The Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy (BHRC), nestled in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom World Heritage Site, will be showcasing its natural beauty during Garden Town Stellenbosch 2024.
The Cape Floral Kingdom, known for being the smallest and most diverse botanical kingdom globally, features over 8 600 plant species, of which 5 800 are found nowhere else.
Curated by Visit Stellenbosch, in collaboration with key stakeholders including the Stellenbosch Municipality, Stellenbosch Wine Routes and Stellenbosch Publicity & Marketing, Garden Town aims to boost tourism and support the experiential economy for the holistic benefit of local communities.
Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers will be treated to an array of nature-based experiences in the BHRC, which was founded in 1992 and spans 1 500 hectares of critically endangered renosterveld. The conservancy features a 130-kilometre mountain bike trail network, hiking trails and wine adventures across 55 member farms.
Garden Town Stellenbosch runs from 25 October to 3 November, offering visitors a chance to explore horticultural wonders, embark on culinary adventures and engage with gardening experts.
Below are some of the exciting activities lined up for Garden Town 2024:
DeMorgenzon Open Garden (25 October – 3 November)
Take in the beauty of DeMorgenzon’s Garden Vineyards, where wildflowers bloom in spring, reflecting its commitment to ecological sensitivity and biodiversity.
Koopmanskloof Guided Hike and Wine Tasting
Date: Saturday, 26 October
Explore the Koopmanskloof private nature reserve and hike to the highest point in the Bottelary Hills. After the hike, enjoy an exclusive tank tasting hosted by winemaker Stephan Smit.
Tickets: R230 | Limited to 20 guests
Vineyard Walk in Devon Valley
Date: Sunday, 27 October
Take a leisurely walk through the Devon Valley, exploring its scenic vineyards, historic charm and natural beauty. The walk begins at 08h00 and ends with snacks and tastings along the way.
Tickets: R250 | Limited to 100 guests
Discover Renosterveld Walk and Talk
Date: Tuesday, 29 October
Join Lynda Muller, founder of Discover Renosterveld, for an informative walk and discussion on the importance of conserving renosterveld, one of the world’s most endangered ecosystems.
Hazendal Garden Tour
Date: Wednesday, 30 October
Enjoy a guided walk through Hazendal Wine Estate and experience its pristine gardens, historic buildings and Marvol Gallery, followed by a wine tasting and cheese platter.
Tickets: R200 | Limited to 30 guests
Mooiplaas Guided Hike
Date: Saturday, 2 November
Hike through the Mooiplaas Private Nature Reserve, led by Tielman Roos, with breathtaking views and a wine tasting session at the end of the trail.
Tickets: R230 | Limited to 40 guests
Garden Town Wrap-Up MTB Ride at Jordan Wine Estate
Date: Sunday, 3 November
Wrap up Garden Town with a thrilling mountain biking event at Jordan Wine Estate. Choose between a 34km or 22km route, both offering challenging terrain and spectacular views. A portion of the proceeds will go to the BHRC.
Tickets: R350 | Limited to 150 riders
View the full Garden Town 2024 programme here.