Stoep Talk
Autumn has arrived, health and Stanford is at its most beautiful. The leaves have changed from green to a dramatic display of yellow, mind orange and reds, and the wine farmers have harvested their grapes that will surely end up as delicious and award-winning wines. Now it’s time to take a little breather before the next phase of nature’s cycle starts.
The best part about this time of year is that the weather starts to cool off and that means that it’s the perfect season to enjoy the many outdoor activities in the village. If you are visiting Stanford over the next month or so, this time of year is the perfect time to explore our village and its surrounds. With the Easter break coming up, there are lots of activities to take part in, restaurant specials to savour, hiking and sightseeing to enjoy. We still have a few accommodation options left for this break, so please call us to book.
There is so much to do in Stanford, where to start? Why not saddle up and adventure out into the Fynbos – you can book an outride for a couple of hours or a couple of days with African Horse Company and explore our beautiful Cape floral kingdom on horseback. Another truly amazing way to see to see Stanford, is from the clouds! If you’re looking for a different perspective, book a flight with African Wings and explore the mountains and ocean by air.
Or if you like to be up-close and in contact with the earth, there are plenty of walking or hiking options. There are beautiful short walks in the area that meander through ancient Milkwood forests, a breathtaking waterfall or vineyards. Or why not go on the stunning three-day hike on the Fynbos Trail. On this trail you are guided by fynbos experts who show you all the wonder and beatuy of this very special, diverse biosphere. Prefer mountain biking? Then take the three day ride to southern tip of Africa with Cycle Down South.
Don’t forget our beautiful river! From canoeing, kayaking and paddling, our river is one of the best places to explore, or drift along like Huckleberry Finn. Take a leisurely cruise down the river with one of our three boat operators: African Queen, Platanna or River Rat. In the village itself, you can take a stroll along the Wandelpad and follow the river towards the Vlei, or take a self-guided walk through historical Stanford historical area and see Victorian and Edwardian architecture.
After all that exertion, we have some great events lined up for you this month. On 27 March it is the Stanford Sunset Market with fun for the whole family: chill out, sample fine wines and artisan foods as the sun sets over the village green. Sit back and enjoy the Jazzfordians, treating you with Silverscreen Songs in cabaret at Raka Wines on 8, 10 and 11 April. Book tickets at Stanford Tourism.
Lastly, some of the most exciting news to arrive on our Stoep is just in: Panthera Africa Stanford’s very own big cat sanctuary, is opening on 3 April. Our newest Stanfordians are, as of this week, lions, leopards, and a tiger! The heroic team at Panthera Africa have been working incredibly hard for almost a year to make this happen. They have sourced, plotted, designed and built what is going to be a fantastic addition to our village’s list of attractions, and their enthusiasim and passion has been infectious. We wish them the best of luck, and we’ll see them on the opening day! Click here for more information on the different tours that will be available and for information on how to book email info@pantheraafrica.com or call +27 76 974 3088 / +27 84 866 2665.
That’s all for now, folks. And remember, if anyone asks where you got your news… tell them you heard it through the Grapevine!
Chantel