Today this university town is perhaps best known for its Cape Dutch architecture, oak-lined streets and top quality vineyards. Stellenbosch is South Africa’s second oldest town, founded by Simon van der Stel way back in 1679. Perhaps best of all, stay over for a couple of nights so you can relax and listen to the bird’s dawn chorus or drink a toast to the sunset as it bleeds into the horizon.ġ50km east of Cape Town, 20km south of Robertson off Route 62 Walk the quiet streets to admire the old buildings, hike one of the trails into the surrounding mountains, go wine tasting or explore some of the studios and galleries on the art route. Add to that a wealth of nature, mountain views, rolling vineyards and you’ll understand why it has drawn a community of artists and alternative thinkers.Īlthough some houses were built as far back as the early 1800s, McGregor was only proclaimed a village in 1862. The village itself makes a great escape from the rat race, a place to find lovely 19th century thatched cottages with pretty gardens, quiet country roads and the sound of water trickling down the side of the road in irrigation channels.

More than any other small town, McGregor can claim to be a destination in its own right because it lies on the Road to Nowhere 15km beyond McGregor the road comes to an abrupt end.

Views down across the valley from the surrounding mountains are well worth the effort.ĩ5km east of Cape Town along the N1 and R45

For something more energetic, take to the mountains or Mont Rochelle nature reserve on foot, horseback or mountain bike. Do a village walking tour or visit the magnificent food gardens at Babylonstoren. To avoid worrying about drinking and driving, plan your route with the Wine Tram, a double-decker tram and open-air bus that stops at some of wine estates.Įxplore alluring shops and art galleries, visit the Huguenot Memorial Museum for insight into the history and culture of the area. Succumb to the temptation to spend your days under shady trees sampling sophisticated menus and tasting some of the country’s finest wines. With wineries and world-class restaurants thick on the ground, it’s no wonder Franschhoek is known as a gourmet food and wine destination. There’s a distinctly French flavour to the village, a huge nod to the influence of the Huguenots who started the settlement here in the late 17th century. To get a sense of the town before you visit, picture towering mountains with vineyards roller-coasting across the valley below, Cape Dutch architecture, chic or rustic restaurants. Franschhoek makes for one of many superb weekend getaways from Cape Town.

South africa's outer townships