Exciting events for nature lovers in conservancy
Nature lovers have the opportunity to experience the best of the Stellenbosch natural environment first hand during a series of outdoor events in the Bottelary Conservancy over the next few weeks.
Here is what you can plan for:
Bottelary Hills 4×4 Wine Adventure – Sat, 1 & 8 November
Climb aboard a vintage military truck and enjoy exclusive wine tastings at family-owned farms Zevenwacht, Kaapzicht, and Mooiplaas. This guided off-road adventure is a new offering on the menu and the ideal way to explore – sit back, relax, and soak in nature. This unique experience will take you on a wine journey across three family-owned wine farms steeped in history in the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy. The off-road trail will take you through critically endangered Renosterveld fynbos and vineyards. Sit back and enjoy the unparalleled views, surrounded by fresh air and nature. You will be treated to specially crafted wine tastings and pairings at each stop, including a charcuterie platter and a chocolate or biltong pairing. Only 12 spots per vehicle, with a minimum of six guests per vehicle and a maximum of 24 across the two trucks.
R1295 per person | 10h00–15h00 | Limited spots
https://plankton.mobi/Events/EventBooking/44309539-5c8d-4ddd-8f7c-6c3edb04ddf7
Koopmanskloof Guided Hike – Saturday, 1 November
Hike through a 98-hectare private nature reserve to the highest point of the Bottelary Hills (476m) with panoramic views of Table Mountain, False Bay, and Stellenbosch’s mountains. Includes a wine tasting in the historic Koopmanskloof cellar and a bottle of wine. R250 per person – limited to 30 guests.
https://plankton.mobi/Events/EventBooking/079ade6d-9641-4466-a02b-1011836e899d
Devon Valley Vineyard Walk – Sunday, 2 November
Explore the charming Devon Valley with its vineyards, orchards, and olive groves. Enjoy tastings and treats along the way. Tickets (R250) include snacks, bubbly, and wine. Proceeds support Froggies Aftercare NPO.
Start: 08:00 | Finish: 11:00 | Limited to 100 walkers
https://plankton.mobi/Events/EventBooking/dbb1070d-b303-4e26-935f-6d6154598e83
Zevenwacht 4×4 Wine Adventure – 2–9 November
Enjoy a scenic 1-hour 4×4 adventure across Zevenwacht’s vineyards and Renosterveld, followed by a wine tasting and charcuterie platter. This family-run farm produces top-quality wines in an environmentally friendly manner. More than 80 hectares of the farm comprises natural veld that mostly consists of critically endangered Swartland Granite Renosterveld. Sit down for a wine tasting and charcuterie platter after your adrenaline-rich adventure with stunning views.
Slots at 09h00, 11h00, 13h00 & 15h00. Cost R515 per person.
https://plankton.mobi/Events/EventBooking/dc86dcb4-bd32-470b-91fa-fb21fba9a2df
Discover Renosterveld Walk & Talk – Wednesday, 5 November
Join Lynda Muller, founder of Discover Renosterveld, for an insightful discussion on Renosterveld conservation, followed by a guided walk and high tea at the Devon Valley Hotel. Learn more about why conserving this critically endangered vegetation type found nowhere else on earth is important and how you can make a difference. Tickets are R250 per person and include a shopping bag. Time: 14h30–17h00.
https://plankton.mobi/Events/EventBooking/6347ee0d-6338-466c-bc82-f4e50891d9fd
Mooiplaas Renosterveld Hike – Saturday, 8 November
Walk the 5.6 km circular trail through Mooiplaas’s private nature reserve with owner and WWF Conservation Champion Tielman Roos. Mooiplaas Private Nature Reserve was registered in 1995, and in 2020, Mooiplaas became the first WWF Conservation Champion in the Bottelary wine ward. Enjoy a wine and cheese tasting after the guided 3-hour hike with beautiful views. Limited to 40 hikers. Tickets R250 per person.
https://plankton.mobi/Events/EventBooking/62776ab1-f54f-4955-a314-f6df7bef1b6d
TrailFun Launches the Garden Town Vineyard Run – Saturday, 8 November
Experience a first-of-its-kind trail adventure with TrailFun’s Garden Town Vineyard Run, starting and finishing at Neethlingshof Wine Estate. Choose from 7km, 15km, 25km or 35km routes that wind through vineyards, forests, Renosterveld, and working farms. With flexible “Relaxed Run” start times between 07:00 and 09:00, this is more than just a run – it’s a journey through wine country like you’ve never seen it before. Entries from R220 include a special pair of event socks and a wine tasting. Slots limited.
https://gardentown.visitstellenbosch.org/workshops-talks-tours-events/
DID YOU KNOW?
- The BHRC was founded in 1992.
- It protects 1,500 ha of critically endangered Renosterveld.
- It boasts a 130 km mountain bike trail network, scenic hiking routes, and wine adventures across 55 member farms.
- It lies in the heart of the world’s smallest and most diverse floral kingdom, home to 8,600 plant species – many found nowhere else on Earth.
Whether you choose to hike, ride, sip wine, or simply take in the views, the Bottelary Hills offers unforgettable ways to connect with nature during Garden Town Stellenbosch.
