Have you ever wanted to visit the astounding country of South Africa? With natural wonders and awe-inspiring attractions abound, a trip to South Africa is likely on any nature or travel lover’s bucket list. If you’re in your 20s or in college, we highly recommend starting off your South African journey with a visit to Stellenbosch. Stellenbosch University’s large international student population makes it easy to fit right in as a study abroad student, and the town itself has an unparalleled level of character, charm, and beauty.
These are 6 things college students will love when they visit Stellenbosch, South Africa.
1. Stellenbosch University and Botanical Garden
With a history dating back to the 17th century, Stellenbosch University is one of South Africa’s leading institutions. As a multilingual, melting-pot of cultures, the university is one of the best and most intriguing schools for college students to study abroad at. Aside from the academics, history, and culture, Stellenbosch University is also home to one of the town’s leading attractions: a beautiful botanical garden. The themed garden hosts indigenous plants, a tropical glasshouse, a café, and beautiful paths for a walk (making breaks between classes more enjoyable than ever!).
2. Array of Art Galleries and Museums
The Botanical Garden at Stellenbosch University, the Stellenbosch Village Museum, and the Rupert Museum are just a few of the many wonderful art galleries and museums you can visit in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Whatever type of art inspires you, there’s plenty to explore in this artistic, culturally rich South African town.
3. Charming Town Center
Stroll down Stellenbosch’s oak-tree-lined streets and you’ll see exactly why this town is so special. In the shadows of the oaks stands an array of historic, Cape Dutch styled buildings that are just as beautiful as they are intriguing. Aside from the scenic views and picturesque storefronts, the town center is home to a variety of delightful shops to browse and cafés to unwind or study in.
4. Close to Cape Town and National Parks
Stellenbosch is in a prime spot for exploring other gems of South Africa, like Cape Town. Only an hour’s drive from Stellenbosch, Cape Town is an absolutely stunning city with a mixture of natural wonders on display. Its most impressive wonder is arguably Table Mountain National Park, one of South Africa’s most iconic landmarks. Stellenbosch’s close proximity to destinations such as these makes it an awesome home-base destination in South Africa.
5. Beautiful Landscapes and Expansive Vineyards
Surrounded by magnificent vineyards and mountainous nature reserves, Stellenbosch’s surrounding landscapes are incredible. Although the town center is beautiful and charming on its own, the surrounding area gives the city an added level of incomparable beauty.
6. Delicious Culinary Culture
Foodies: rejoice! When you visit Stellenbosch, you’ll find traditional South African restaurants, local bakeries, and a variety of international dishes to please any palate. As Stellenbosch is famed for its wine estates, many restaurants are attached to the city’s surrounding wineries. Aside from that there’s a large array of other restaurants, cafés, markets, bakeries…the list goes on… in town to sample and enjoy.
