18 things to do in Stanford in the Overberg – Roxanne Reid

By Roxanne Reid
One thing you learn very quickly about Stanford in the Overberg is that it’s hard not to fall under the spell of its numerous restaurants and wineries. But wining and dining isn’t the only thing to do in the town, not by far. Here’s my pick of 18 things to do in Stanford. 

​You’ll find Stanford just a two-hour drive from Cape Town in South Africa, an attractive 22km drive south-east of Hermanus on the Cape Whale Coast. It’s the perfect blend of country atmosphere and small-town living, mountains, rivers and lagoons. I love it for its natural surroundings – and yes, also for its wineries and great little restaurants that focus on locally sourced food.

1. Take a walk through historical Stanford 

Ask at the Stanford Tourism office in Queen Victoria Street for a map of the town and the booklet Historical Stanford on Foot, which you can buy for just R10 (in January 2025). Now walk the village to discover some of the old buildings and their original purpose. The gloomy shop that used to be full of snakeskins and stuffed animal heads, where no women were allowed. The house where Tant Grieta resisted the lure of electricity until 2003. The house where Lady Ann Barnard stayed in 1798, and the house dubbed Bachelors’ Hope because that’s where young lady school teachers used to stay.

You can see the house a barber used when he walked 20km over the mountains from his farm every Saturday morning to cut the townies’ hair. You’ll discover some weird attitudes to cars too: the house of the first person in Stanford to own a car, who made his wife sit diagonally behind him to balance the weight; and the house of the chap who used to hang his car up in the garage to get more mileage out of his tyres.

2. Visit the village markets 

Okay, so this one is also food-related, but not entirely! The Stanford Sunset Market takes place on the village green from 18:00-20:00 on the last Friday of every month between September and May. It’s as much about meeting the locals and other visitors as it is about food. You can certainly make it your supper stop, with everything from sausages, tacos, spring rolls, bread, honey, craft beer and wine. Stock up on organic veggies, listen to live music, buy flowers or get your kid’s face painted. There’s even light music to keep your feet tapping.

​You’ll also find some of these stall holders, as well as crafters and bric a brac stalls, at the Stanford Square Market on Saturday mornings.

A third market takes over the stoep of the Stanford Hotel on the main road every Saturday morning. Here the locals sell cakes, pastries and pies, breads, preserves, honey, fresh flowers, herbs and fresh seasonal veggies from their gardens. Take a basket or shopping bag to carry away your stash.

3. Enjoy a river cruise 
Stanford lies along the Klein River, and there’s a path along the bank that you can walk (see point 6). But perhaps the best way to enjoy the river is to take a late summer’s afternoon river cruise on the Lady Stanford or the African Queen, both double-deck pontoons. Or try River Rat Cruises for birders and smaller groups. Take your own refreshments and watch the mountains change colour to discover why the locals are so besotted with their sunrises and sunsets. You may spot some of over 100 bird species that occur here, like flamingo, kingfisher, blue crane and African fish eagle. You might even be lucky enough to spot a Cape clawless otter.

4. Ride a horse 

Whether you fancy the idea of galloping across a white beach with your horse’s mane flying in the breeze or would prefer a more sedate canter through mountain fynbos, talk to the guys at African Horse Company about their guided outrides and multi-day trails. There’s something to suit every level of experience, from beginners to expert riders.

5. Go fynbos quad biking 

Learn about fynbos, birds and lagoon wetlands on a guided quad bike tour at Mosaic Lagoon Lodge. Ride along the edge of the lagoon or climb to the top of the sand dunes to see 40-ton southern right whales in the sea below during whale season (June to November, see point 7). Guided trips take about an hour. Even if you’re not staying at the lodge you can phone ahead to book one of these tours. Although guests take first dibs, you’re welcome to book if there’s availability. No kids under 4, kids from 4-15 must drive with an adult, maximum of four quad bikes in the group.

6. Walk the Wandelpad around town 

Don’t miss walking at least part of the Wandelpad (walking trail) that meanders around town, along the banks of the Klein River with views of surrounding mountains. It’s also a good place to look for birds (see point 10). It’s popular with locals too, who you might spot walking their dogs. If you’re feeling contemplative, sit for a while on one of the benches along the trail – especially enjoyable to soak up the winter sun. The trail will also take you along De Bruyn Street towards the Willem Appel Dam, another good spot for birding.

7. Go whale watching 

Drive to the secluded beach at De Plaat, 15km from Stanford in the direction of De Kelders. From De Plaat you might see dolphins swimming and feeding, and it’s a great place for spotting southern right whales from June to November. Mierkom beach, part of De Plaat in the Walker Bay Private Reserve, is another great vantage point for whale watching. You have to pass through Stanford to get there so ask at the info centre in the main road for directions. You need a permit, which is issued at the gate.

