Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden

Stellenbosch remains one of the most beautiful historical towns in South Africa. Ok, I may be a little biased as it’s my hometown, but still - I think it’s not a difficult decision to make. Excellent restaurants, amazing wine, beautiful history and architecture… The list goes on. It is also a university town, and the Botanical Garden is part of the Stellenbosch University - the oldest university garden in the country.

Tucked away off Van Riebeeck street it is right in the heart of Stellenbosch, but somehow easy to walk past if you aren’t paying attention. Open to the public, it is a modest R15 to get in and it is well worth it. Once inside you can explore at your leisure. Somehow each visit feels different. I most recently visited with Nita, and we did a good job of exploring the gardens as well as the market. You can visit one of the greenhouses and be transported somewhere tropical, or walk through winding, narrow paths among the trees.

Sit on a picnic blanket to read, meet up with friends - or shop for your own plants to take home (many temptations there!). There is a beautiful gift shop to explore too.

Tip: If you need another reason to visit, the sister market to the sadly closed Dorp Street Market, the Stellenbosch Market in the Garden, is on every Saturday. It is well worth a wander around, open 09:00-15:00 (weather permitting).