Plan your trip
GETTING THERE
From Cape Town, take the N2 then Exit 33 to Stellenbosch. Turn right onto Polkadraai Road to continue on the R310. After 13 kilometres you will arrive in Pniel. Don’t blink!
GOOD TO KNOW
Carry cash as most places don’t accept cards.
STAY HERE
Lumley’s Place has four ensuite rooms with individual names and themes. The B&B has beautiful mountain views, a lawn area and Wi-Fi. R500 pp B&B. lumleysplace.co.za
Hillcrest Berry Orchards has two neat, spacious cottages tucked away at the bottom of the garden, sharing a pool. They sleep up to five, are equipped for self-catering and linen is provided. From R480 pp sharing (minimum two-night stay). hillcrestberries.co.za
DO THIS
Taste the Mint Cabernet Sauvignon at Thelema Mountain Vineyards. Take the scenic Helshoogte Pass (R310 from Stellenbosch). Other wine farms close by include Tokara, Zorgvliet and Bartinney. Tastings at Thelema are weekdays 9am – 5pm and Saturday 10am – 3pm. R50 pp for six wines. 021-885-1924 Visit Pniel Congregational Church. There is only one church building in Pniel (built in 1843) shared by different denominations. Helshoogte Road. 021-885-2645 Learn about the town’s history at the Pniel Museum. It’s housed in the original Huguenot farmhouse from the 1700s, and filled with ordinary household items that show how the locals used to live. Entrance is free. Helshoogte Road. 021-885-2645 Take a stroll or bike ride through the village. It’s quaint and an easy walk or cycle. Bicycles can be hired for R200 pp from Faith4U Tours. 44 Rooi Street. 078-708-9427 Hike up to the Silvermine cave on the Simonsberg Mountain, where farm labourers went in search of riches, with Brandon Robyn as your guide. The hike is free but a tip is welcome. If you’re brave enough, you can go into the cave. 079-561-0370 Buy proteas from Joe Japhta, the vendor on the Helshoogte Pass. From R60 for a bunch of gorgeous king proteas. Shop at Imbali Crafters (based at the high school) in Kylemore, six kilometres from Pniel. The non-profit organisation supports job creation in the community by teaching skills such as sewing, beadwork and quilt making. 021-885-1887 Play pétanque (also known as boules) with the famous Pniel pétanque team champions at the 2016 Franschhoek Bastille Festival champions. From R50 pp. Call David Williams to arrange a game. 078-708-9427
EAT HERE
Beker en Bord Tee Tuin Enjoy wholesome and authentic South African food cooked by Aunty Siena. A three-course meals costs R120 pp. 39 School Street. 078-912-9604
Hillcrest Berry Orchards is a good spot for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea. Scones and muffins are freshly baked and there’s a choice of jams – including blackcurrant, raspberry, Cape fig and walnut and four red berries (buy some to take home). Tea and scones from R45. Four kilometres from Pniel on the R310. 021-885-1629
The Werf Restaurant at Boschendal serves ethical, sustainably grown farm-totable dishes. Starters from R80, mains from R180. It’s about three minutes’ drive from Pniel. Booking essential. Helshoogte Pass. 021-870-4272