South Africa

The mediterranean climate in the south-western part of South Africa is ideal for growing grapes, so there is a large wine industry in the Cape. The main town in the winelands is Stellenbosch, named after Governer Simon de Stel.

Stellenbosch is pretty and clean, and features many fine buildings in the Cape Dutch style as well as Georgian and Victorian houses. The centre is popular with tourists so there are plenty of attractive (though relatively expensive) shops. There is also a large university.

We spent only a short time in Stellenbosch, but it was enough to discover the beautiiful Dutch Reformed Church. It was very peaceful inside, though we were told it was absolutely packed each Sunday. The stained modern glass windows were wonderfully bright.

More about the Cape area of South Africa