground for mountain bike enthusiasts! The reserve is 10km outside of Stellenbosch, the perfect distance to warm up. The valley is beautiful and wild and it can be rocky at times. Climbing is mostly on forestry tracks, down, there are countless options. Choose according to your level of expertise and enjoy. Once down, head over to the opposite side of the valley and go up again; continue until you are tired! It will take a while before you know all the trails.

Start: Anywhere in Stellenbosch or at the gate of the reserve. Pin

Permit: At the gate of the reserve, although beware that cash is not accepted at Jonkershoek gate. You can pay via credit card, Zapper, Snapscan or via the MyMTO App.

Level: Easy, intermediate, difficult

Distance: Up to 40km

Climbing: Up to 1300m

Map: https://www.irideafrica.com/portfolio/jonkershoek-mtb-map/

Option: Add Coetzenburg and Eden Trails.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/mtotrailsjonkershoek/

Botmanskop, Banhoek Conservancy

Incredible views, well-built trails and the incredible “Skyfall” make this route a must. The long climb up Botmakskop on single trails poses a challenging start. After this fun start, there is a lot of adrenaline releasing flow amidst vineyards and proteas down all the way to Banhoek. The following ride up the river is beautiful, but the terrain is taxing, alternating between sand, mud and steep ascents. There is more fun on the other side of the river but some of the way back will be on the busy R44. There have been problems with vagrants. Better ride in a group.

Start: Anywhere in Stellenbosch

Permit: Pay with Zapper, via the website or QR codes on boards.

Level: Intermediate

Distance: Up to 50km

Climbing: Up to 800m

Map: http://banhoekconservancy.org/facilities

Option: Add Boschendal Trails

Website: http://banhoekconservancy.org/

Bottelary Conservancy

Vineyards and fynbos are what you will get in this area, and lots of single trails in the first half. The trails are well built and a lot of fun to ride. Stop for the incredible views of Table Bay and Cape Town, as well as Simonsberg, Stellenbosch Berg and Helderberg. The Fish Eagle section towards the end of the route is amazing. Finish the ride with coffee and cake at 5* Asara Hotel. They are used to cyclists and the pastries are world-class.

Start: Anywhere in Stellenbosch or at Asara.

Permit: Asara Wine Estate R60 (other points of sale listed on the website)

Level: Easy to intermediate

Distance: 40km

Climbing: 1000m

Option: The Blue route is just as nice, but shorter

Website and map: https://bottelaryconservancy.co.za/

Helderberg Farm

Photo credit Etienne Schoemann

Put your baggies on! This is the place for downhill addicts, after an ascent of 600m you have a black or red option to suit your style. On some days, you can board a shuttle all the way up. The trails have been built by farm owner Jan Van Schalkwyk and pro rider Andrew Neethling. Expect the best. If needed, you can fix your bike at the Neethling brothers’ Hangar bike shop next to the R44.

Start: Hangar (pin) or Helderberg Farm Cafe

Permit: Hangar or Helderberg Farm R60. There is a self-service option.

Level: Intermediate, difficult

Climbing: 600m

Distance: 12km

Option: Add up to 100 km of Wannabee trails with a separate permit that you can purchase at Somerbosch Farm. Be careful when you cross the R44 https://wannabees.co.za/

Website and maps: http://helderbergtrails.com/

Simonsberg Trails

Many trails have been added in the last few years running over the wine farms, fynbos and forests. Close to 100% single trails. Just follow the signs. Both Muratie and Delheim have restaurants.

Start: Muratie or Delheim wine farms near the R44

Permit: R60 Pay with Zapper or https://www.dirtpass.co.za/product/permits

Level: Easy, intermediate

Climbing: Up to 1000m

Distance: Up to 35km

Website and maps: https://www.dirtopia.co.za/index.php/simonsberg-trails

Wannabees Trails

Wannabees is a bike club based in Somerset West. It builds and maintains the biggest network of trails which extends well into Stellenbosch. The trails are mostly on the lower, flatter side of the R44, but there are some flowing trails on the mountainside, namely on Stellenzicht and Dornier. Crossing the R44 can be dangerous. Avoid rush hours.

Permit and start: Somerbosch or Lord Charles Hotel

Level: Mostly easy

Climbing: Up to 400m

Distance: Up to 100km

Website and maps: https://wannabees.co.za/

STELLENBOSCH MOUNTAIN BIKE RACES

A good way to get to know the area is by taking part in one of the mountain bike races that are organised in Stellenbosch.