8. Visit a Big Cat sanctuary
Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary just off the R326 about 10km from Stanford village is 40ha of true sanctuary where the primary focus is on the well-being of the animals – lions, tigers, leopards, servals and caracals – that live there. In a perfect world these animals should be wild but life has thrown them into negative situations from which they can never be rewilded. Think canned lion hunting, the tiger and lion bone trade, cub petting, circuses and breeding farms. Panthera Africa gives these rescued animals a forever home in a protected area and is dedicated to educating people about the horrors of these exploitative industries. They are fiercely committed to not trading or breeding any of their animals. You can visit to photograph and learn about these beautiful cats and the threats they face. No hands-on interactions allowed. It’s essential to book ahead.

9. Taste beer

Visit the Birkenhead Brewery (at Walker Bay Estate, entrance on the R326 just outside Stanford) for a beer tasting. Start with the delicate Honey Blonde. I’m not really a beer drinker but this was my favourite. Other brews include Pilsener, lager and old English Ale styles, with quirky names like Pot Belly, Laughing Croc, Lazy Leopard and Dead Parrot. Order a plate of food like burgers, salads, steak and flatbreads, or just enjoy the view of the Klein River mountains while you sip. It’s open from 11:00 till 17:00 daily for tastings. If you want to do a craft brewery tour, you need to book ahead.

10. Go bird watching 

The whole Stanford area is a joy for twitchers, so keep your binos with you when you go hiking or walking along the beach at De Plaat or Mierkom. You might spot blue cranes in the wheatfields around Stanford and Gansbaai, orange-breasted sunbird, black harrier and Verreaux’s eagle in the Klein River mountains, or flamingos along the Klein River Lagoon and Walker Bay Nature Reserve.

The Willem Appel Dam off De Bruyn Street is also a good place to see birds like African purple swamphen, black crake, malachite kingfisher and Levaillant’s cisticola. There’s a wooden hide here and you can get the key from Stanford Tourism in Queen Victoria Street for a R50 deposit. Take the key back afterwards, and they’ll refund R40. You can also spot birds along the Stanford Wandelpad (see point 6).

Another great way to enjoy the area’s birds is to book a River Rat Cruises sunrise birding cruise on the Klein River to watch birds come alive as the sun pours into the valley.

11. Get some retail therapy

Walk through the village in search of antique shops, galleries and gift stores where you can browse and buy. One antique shop stuffed with porcelain, silver and books, including Africana, is in one of Stanford’s oldest buildings in Church Street. I also enjoy browsing Withers Antiques and Decor in Stanford Square, near the tourism info office.

If you’re looking for fragrant body wash, hand lotions, and room sprays using essential oils, visit the little shop called Antjie’s Handmade Naturals on the Stanford Hills wine estate. You can also get them at the Opwipwinkel on Stanford’s main road. A small group of locals make these products and I can promise they smell wonderful, using natural ingredients like lemon, lavender and baobab. I particularly loved the Citrus Fresh room spray.

We especially enjoyed our interlude at Overberg Honey Company in Fynbos Street just outside town. With its bright yellow exterior, you can’t miss it. A helpful and knowledgeable young woman helped us with tasting eight varieties of the 15-17 they produce. Think acacia (our favourite), bluegum, apple, fynbos, grape, canola, myrtle, orange blossom, blueberry, and buffalo thorn. They also sell Honeysuckle body, hair, and face products that incorporate honey as an ingredient, and edibles like nougat, truffles and sesame crunch. There’s an observation window in the office where you can watch the bees at work. Visit Monday to Friday 08:00 – 17:00, Saturday 09:00 – 15:00.

If you love cheese, you can buy multi-award-winning Klein River Cheese at the Cheese & Wine Cellar on the Walker Bay Estate (same place as the Birkenhead Brewery). For those who remember visiting the Klein River farm on a gravel road off the R326, don’t be confused: this is now the place to find them and the farm is no longer open for tasting or picnics. All the cheeses are made with non-animal rennet and contain no hormones, antibiotics, artificial preservatives or colourants. You’ll find Colby, Leyden, Danbo, Gruberg, and Havarti, as well as the slightly sweet and nutty Stanford. The shop usually has three cheeses of the day open for tasting. If you know what you like, the assistants know their cheeses well and can make a recommendation.

12. Explore a mountain reserve 

If you want to get into nature and explore hikes among the fynbos, visit Phillipskop Mountain Reserve along a gravel road in the Klein River mountains. Join a guided hike and enjoy the birding and fynbos, see rock art in a cave, learn about the reserve’s conservation efforts. You might spot a klipspringer, duiker or parrot-beaked tortoise along the way. If you’re really keen on plants, owner and guide Chris Whitehouse is happy to share his encyclopaedic knowledge. Book ahead for a guided hike. Note that self-guided hikes are no longer available to day visitors; you have to either be staying in the reserve’s accommodation or to book a guided hike.

If you stay at Phillipskop, you also have a chance to walk the Haarkapper Trail, the route taken every Saturday by a farmer from Tesselaarsdal to cut people’s hair. Starting in the mid-1920s, he walked 20km over the Klein River Mountains to Stanford and back again the same day for more than 20 years. You can walk it one way if you arrange transport on the other side, or as a figure eight back to your starting point. You’ll see lots of fynbos like proteas and lovely views along the way.

