Things to do and sights to visit in the Western Cape

We recognize that the participation in ECAT 2026 might be a first visit to South Africa for many Symposium delegates. We welcome you to Stellenbosch, South Africa, and encourage you to take this opportunity to explore the area at your own leisure either before the commencement of the Symposium or after its conclusion. 

Stellenbosch is a beautiful, historic town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, located about 50 kilometres (30 miles) east of Cape Town, along the banks of the Eerste River at the foot of the Stellenbosch Mountain and Simonsberg Mountain. Although the area is internationally renowned for its wines, it has much more to offer. For instance, delegates can go on a tour of Cape Town including the Victoria and Albert Waterfront, the West Coast including the Cape of Good Hope, the Winelands, or Table Mountain, or even a helicopter tour or a whale watching boat tour.  Another option is a safari that will allow delegates to observe animals in the wild but living in a private reserve where they are protected. Wine tasting is an activity that does not require introduction or promotion, and there are many wineries to visit.

 
Drakenstein Lion Park is a unique facility that provides rescued big cats with sanctuary and a safe haven. 
 
Giraffe House aims to provide a place for people to enjoy the outdoors, whilst experiencing and learning about animals and why they are special. 
 
Several companies offer day and half-day tours.  Should delegates decide to extend their stay in Stellenbosch or the Cape Town area, we strongly recommend using well-established tour companies (operators) that cater to visitors and offer excellent services. Centurion Tours is a renowned company that offers airport transfers, point-to-point transfers, and tours. It has offices in several South African cities (Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban) and a fleet of vehicles of various sizes. Reservations can be made on-line using their website. Silvertree Tours is a Stellenbosch-based company offering similar services. Their websites are listed below. 

• Centurion Tours
• Silvertree Tours

We wish to emphasize that we have no competing business or other interest in suggesting these companies – they are recommended based on the experience of some delegates who have been to South Africa before. 

We recommend using licenced tour companies or airport transfer companies. Stellenbosch is a very safe town where one can stroll around, gift shop or sit at a café or a restaurant and enjoy coffee and dessert or a good meal. However, usual vigilance is recommended like in any touristic place. 

Other useful websites:

• Visit South Africa
• Visit Western Cape:
  • Western Cape
  • Weskus Tourism
  • West Coast Way
• Visit Cape Town (and surroundings):
  • Cape Town Travel
  • Hop-on-hop-off Tickets
  • Wine, product and night life tours
• Stellenbosch Tourism
• Visit Hermanus (whale-watching)
• Visit the southern-most point of Africa

Other information and accommodation options

• Visit Stellenbosch: The official tourism portal for Stellenbosch, showcasing wine routes, experiences, and accommodation.

• Visit-Stellenbosch.com: A practical site with listings of attractions, wineries, and activities to help you plan your visit.

Other local attractions

• Cape Town Travel: The official guide to Cape Town, offering inspiration on top attractions, activities, events, and travel tips.

• Cape Tourism: A comprehensive visitor resource featuring things to do, places to stay, and local travel advice for Cape Town and surrounds.

Delegates are encouraged to explore these websites to discover local attractions, cultural sites, dining options, and activities in both Cape Town and Stellenbosch. These platforms provide helpful information to make the most of your stay during the conference.