Stellenbosch vs. Franschhoek?

A day out in the Cape Winelands

It is abundantly clear that Capetonians enjoy what the Winelands has to offer. 

Options to consider as part of your Cape Town vacation vary from action-packed activities, visiting historic towns, museums or cultural experiences, sipping on extraordinary wines and eating tantalising food.  

The fact of the matter is you are now able to incorporate many activities into your schedule after being locked indoors for months. Yes,  2020 has made an impact on all our lives and has made us come to a stand-still, but it is clear that we all need to engage in some outdoor activities. 

Whether you’re looking to explore some outdoor activities with family, friends or just wanting a romantic day out with your loved one, the Adventure Shop is your one-stop-shop for all activities and expert advice on local day tours. The Adventure Shop is trusted and reviewed for practising sustainable tourism principles and also minimising the impact of environmental factors and supporting the local communities.  

Stellenbosh and the Winelands

Stellenbosh takes centre stage to the Winelands backdrop, following a scenic drive through the mountains to Franschhoek. Only 40 minutes drive from Cape Town and famous for its collection of historic towns, small settlements and Cape Dutch farms making distinguished South African Wines.  

Highlights and local favourites include guided cycle tours, unique E-Bike trips curving through South Africa’s best wine estates, tasting wines by a variety of tours which can include Vine Hoppers, Trams, guided hikes or by 4×4. You can be sure that foodies, adventurers and wine connoisseurs alike will enjoy all Stellenbosh and Franschhoek has to offer. Drive South Africa offers a range of 4x4s to rent in Cape Town, so have a look before making any outright decisions.

For the Love of Adventure

For those looking to get the adrenaline rush, the Winelands offer several adventure activities which you can incorporate into your Cape Town vacation. 

Whether including it as part of a trip up the coast or just an activity on that day off, why not include adventure activities along the way such as Shark Cage diving in Gansbaai, Sky-diving, Paragliding, Cycling through mountains, Hiking or River Rafting in the Winelands Mountains. 

For the Foodies

One of the fantastic things we get to enjoy is good food.

The Winelands consists of a few top restaurants, great food markets and also strawberry and olive farms. A sunny day out to Franschhoek for a scenic view can be enjoyed with a noteworthy lunch at one of the many favourite restaurants, which include La Petite Ferme Restaurant, Die Werf or the Chefs Warehouse at Maison. 

Summer is excellent for such outings, and you will relish the various food Markets located outside Stellenbosch. Suitable for family, friends or just a romantic lunch with your partner. 

Markets like the one found at Oude Libertas Estate offers organic food grown and harvested by locals open on Saturdays. Then Blaauwklippenand and  Route 44 Markets operate on Weekends and Sundays offering tasty foods, good music and amazing people. Relish in the food and nature with a variety of activities entertaining the kids. 

For the love of history, art and culture

The Cape offers a vast diversity of art, culture and also history for those interested in learning more about heritage and how the Winelands came to be so rich in life as we know it today. 

Galleries, museums and monuments are open to visitors and once again Stellenbosh and Franshoek offers the best experiences. 

For the young couples who want to do something romantic, The Galileo Open Air Cinema uses 12 wine estates to host various movie nights. Be sure to book in advance as only limited space will be available.

We suggest you connect with your local tour operator to inform you about the current shows or art up on display. Going on a wine tasting will also open a whole new world to how Cape Town came to be together with its unique features of Old Dutch houses and farm estates being preserved with its history. 

Capetonians love their city and surrounding areas, and there is no holding you back from hitting the road for a quick weekend getaway or just a fantastic day out without having to drive far. So, start planning your weekend and see you in the Winelands. Hire a car in Cape Town to accommodate your travel. 

Related Posts

What Animals Can You See at Sandfontein?

Sandfontein Lodge & Nature Reserve is the perfect retreat in southern Namibia. This 200,000-acre nature reserve is a private hideaway that makes a great stop en route to Etosha, Swakopmund, and other well-known Namibian landmarks. The views of rivers and sunburnt, rocky landscapes will leave you in awe. Sandfontein Nature Reserve is unique as it […]

Read More

The Ultimate Botswana Safari Self-Drive

Simply put, there’s just nowhere like it anywhere in the world.  Its deserts, salt pans, and deltas with their abundance of wildlife and bird species, really make Botswana one of the most beautiful places to explore.  Escape the hustle of everyday life and experience the feeling of freedom nature brings with her, at your own […]

Read More

Outstanding Campsites You Should Visit in Botswana in 2024

Botswana is a warmhearted and welcoming country in the centre of Southern Africa. Thanks to its diverse and pristine landscapes, it offers exceptional camping and self-drive experiences. Renowned for its unspoiled wildernesses, Botswana is a top destination for adventurers seeking to immerse themselves in nature.  The country has many areas and reserves with camping facilities, […]

Read More