Wellington

The historic town of Wellington is situated in the heart of the Boland region of the Western Cape, an area that has been settled for thousands of years by the indigenous peoples of Southern Africa . Wine and winemaking made its first appearance in the valley when French Huguenot settlers arrived towards the end of the 17th century.

The town was officially established in 1840, and its name was changed to Wellington in honour of the Duke of Wellington, who had conquered Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. The town centre was proclaimed a conservation area in 1985, ensuring its charming, historic character remains for future generations.

The undiscovered jewel of the Western Cape, Wellington's legacy of historical buildings continues to be a popular tourist attraction, matched only by its famous wine route and popular berry farm. Visitors to Wellington can also enjoy hiking and picnicking on the nearby mountain, with fine cuisine and welcoming accommodation to look forward to at the end of the day.

Please click here to vist the Wellington website for more information.

Paarl  

Cradled between the 50 million year-old granite boulders of Paarl Mountain and the magnificent Du Toitskloof Mountain range, the picturesque town of Paarl is a gem for tourists and locals alike. Named in 1657 by Abraham Gabbema for the resemblance of the mountain's granite boulders to shining pearls, Paarl is a town of historical charm, architectural heritage, and rich culture.

Visitors to this breathtaking spot have a wealth of activities and attractions to choose from, including cycling and hiking trails, picnics and mountain biking in the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, and excursions to the Paarl Arboretum with its 4 500 trees or the Paarl Bird Sanctuary visited by 140 species of birds throughout the year.

A popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts, Paarl is home to the famed Boschenmeer Golf Estate, and provides opportunities for both fishing and horseback riding. And no trip to this historic town would be complete without a visit to its world-renowned vineyards for a taste of truly superb wine.

Featuring some of the oldest and best schools in South Africa, and only 20 minutes away from the University of Stellenbosch, Paarl is an ideal family location, with banks, taxis clinics, hospitals, postal services, a local newspaper and many other service centres readily available.

Please click here to vist the Paarl website for more information.