Affectionately known as Eikestad, Town of Oaks, Stellenbosch is among South Africa’s oldest towns, some even claim that it is ‘the’ oldest town. It was founded in 1679 by Simon van der Stel, second governor of the Cape Colony. To this day, Stellenbosch is a place with dignified historic buildings and tree-lined avenues. Despite its historic roots, it is also a modern town, a bustling center for commerce, agriculture and education of which Stellenbosch University campus is an integral part. Due to its location in the beautiful Jonkershoek Valley, Stellenbosch is protected from the elements and has a mild Mediterranean climate that is frequently bathed in South Africa’s sunshine and only occasionally interrupted by winds sweeping through the area. Although Stellenbosch is a small town, it also offers a wide range of activities for students and visitors. The town itself is easily walkable and when the university is in session there is a vibrant night life with trendy clubs and bars. Stellenbosch also provides a haven for those with time to walk around and savor the atmosphere with oak-lined streets, open-air restaurants and cozy coffee shops that line the shady streets and secluded lanes.

Nature lovers can enjoy the hiking trails in the surrounding mountain ranges or wander through the nature reserve in town. There are a wide variety of cultural activities many of which are led by the University’s departments of Music, Drama and Fine Arts. Furthermore, the Stellenbosch wine region is one of the oldest in the southern hemisphere and is very highly regarded. And then there are the many sports events, in particular rugby tournaments, that cannot be missed as they are quintessential parts of South African life.

Stellenbosch is also located within easy reach of beautiful beaches and one of South Africa’s capital cities - Cape Town. If Stellenbosch should ever get too small, Cape Town with an energy that rivals that of many larger European and US metropolises, will provide an easy diversion. Experience the magnificent views from atop majestic Table Mountain, explore South Africa’s history by visiting Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was interned for many years, shop your heart out at the V&A Waterfront Mall or some of Cape Town’s exciting outdoor markets and at the end of the day, return to the more leisurely pace of life in Stellenbosch.