February: Fairtree Simonsberg Contour http://www.fairtreecontour.co.za/

March: Cycletour Mountain Bike Challenge https://www.capetowncycletour.com/lifecycle-week/mtb-challenge/

March: Cape Epic: https://www.cape-epic.com/

July: Stellenbosch Mountain Bike Challenge http://www.stellenboschmtbchallenge.co.za/

September: Fedhealth Mountain Bike Challenge: https://www.stillwatersports.com/event/fedhealth-mtb-challenge/

October: Wines 2 Whales https://wines2whales.com/

November: Origin of Trails https://www.stillwatersports.com/event/origin-of-trails/

BIKE SHOPS IN AND AROUND STELLENBOSCH

BMT Bike Marathon Triathlon. Bike sales, service and tours http://bmtsa.co.za/

Flandria. Bike Sales, service http://www.flandria.co.za/

Specialized Flagship Store. Bike sales, accessories, service, cafe https://www.specialized-stellenbosch.com/

The Hangar Bike Company. Bike sales, service, rentals http://thehangerbikeco.co.za/

Ride-In. Rentals, service, tours, cafe https://ridein.co.za/

Picture: Bottelary trails with views of Table Mountain

RULES OF THE TRAIL

Please follow the International Mountain Biking Association’s "Rules of the Trail" which promote responsible, courteous conduct on shared-use trails:

1. Ride Open Trails Only: Respect trail/road closures - ask a land manager if you’re uncertain about status and remember bikes aren’t permitted on state or federal Wilderness. Don’t trespass on private land - obtain permits/authorization first.

2. Leave No Trace: Wet, muddy trails are vulnerable to damage, so consider other options. Stay on existing trails, avoid cutting switchbacks and pack out at least as much as you pack in.

3. Control Your Bicycle: Inattention for even a moment could put yourself and others at risk. Obey bicycle speed regulations/recommendations, and ride within your limits.

4. Yield to Others: Let trail users know you're coming - a friendly greeting or ring of a bell work well – and anticipate as you round corners. In general, bicyclists yield to other trail users, and downhill bicyclists yield to uphill bicyclists.

5. Never Scare Animals: Give animals enough room and time to adjust. When passing horses, use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders.

6. Plan Ahead: Know your equipment, your ability and the area. Strive to be self-sufficient: keep equipment in good repair and carry supplies for changes in conditions. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.

Mont Angelis* Guide to Cafés in Stellenbosch

2019-05-15T00:00:00+02:00

ROASTER-CAFES

Hazz

Hazz roasts its own coffee in Stellenbosch. The bar on 32 Reyneveld Street has the vibe of an Italian expresso bar. Students work though piles of notes next to work nomads going through their emails, cyclists loading on caffeine, and tourists watching all this happen. The coffee is excellent and consistent. Most of the time there is a queue at the counter, but don’t worry, it moves quickly. www.hazz.co.za

Blue Crane and the Butterfly

This café is always full. Is it the coffee, the cakes, the vibe? Probably all three. Most of the guets are young professionals starting their day or having a break, with coffee. Stellenboschers love coffee. There is always a reason to have a coffee. 146 Dorp Street. http://bluecraneandbutterfly.co.za

Deluxe Coffeeworks

Hipster-alarm in Stellenbosch. The reasons, Deluxe is a franchise of a Cape Town based coffee roasting company. Beards, tattoos, eclectic interiors all-inclusive. Only the guests are not hipsters. Stellenboschers don’t care about fashion. They prefer colourful shirts, flip flops and shorts. They only care about perfect coffee on the go or sit down. Cnr of Dorp and Aan-de-wagen Streets www.deluxecoffeeworks.co.za

Ride in Cafe

A few kilometres into Jonkershoek Valley, this café is not only a meeting point for cyclists, but it is also very popular with families. They define the food as rustic and it explains it well. They roast their own coffee, and nothing is better than home-roasted coffee. Place your order at the bar and pay. Your order will be brought to your table. You can also rent a bike, have your bike serviced or buy flowers. Arkelshoek Farm, Jonkershoek Rd https://ridein.co.za/ride-in-cafe/

CAFE-BISTROS

Schoon Croissant and Coffee Bar

Fritz Schoon is not only the apostle of ‘real’ bread in Stellenbosch 2010, but he also brought a new coffee culture. The presentation of his produce is inspiring. The newest of his three locations is the tiny Croissant and Coffee Bar in the square of the De Wet Centre. You will be very tempted to by some patisserie to accompany his excellent coffee. Bring your own cushions as the chairs are not comfortable. www.schoon.co.za

De Warenmarkt

De Warenmarkt on 20 Reyneveld Street is a restaurant/market concept very popular with locals on colder days. Even the hard benches don’t deter the loyal supporters. Order your magic potion at the stand of Terbodore Coffee right at the entrance and order from the menu at the table. www.dewarenmarkt.co.za

Meraki

Meraki is a bright and stylish café on 42 Reyneveld Street that is always filled with students from the nearby university that come for some irresistible pastries. http://www.meraki-living.com/

Specialized Coffeeworks

This café at the Specialized flagship store on 33 Canterbury Lane is mostly frequented by bike addicts and young mums with their kids doing loops on the mini-bike track. The coffee is amongst the best in Stellenbosch. Alternatively, try the beetroot smoothie. It will kickstart your system. https://www.facebook.com/coffeeworks.ss/