13. Treat yourself to a massage
You’ll find the Mosaic Lodge’s Milkwood Spa on the edge of the Klein River lagoon a few kilometres from town. Enjoy a massage in the minimalist salon or outside under the milkwoods, with a view of the lagoon. Being surrounded by nature in this tranquil environment is the ultimate indulgence. Or try the Poplar Spa in a reburbished, historic milkshed at Stanford Valley Country Lodge. After your treatment, make use of the sauna, steam room and plunge pool with views of the surrounding mountains. Both are open to anyone; you don’t need to be staying at the lodge but you do need to book ahead for your treatment.

14. SUP or kayak on the Klein River 

Feel like getting out on to the Klein River for a bit of sun and fun? Strandveld Adventures hires out stand-up paddle (SUP) boards, both individual boards and mega-boards that 4-6 friends can share for added enjoyment. Alternatively, you can do a two-hour guided SUP excursion (minimum of 4 people, maximum of 8). Owner Casper Bester says they’re suitable for all skill levels – but you should at least have been on a SUP or surfboard before, or you may spend some time falling off at first.

Strandveld Adventures also hire out paddle-bikes and kayaks and do guided kayaking. Currents on this river are gentle, so it’s a good chance to slow down and relish the landscape and tranquility. If you’re a birder, a bonus will be sightings of birds like kingfishers and herons.

Another place that hires out single and double kayaks is Klein River Kayaks.

15. Go wine tasting and eat at good restaurants ​

Although I have a post dedicated to the hedonistic pleasures of eating and wine tasting in Stanford, I’d be remiss to leave them off this list entirely because they’re such an essential part of the Stanford experience. Good restaurants – from homely fare to fine dining – are thick on the ground here, as are wineries where it’s easy to while away an afternoon in agreeable surroundings. Read my post about Stanford restaurants and wineries to try when you visit to tempt your tastebuds.

16. Stay over in Stanford accommodation 

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to Stanford accommodation, with everything from B&Bs and self-catering to luxury options. Given how much there is to see and do in the dorp, staying over makes a lot of sense.

Stanford Valley Country Lodge is tucked into the Klein River valley just outside Stanford and its main attractions are its serene country atmosphere and mountain views. Added attractions are a horse paddock, rolling green lawns, a vineyard, farm dam for swimming, and hiking and mountain biking trails. Really good food in The Manor House restaurant too (sorry, couldn’t resist mentioning food again).

Blue Gum Country Estate is a working wine farm among giant blue gum trees on the banks of the Klein River. All rooms have private verandahs looking out over vineyards, gardens or mountains where you can listen to coucals and other birds in the morning. They even have self-catering rooms for those who like to be independent. The lush gardens inspire walks – or you can go on a 45-minute trail above the farmhouse.

At Mosaic Lagoon Lodge you get a wide-screen view of mountains and the lagoon, which is sometimes awash with flamingos. It’s by no means a budget stay, but it is gorgeous for nature lovers who can afford to spoil themselves.

Stanford Country Cottages is a beautifully decorated collection of cottages with gardens dotted around the town, perfect for those who want to self-cater. Most of them accommodate 2-6 people, but there’s an 8-sleeper and a 14-sleeper too.

For lots of other options, see Stanford Tourism’s website, or simply Google ‘Stanford accommodation’ and booking sites like LekkeSlaap, SafariNow, and WhereToStay will pop up with a host of choices so you can choose your price bracket. There’s even glamping with AfriCamps at Stanford Hills and camping at Rivers End Farm.

17. Plan a destination wedding
If you dream of a destination wedding and are lucky enough to be able to afford one, Stanford may just be the answer you’re looking for. Think gorgeous surroundings for anything from a stylish luxury wedding to something smaller and more intimate. There are plenty of guesthouses, B&Bs and even wine estates to accommodate your guests, and spectacular settings for your photographs. Places to consider include Stanford Valley Country Lodge, White Water Farm, Walker Bay Estates, and The Coot Club, but I’ll bet there are others too.

18. Explore further afield 

There are many fascinating areas and things to do within easy driving distance of Stanford. Best time to visit Stanford
The warm, dry months of October to April are the best months to visit Stanford for outdoor adventures, but these are obviously also peak times in terms of visitor numbers and accommodation prices. Summer temperatures in December, January and February can get up to 28 or 29 degrees Celsius, so take plenty of water with you on your hikes and try to avoid hiking in the hottest part of the day.

The cooler months of May to September are relatively wet given the Western Cape’s winter rainfall. Annual rainfall is around 630mm, with about 60% of it falling between May and September. Winter temperatures drop to 8 or 9 degrees at night and in the early mornings, but warm up to around 19 during the day. This makes winter days perfect for outdoor activities when it’s not raining. Winter is also an excellent time for whale watching, especially from June to November. Enjoy cosy winter evenings drinking red wine or hot chocolate around a log fire.

Note that some Stanford restaurants take their annual break in winter so if there’s a particular one you want to try and you’re visiting in winter, check first to see if it will be open. A bonus of the winter months is that you may find good special offers on Stanford accommodation.

You may also enjoy
Stanford restaurants and wineries to try when you visit
Why to visit Stanford Valley Country Lodge in Stanford, South Africa
17 things to do in Hermanus on the Cape Whale Coast

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