//STELLENBOSCH, SUSTAINABLY

AS SOUTH AFRICA’S SECOND-OLDEST CITY, STELLENBOSCH IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN THE COUNTRY. WITH ITS RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE, INVITING WINE FARMS AND DRAMATIC NATURAL SCENERY, STELLENBOSCH WELCOMES THRONGS OF VISITORS OF ALL AGES AND INTERESTS. WHETHER YOU’RE LIKELY TO BE FOUND ABSORBED IN HISTORY AT THE VILLAGE MUSEUM OR GETTING YOUR ADRENALINE FIX ON THE MOUNTAIN, THERE ARE A FEW WAYS TO MAKE YOUR TRIP TO SOUTH AFRICA’S PREMIER WINE REGION MORE SUSTAINABLE.

Here are eight tips for planning a socially and environmentally responsible trip to Stellenbosch.

1. GET ACTIVE

By getting active and engaging with local culture and biodiversity, tourists nurture a deeper appreciation and respect for the things that truly define a destination. Active tourism tends to be lowimpact, environmentally and socially responsible, and high quality – it’s ecotourism with an adventurous and inquisitive side.

Check out one of the region’s many hiking or mountainbiking trails, do a walking tour of Stellenbosch old town, or meander through the vineyards at any one of the many well-cultivated wineries.

Sustainable Travel Pick: The Banhoek Conservancy (banhoekconservancy.business.site) offers more than 70 km of trails for mountain biking, trail running, hiking and walking. Also popular for bird watching, the conservancy was established by a group of farmers and aims to both conserve nature and uplift the local community.

2. TREAD LIGHTLY

If you are getting out in nature and tearing up the trails around Stellenbosch, just be sure to “tread lightly”. This isn’t to say that you can’t chase thrills thrashing down the craggy landscape on your mountain bike, but rather, tread lightly by being mindful of any trace you may leave behind in the environment.

Go ahead and leave footprints, bike treads, perhaps some hard-earned sweat, but nothing that is lasting or harmful. Stay on designated paths, ensuring that you do not disturb natural

If you want to satisfy both your taste buds and the desire to act more sustainably, look for a place that serves local, seasonal food.

vegetation, respect wildlife and follow the rules of the nature area or trail.

Sustainable Travel Pick: Go one step further and follow the advice, “Leave it better than you found it.” If you see any litter along your way, take the time to pick it up and dispose of it properly. Your stewardship is a small act that can make a difference in the immediate environment and inspire others to do the same.

3. SIP AND SWIRL SUSTAINABLY

Stay informed by following the initiatives set forth by Stellenbosch Wine Route and its 150 members as they act to uphold the Porto Protocol. A global sustainability initiative, the Porto Protocol and its signatories have pledged to play their part in employing and sharing sustainable environmental practices to combat climate change.

Visit one of the many wineries that have already established reputations for implementing innovative and sustainable measures that help to protect the environment. These leading players include Villiera Wines, Waterford Estate, Spier Wine Farm, Delheim Wines, and Longridge, among others.

Sustainable Travel Pick: A winner for families, Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate’s duck parade is a ritual that is as adorable as it is sustainable.The farm’s flock of 1,200 Indian Runner ducks waddle their way out to the fields each day to help control the snail and pest population, reducing the need for harmful synthetic pesticides. Visit vergenoegd.co.za for more information.

4. STAY AT ECO-FRIENDLY LODGING

Consider staying at an eco-friendly accommodation in Stellenbosch. Whether you prefer sumptuous or rustic, the region has a number of properties that are making efforts to minimise their environmental footprints.

These effor ts may include small changes such as using biodegradable products and energy-efficient light bulbs, reducing water waste, and optimising solar heating. Some hotels and lodges are also taking a more active role in environmental protection by investing in and supporting conservation and community projects.

Sustainable Travel Pick: Tick the boxes of comfort and carbon-neutrality with a stay at Spier Wine Farm (www.spier.co.za). Spier’s commitment to sustainability is evident throughout the property, from hiring local staff and adhering to fair trade standards to preparing seasonal, organic food, and composting food waste.

5. EAT LOCAL, SEASONAL FOOD

Surrounded by fields of fresh local produce and drawing inspiration from cultures near and far, Stellenbosch’s dining scene is a foodie’s feast. But if you want to satisfy both your taste buds and the desire to act more sustainably, look for a place that serves local, seasonal food.

Sustainable Travel Pick: With an innovative spin on global cuisine and fine dining, Overture Restaurant features a seasonally evolving menu full of uncomplicated soul food. Emphasising its relationships with local suppliers ensures that everything is sourced locally and ethically and is bursting with local flavour.

6. SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

As a consumer and visitor to Stellenbosch, you hold a lot of power in how and where you spend your Rand. We all know that local is lekker, now it’s time to live the ethos. By supporting local entrepreneurs and businesses, you may be contributing to the economic advancement of not just that vendor or producer, but to other individuals and businesses along the full supply chain.

Small local businesses create job oppor tunities for communities in need and can inspire confidence in young entrepreneurs and enterprising South Africans.

Sustainable Travel Pick: Head to one of the area’s buzzing markets packed with local food, wine, beer, arts and crafts. Two popular picks are Root44 Market and Stellenbosch Slow Market, which both showcase talented traders and their proudly Stellenbosch-made goods.

7. DO A “SWEET HOME” TOWNSHIP TOUR

Consider visiting Kayamandi Township outside of Stellenbosch for an authentic cultural experience. Responsibly and respectfully run tours also ensure that the local community benefits.

While winding through the bustling streets and engaging with residents, you’ll learn about the history of Kayamandi, which means “sweet home” in Xhosa, see local craftspeople at work, or perhaps visit a school.

Sustainable Travel Pick: Experience the vibrancy and hospitality of Kayamandi through a Bites & Sites (www.bitesandsites.co.za) cultural food tour or StellenboschTownship andVillage communityoperated walking tour. Great for families, this well-rounded activity will have you rolling up your sleeves to help prepare a hearty Xhosa meal for you and your hosts.

8. SLOW DOWN

If you’re prone to cramming everything into a precision itinerary, you may only be experiencing a destination at surface-level. By slowing down, and planning your travels to Stellenbosch with intention, you’re likely to have a much more meaningful experience.

Immerse yourself in the local culture and forge real connections by going off the beaten path, supporting the local economy and being open to new experiences. In doing so, you may just reconnect to the reasons why you travel in the first place.

Sustainable Travel Pick: It doesn’t really matter whether you’re strolling down oak-lined Dorp Street (the historic main road), strawberry picking with the kids, or picnicking at a wellmanicured wine estate – just be sure to take the time to reflect and appreciate the sights, flavours, and people that make up the fabric of Stellenbosch.