Day trip Hermanus to Stanford

Day Trip Hermanus to Stanford

Founded in 1857 and named after Sir Richard Stanford, Stanford is a lovely, unspoilt little village with an atmosphere of yester-year!  It is quickly becoming a favourite destination for retirement.  Situated only 16km to the east a day trip Hermanus to Stanford is worth adding into your busy holiday schedule.

Driving along the R43 flanked by beautiful mountains on your left and the Klein River Lagoon on your right, it will take you about 20 minutes to reach this quaint rural town.

Stanford is well known for its birding, especially the easily accessible bird hide that is found on the Klein River. The bird hide has been constructed out of an old pump house and is a brilliant place to view more than a hundred different types of bird. Stanford also has a number of 4×4 trails, hiking trails, places for fly-fishing in the dams, walks and biking around the vineyards, cheese and wine tasting and a luxurious trip up the Klein River.

Stanford, in true village fashion, has a number of cafes and interesting shops that sell little trinkets and antiques with heart. The buildings are mostly from the Cape Victorian and Edwardian architectural era and make up one of South Africa’s most preserved towns. The original town square, in fact, is still in wonderful condition despite being built in 1785 and has won heritage status in the quaint little town. Stanford’s weekly markets help to add to the historical element of the heritage-rich little village and the charm makes this village an excellent place to visit to wind down for a day.

The Stanford wine route, highly established and consisting of many award-winning wine estates, can itself make up a day trip. This wine route also includes the Birkenhead Brewery which is the home to quality beer that will delight any enthusiast and any person looking for quality beverages in an exquisite setting.

Don’t forget to budget in a visit to the Klein River Cheese Farm just past the Birkenhead Brewery where you have wonderful international award winning cheeses for tasting and for sale.  There is also a petting farm where the kiddies can enjoy interaction with farm animals

Walker Bay Nature Reserve ( along the coastline between Stanford and Gansbaai) A very pleasant walk alont the beach (17km), entrance from De Kelders or Stanford requires a permit.

River Cruises on the Kleinrivier River

Boat trips are dependent on weather conditions and a trip takes 2-3 hours

African Queen River Cruises: from the Riverside 10h00, 14h00 and 18h00.  R160pp Minimum 15 persons and Maximum 32 persons.  Braai and toilet on Board.  Contact Adriaan 0827321284 to book or email africanqueenstanford@gmail.com Closed Season June to Mid September.

River Rat Boat Cruises, Kayak and Canoe Hire – Riverside King Street. Min 3 persons Max 10 persons R150pp. Weber braai and toilet facilities on board. Contact Ernie 0833100952 or email ernieb@netactive.co.za for bookings

Platanna Boat Cruises: Please call William for bookings on 0829021945

Boat Cruise on Hermanus Lagoon. Includes snacks and beverages on the boat.  Requires 4 persons minimum.  Mosaic Private Sanctuary Contact 0828253211. Tariffs on request

Trail Running – Stanford Hills Estate: 2km and 5km trails through the vineyards.  R20pp  Tel +27 (0) 28 3410340.

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For more information about Stanford and all it has to offer, visit http://www.stanfordinfo.co.za/.

It is possible to package in a day trip to Stanford along with a visit to Gansbaai if you are short of days on your holiday.  See our Day trip Hermanus to Gansbaai.

Photos courtesy:Xplorio, Stanford Info,

Author: Danica Kreusch

Editor: Jenny Meyer