KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
The Cape Winelands Just a 45-minute drive from Cape Town and you’re in the winelands – A haven of gracious, white-gabled farmsteads evoking a rich, elegant heritage.
The heart of the grape and wine production in the country, steeped in history and scenic beauty, include the towns of Stellenbosch, Franschoek and Paarl.
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is a mere 30 minute journey from Cape Town. Known as the centre of learning, rugby and the wine industry, it is second oldest town in South Africa and has magnificent old oak-lined streets. Situated in the fertile Jonkershoek Valley, the wine route was one of the first to be established in the region. Every effort has been made to preserve the town’s atmosphere of the 19th Century. Visitors can enjoy exploring on foot museums, galleries, and historical Cape Dutch style buildings. Stellenbosch University is an integral part of the history and atmosphere of the town and is dedicated to preserving it’s heritage.
Franschhoek
Situated only 83km from Cape Town Franschhoek is perfect for a daytrip or short stay destination for travellers, and its proximity to Stellenbosch, Paarl, Wellington and Somerset West, makes it ideal to explore the Winelands of these regions. French Huguenots, settled in the Berg River Valley and founded the community of Franschhoek. They recognised the potential of the region for wine production and fruit growing and established vast wine estates throughout the valley. The French not only brought their viticulture, they also left behind a rich heritage of arts, architecture and hospitality, all of which survives to this day. The main street is lined with galleries displaying local arts, craft shops and antique shops and many fine restaurants.
Paarl
56km from Cape Town, in the Berg River Valley at the foot of the Du Toits Kloof Mountains, lies Paarl. With its Cape Dutch buildings and historic estates, this town is one of three oldest settlements in the country. Named after the huge granite rock on the mountain overlooking the town, which gleams like a pearl in certain lights. Paarl is a large commercial centre on the banks of the Berg River and is surrounded by mountains and vineyards
