Why Stellenbosch

Africa in the World

Nurturing hearts and minds in beautiful Stellenbosch

Africa is many things. It is not one place. It is not one colour. It is not one culture. Lagos is one face of Africa, and Stellenbosch is another. It is an African town.

Dele Olojede

Why Stellenbosch?

Given its historical context, the Western Cape Winelands town of Stellenbosch may seem an unlikely venue for an African gathering. However, as Africa in the World founder, Dele Olojede points out, “Africa is many things. It is not one place. It is not one colour. It is not one culture. For instance, the African diaspora is also Africa. Africa is everywhere that there are people of African origin. We believe that this generous definition of Africa, is also accurate. Lagos is one face of Africa, and Stellenbosch is another. It is an African town.”

vineyard, winegrowing, stellenbosch

Mountains and vineyards, creative arts and intellectualism

As a university town, Stellenbosch provides the Africa in the World festival with a certain intellectual foundation for constructing ideas upon. Nestled at the foot of soaring Jonkershoek and Simonsberg mountain ranges, academics and students, musicians and farmers, travellers and visitors from all over the world bring a vibrant energy to Stellenbosch’s gracious oak-lined avenues. The town is a special hub of art galleries, sculpture gardens and art studios, as well as taverns, coffee shops and boutiques. The surrounding area offers world-class wine and culinary experiences. There is also plenty of opportunity to restore yourself in nature including prime hiking, running and mountain-biking on wine farms and nature reserves.

A gateway to South Africa’s top travel destinations

Located just 25 minutes from Cape Town International Airport and 45 minutes from the centre of the ‘Mother City’, a stay in Stellenbosch makes it easy for our guests who want to further explore the beauty and diversity of South Africa. Stellenbosch offers easy access to Cape Town’s many attractions, the evocative West Coast and South Africa’s exhilarating safari adventures.

aerial view of green mountains and body of water during daytime