Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Stellenbosch, South Africa: A leading holiday destination during the 2010 World Cup

Stellenbosch, South Africa: A leading holiday destination during the 2010 World Cup

Set amongst the scenic mountains of the Boland area, Stellenbosch is a town with much to offer its visitors. The town is located on the edge of the Cape Metropole, in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The area is steeped in tradition and culture, and this is a major attraction for tourists visiting the region.

In 2010, a major influx of visitors is expected to Stellenbosch, as the town joins in the festivities in World Cup soccer tournament hosted by South Africa. Large-scale projects are underway to promote Stellenbosch as a location for World Cup tourists and international soccer teams alike.

Stellenbosch is often considered a university town: The University of Stellenbosch is located here, and is recognised as a world-class academic institution. The town, surrounded by mountains and sprawling vineyards, offers an eclectic mix of culture and local tradition. There are many famous wine farms based in the area, and quirky boutiques peppering its tree-lined avenues. Nearby towns of Pniel and Franschhoek are well known for their dramatic scenery, outstanding wine and cuisine, and old-town charm.

Find out more about leisure activities in Stellenbosch during the World Cup 2010, or read on to discover more about the attractions in Stellenbosch.

Attractions in Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is most famous for its university and wine farms, and is known as the “wine capital” of South Africa. The Stellenbosch Wine Route is a major attraction in the Winelands area, offering over 600 cellars, some of which are over 300 years old. Many tourists spend a few days visiting the wine farms of the area, sampling the famous and award-winning wines on offer.

Cuisine is a major part of life in Stellenbosch. The town has many celebrated restaurants that offer a range of gourmet cuisine, including French, South African and Indian dishes. There are over 100 eateries in the greater Stellenbosch area, ranging in style from side-walk cafés to family restaurants and fine dining establishments.

Museums and art galleries are an important aspect of the culture of the town. Similarly, township tours are offered to visitors for a true taste of the local culture of Stellenbosch. Theatre is also an important part of life in Stellenbosch and the Oude Libertas and Spier amphitheatres present productions from December to March.

For the outdoor enthusiast, mountain biking, hiking, paintball and game trails are top attractions. The closest nature reserve is the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, situated a mere two kilometres from the town centre. This reserve offers hiking trails with scenic views. Game viewing is possible at the Wiesenhof Game Reserve, which is just eight kilometres from Stellenbosch. The reserve boasts eland, zebra, wildebeest, springbok, bontebok and many other types of African game. The nearby town of Gordon’s Bay offers pristine beaches lining the warm sea of False Bay.

Golf enthusiasts can enjoy playing rounds on the six first-rate golf courses in Stellenbosch, including the well known Erinvale, De Zalze and Devonvale golf courses.

Activities in Franschhoek
Franschhoek is situated near Paarl in the Helderberg region of the Boland. The town has been dubbed the culinary capital of South Africa, and for good reason. Here, visitors will find an abundance of fine cuisine prepared by some of the country’s top cookery experts. Many fine wineries are also located here. The gourmet styles of the area range from traditional South African fare to Oriental fusion cuisine, fine French dining and family fare. The area is world renowned for its top-class restaurants, many of which are situated on the wine farms of the area.

Activities in Pniel
Pniel is a small town found on the Helshoogte Pass between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, alongside the Dwars River. The historic town offers wine tasting and shopping at specialty boutiques, as well as a number of charming guest houses.

2010 Sporting Activities and Accommodation in Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch offers visitors and teams a wonderful setting from which to enjoy the tournament. Located a mere 40-minute drive from Cape Town and 30-minute drive from Cape Town International Airport, the town has accommodation available for over 6,000 people. Options include guest houses, bed and breakfasts, rooms at university residences and home-stays, where comfortable rooms are available in the houses of locals, for a true South African experience!

Stellenbosch offers visiting teams a range of top sporting facilities, often used by international teams during sporting competitions. These include sports fields and stadiums, gymnasiums, a sports-medical facility and the Stellenbosch University Sports Performance Institute (SUSPI). The facilities are equipped to accommodate top athletes from local and international destinations.

Experience wine, scenery and soccer in Stellenbosch 2010
Stellenbosch is a perfect location for tourists and visiting teams during the 2010 World Cup. With the many activities in Stellenbosch, Pniel and Franschhoek, the excellent sporting facilities, and the short distance to Cape Town, the greater Stellenbosch area is an ideal place to accommodate excited soccer fans during the tournament.

Book early for your 2010 World Cup accommodation in Stellenbosch, and experience the sporting festivities in one of the Cape’s most historic regions.

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