This spring, leave behind the bright city lights and come embrace the wonders of dark, starry nights in the country. Get close to nature and pitch a tent under the naked stars, where you can light a warm fire and marvel at the southern night sky, or book a dinner date and enjoy the slow linger of the sun as we move towards summer.
Spring Camping & Overnights
Let your children bring out their sleeping bags and discover the splendour of the Milky Way at The Last Resort—a rustic campsite on Bluemoon Community Farm that offers a family-friendly paradise.
Hear an ancient forest come alive at night with hooting owls and the deep bark of a bushbuck, when you book a secluded spot at Platbos Forest Camp. This protected haven offers various carefully constructed campsites and cabins to choose from.
An outdoors tub at an overnight hut on theFynbos Trailoffers you the perfect place to enjoy a long undisturbed soak while you gaze at the stars.
If glamping is more your style, book a fully equipped luxury tent at AfriCamp on boutique wine farm Stanford Hills. Arrive and relax in style while you drink in the night-time quiet of this splendid setting at the foot of the Klein River Mountain range.
Image: Africamps at Stanford Hills
Spring Evening Dining
While nothing beats cooking a meal over a fire, those who’d rather be spoilt can choose from various local dining options:
Treat your taste buds to the exciting flavours of a Lamb Rogan Josh or a Butter Chicken at Tikka Palace—a small and authentic Pakistani Indian restaurant.
Forage queen and slow-food farmer, Tabby Robertshaw, will delight your palate with her one of a kind, master dishes served up at Graze. Local favourites include the King Prawns Pasta Negra, Rabbit Risotto, and the oh-so-slowly-roasted Good Luck Pork Belly. Evening dining available on Friday nights.
Elegant and family-friendly BARKE at the Blue Gum Country Estate offers seasonal home-cooked country cuisine with fresh and organic ingredients. Book ahead to enjoy a
perfectly cooked beef fillet with rosemary fries and green peppercorn sauce, or a vegetarian butternut gnocchi, with your glass of wine.
Next door, the fine hosts of The Garden Grill on White Water Farm will keep you at the table with large scrumptious meals to share, prepared straight from their garden. Choose between Lemon and Parsley Crusted Yellowtail or Asian Inspired Lamb Ribs for two, followed by a smooth Crème Brûlée with a twist. Evening dining: Saurday evenings in season.
At upscale Manor House on Stanford Valley farm, you can watch the moon slowly rise over the Akkedisbergpas, while savouring a delectable wild mushroom risotto and finishing the meal with spiced poached pear and gorgonzola custard, served with sesame tuiles and walnut.
If you head out towards the Wortelgat road you’ll find the Springfontein Ulumbaza Wine Bar(n)open daily from 11am-9pm. Keep an eye out for their sumptuous steaks available on some of the evenings. Other menu highlights include delicious tapas like the “Babotie in Stanfordian Blankets” or try out the belly-warming “Potjiekos from a Ridge called Jonathan’s”.
For more lively action, visit the eclectic Jolly Rooster Fynbos Distillery, open Wed-Sat nights, or catch a live music gig at the friendly Harvest Saloon.
The ever-popular Stanford Sunset Marketre-opens on the last Friday of September. Bring your family and friends to gather around the open fires on the village green and feast the night away on local artisan food and drinks.
Image: Panthera Africa's Sunset Visits re-open October
Spring Sunset Experiences
For a truly magnificent experience, book a Sunset Visit at Panthera Africa – reopening October 5th. See the big cats come to life after a long day of rest, and learn more about each species from your passionate host. If you’re lucky enough you might just see and hear a lion roar!
Stanford offers many ways to enjoy the cool, clear nights of spring under the stars. Come and enjoy this magical time in the country and leave with your soul fully restored.
* Menu items are subject to availability and included here to give readers an idea of a venue’s style.
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To discover more about Stanford this spring, pop into the Tourism Office in Queen Victoria Street, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
For weekly updates, make sure you sign up for the free What’s on compiled by Stanford Tourism every Thursday right here. That’s all for now, folks. And remember, if anyone asks where you got your news, tell them you heard it through the Grapevine!
Stanford Tourism and Business
ask@stanfordinfo.co.za
028 341 0340
