The sun had just lit up the peak of the Stellenbosch Mountain in the distance and the air was crisp. It’s a different kind of crispness to what I’m used to in Pretoria and I couldn’t wait to go running along the Eerste Rivier and take it all in. Translating to ‘First River,’ this was literally the very first river in South Africa to be named. That’s but one of the many interesting facts about Stellenbosch I got to learn while visiting the City of Oaks.
Exploring the Historic Streets of Stellenbosch
The Southern Sun De Wagen hotel was my base for two days from which I explored the beautiful town. Located just off Dorp Street – known as the old wagon way to Cape Town – the hotel offered not only a glimpse into the past, but also the perfect spot from which I could submerge myself in the everyday goings of Stellenbosch and its people. And that, I did!
Stellenbosch on Foot – A Stellenbosch Heritage Experience
Recommended by Visit Stellenbosch – the ultimate Stellenbosch travel guide – I went on a walking tour of the town, with an experienced and clued-up guide from Stellenbosch on Foot. As the only South African amidst a group of Dutch and American tourists, I was excited to learn more about Stellenbosch and its history. These 90-minute historical tours in Stellenbosch let you stroll across town and shed light on so many of the town’s beautiful, historical buildings and the stories behind them. In fact, we got to see where Simon van der Stel first set up camp; we learned more about the three fires that had destroyed most of the village of oaks; and we popped in at the oldest hotel in South Africa. Not to mention the interesting facts about the Cape Dutch houses’ unique gables and a street that’s been dubbed a monument! At a mere R220 per person, I cannot recommend this tour enough. In addition to the historical tour, Stellenbosch on Foot also offers an art tour, which I am sure is just as insightful.
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Southern Sun De Wagen Hotel
Back at the hotel, I kicked off my shoes and enjoyed some peace and quiet in my spacious Wagenhuis suite. The elegant boutique hotel consists of a collection of historical farmstead buildings that date back to the early 1900s. They have been beautifully restored and now offer charming accommodation just across the road from the famous South African rugby school, Paul Roos. The original farm buildings’ history is connected to the early wine and fruit farms of Vredenburg and Lanzerac, and the architecture is linked to Sir Herbert Baker – a famous English architect and dominant force in South African architecture. The Wagenhuis – located underneath an enormous tree – is one of three country houses that make up the hotel. Together with the Kuyperhuis and the Roeshuis it adds up to a total of 22 hotel rooms. It’s the perfect escape where you can unwind after a busy day of exploration.
Dining at De Volkskombuis in Stellenbosch
De Volkskombuis also deserves a mention. This is where Southern Sun de Wagen’s guests enjoy breakfast, included in their stay. The warm atmosphere of this restaurant – also a historical building – will see me returning time and again. I could not get enough of the garden – perfect for al fresco dining – and even though it’s not included in the stay, I found myself returning there for lunch and dinner too. The indoor seating is just as magical with high ceilings and immaculate wooden beams making for a typical Cape Dutch setting with true South African flavours coming through from the kitchen. They even have private dining rooms for more intimate dining experiences. A fair wine list makes for some elegant pairings with meals from the menu, offering a selection of wines from the region. There are, however, not many options by the glass, so perhaps come prepared to pay for a bottle, instead of by the glass. De Volkskombuis’ beetroot salad is divine, as are their wood fired pizzas. For those who want to indulge in some truly South African cuisine, opt for a dish from the traditional ‘boerekos’ section in the menu. Their Boland Bobotie is to die for and generously portioned, so be sure to arrive hungry!
As I slowly made my way through the ‘Eikestad’ – as the City of Oaks is known in Afrikaans – one thing was certain: The people living here, are proud of what the town has to offer and more and more travellers flock to its streets to experience a taste of it. Whether it’s at one of its award-winning restaurants, a wine farm in the area, a stay at Southern Sun De Wagen, or during a Stellenbosch on Foot walking tour, Stellenbosch is geared for experiential, inquisitive travellers in search of a more tangible and engaging experience. It’s the ideal destination for cultural experiences in the Cape Winelands.
During my stay, I sat down with Southern Sun De Wagen’s General Manager, Abel Pienaar, to learn more about the hotel and its offerings, as well as its comeback after the floods not too long ago. This is the full interview:
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