Stellenbosch is an university town, surrounded by vineyards and is known for its restored Cape Dutch architecture dating from the 18th and 19th centuries and for its streets lined with majestic oaks. Discover the Stellenbosch Valley on foot. Your journey will take you through pristine fynbos.
You will walk along private and secure footpaths that wend their way through some of South Africas most esteemed wine estates and the mountainous nature reserve of Jonkershoek. Visit historic Stellenbosch. The towns oak-shaded streets are lined with cafes, boutiques and art galleries. Cape Dutch architecture gives a sense of South Africas Dutch colonial history.
Mountains
Hottentots Holland- , Helderberg- & Stellenbosch mountains.
Fynbos plants and wildlife
The Cape Floral Region is the smallest but richest of the worlds 6 floral regions- no less than 9,000 species. It has been identified as one of the worlds 18 biodiversity hot spots. A nature guide will give an introduction to the unique plant life.
Nature Reserves
Helderberg-, Jonkershoek- and Assegaaibosch Nature Reserves, representing the Cape Floral Region and recognised as a World Heritage site.
Views
Gordons Bay, Strand, Somerset West, False Bay, Stellenbosch and Cape Peninsula.
Wine estates
Arguably some of the most beautiful wine estates in the world, with history dating back to 1700. Larger cellars offer organised tours and tastings and their own restaurants.
Accommodation and restaurant options
4 or 5 star hotel or guesthouse and a thriving culinary scene, with a wide range of restaurants to choose from, serving everything from traditional South African food to international cuisine.
Historic town
Discover South Africas second oldest town - Stellenbosch.
Arrive in Somerset West and settle into your accommodation.
Overnight: Somerset West
Explore the fynbos-rich Helderberg Nature Reserve with a nature guide before continuing through historic Vergelegen Wine Estate. Finish at Lourensford Wine Estate, with an optional visit to Morgenster Wine and Olive Estate.
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Duration: Full day
Overnight: Somerset West
Walk from Lourensford Wine Estate via DeTrafford Wines to Dornier Wine Estate and the Blaauwklippen Valley. Enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and False Bay, with a wine tasting at De Trafford Wines along the way. Finish at Dornier Wine Estate with a glass of wine overlooking Stellenbosch Mountain, then transfer to Stellenbosch.
Distance: Approximately 15 km
Duration: Approximately seven hours, full day
Overnight: Stellenbosch
Transfer to Jonkershoek Nature Reserve for a scenic mountain walk, with views towards Stellenbosch and, in clear conditions, distant Table Mountain. Finish at Postcard Café and enjoy a wine tasting before walking or transferring back to Stellenbosch.
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Overnight: Stellenbosch
Discover historic Stellenbosch on a two-hour guided tour, followed by time to explore the town independently.
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Depart after your Stellenbosch Valley walking holiday.
After Cape Town, Stellenbosch is South Africas oldest settlement and steeped in a fascinating and convoluted history. The final days walk is through the proud old university town with its countless splendidly preserved buildings. This is a walk through history.
Distance: 10 km
The published rate is an indicative price. It will be confirmed on request. The following pricing factors will be considered: standard or superior accommodation, room sharing or single, group size, extra nights, transfers, guiding and other services. A minimum of 2 people per group. Twenty percent deposit and the balance 6 weeks before trip.
Yes. Navigation is straightforward with the recommended mobile app which has a map, trail summary and navigation functionality. Simply follow our Wikiloc installation instructions which will be provided with your Trip Information pack. Download the country map for offline use and follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation will be simple, and you’ll find your way. Local towns are usually signposted. Sections of the trail can be featureless and without directions but you will have electronic support.
We recommend that you arrange appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of you having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.
Can be considered if vacancy exists. If you require a single room, a single supplement will be quoted.
You will need a good quality mountain bike and your normal mountain biking gear for a day ride with perhaps some extra warm layers if the weather is cold. Your Trip information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard cycling gear.
The itinerary is designed to be enjoyable for a regular rider. If you currently don’t enjoy that level of fitness, then regular mountain biking supplemented by cardiovascular exercise for at least six months before your trip is recommended. Keep in mind the daily distances and changes in elevation in your daily itinerary. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalised training programme.
You can use local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop. Contact your Route Manager for advice and assistance.
Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your Trip Information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
Travel insurance is compulsory. It is required to cover cancellations, personal effects, personal accidents, medical and emergency travel expenses.
Our bookings are generally private groups. You can book a guide for an exclusive trip.
What to Take
Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in day bag), day bag, swimming costume, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, rainproof, fleece, compass, torch and a first-aid kit.
Insurance
We recommend that you arrange appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of you having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.


