Within driving distance from the busy city of Cape Town, Stanford is a town filled with contrast and wonder. It lies within the Overberg region of the Western Cape and boasts rugged mountain ranges, fynbos-rich landscapes, a rich agricultural heritage and unrivalled coastal vistas. While the early settlers would have struggled over the mountains with ox and wagon, today tourists can easily reach this paradise via the luxury of a well-built highway.
On arrival, guests are welcomed into this sweet little village and most are easily charmed by its sincere farming community. While many of the roads are still gravel and dirt, the homes around Stanford are full of character and history. The best time of year for Stanford tourism is during the months of September through to December. In October, there is also an annual Bird Fair which is a must-see for nature lovers.
The Klein River passes right through this village and brings with it an abundance of birds and wildlife. This makes it the ideal area for bird watchers and fishing enthusiasts alike. And if you really want to view Stanford in its best light possible, take a sunset cruise along this river. Not only is this time of day a kaleidoscope of colour as the sun sets, it’s also the ideal time to sit back and sip on wine or craft beer while enjoying the landscapes.
One of the must-sees if you find yourself in Stanford is the village’s very own micro-brewery where there is a unique blend of beers on tap. If your tastes are more in the wine region, there are a number of renowned estates in and around Stanford for you to explore too. And of course, as with any true connoisseur’s paradise, Stanford even boasts the Klein River Dairy’s cheese shop which sells delectable Leiden and Gruyere cheeses. This countryside town also provides visitors with interesting little shops, art galleries, cafes, restaurants and even pottery studios for art lovers.
For those seeking some adrenaline and outdoor adventuring, Stanford provides tourists with 4x4 trails, quad-biking, hiking and mountain biking, even water sports on the river and lagoon. Anyone looking to really explore the history of Stanford can also embark on a self-guided stroll through the streets. Just ask at the Stanford Tourism office in Queen Victoria Street for the booklet “Historical Stanford on Foot” and then explore the village to discover some of the old buildings and their original purpose.
