Travel

We acknowledge that traveling to South Africa is a big ask — which makes it even more exciting that you’re joining us! This page has details around accommodations, renting a car vs Uber-ing, etc.

We’re getting married in Stellenbosch, an internationally renowned wine & food capital.

Direct flights are available from Europe and the U.S., but there are also more cost effective connecting flights (the one airline we’d suggest avoiding is South African Airways/SAA).

For our international guests, you will likely fly to South Africa via:

  • Cape Town (~45 minutes away from the wedding festivities)

  • Johannesburg (where Steve grew up) - if you’re looking to see other sights first, like Kruger National Park, after which you’ll likely take a domestic flight to Cape Town

    • Tip: Domestic flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town are inexpensive. Regardless of your pre-wedding exploration plans, it could still be worth it to fly to Johannesburg first to save a lil ca$h money.

*If traveling from out of the country and your budget and schedule allow, come early/stick around after so you can explore more of South Africa!

About Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch (“Stellies”) is nestled in the heart of the Cape Winelands. With 150+ wineries, it is one of the most stunning destinations in South Africa with BREATHTAKING landscapes.

From the Cape Dutch architecture dating back to 1679 to the natural beauty of the mountains, Stellenbosch is a must-see, even if you don’t imbibe!

 

Where to Stay in Stellenbosch

Hotels and Guesthouses

While Muratie doesn’t have accommodations, it’s surrounded by tons of incredible places to stay. Throw a dart at a map, and you’ll love where it lands.

To make planning easier, we negotiated group discounts and bought out a few places from Thursday-Sunday. Mark your interest on your RSVP form (this does not lock you in), and email us at thewattruses@gmail.com to finalize your spot and sort out payment.

FYI - Prices range from $80-150 per room per night, most including breakfast. First come, first served.

CASA MORI (*FULL)

Blumberg Drive
Koelenhof, Stellenbosch, 7605
+27 82 457 7783

DEVONVALE (*FULL)

Bottelary Road
Koelenhof, Stellenbosch, 7605
+27 21 865 2080

KUNJANI WINES (*FULL)

Farm 90, 20 Blumberg Drive
Koelenhof, Stellenbosch, 7600
+27 87 630 0409

VINE GUESTHOUSE (*FULL)

25 Bottelary Road
Koelenhof, Stellenbosch, 7600
+27 21 865 2233

Late to the game or interested in staying elsewhere? No biggie! If it’s of interest, we’re happy to try to group you with other guests to split alternative Airbnb/guesthouse costs.

*South Africa experiences scheduled power outages called "load shedding.” We highly suggest checking if the hotels/Airbnbs you’re looking at have generators, as not all of them do. Most main tourist spots, malls, and restaurants have generators. To follow the load shedding schedule in your area, download the app called EskomSePush.

Getting Around Stellenbosch

As Related to Wedding Festivities

  • Rental cars are inexpensive, but remember that you’ll be driving on the left-hand side of the road.

    A few tips:

    • A Manual car is often assigned unless specified otherwise. Request an Automatic if you need to!

    • As is the case in most major cities around the world, be careful about leaving anything valuable in the car.

    • Many streets and parking areas have parking attendants, official or unofficial, who watch your car. R5-10 is a sufficient tip (only tip one attendant), and you tip them as you’re leaving. Don't fall for the 'I don't have any change' trick.

    • Avoid driving late at night.

    KAYAK prices as of 1/24/24:

    • The cheapest Manual (Hyundai i10) for 1 week is ~R2800/$155 ($22/day).

    • The cheapest Automatic (Suzuki Swift) for 1 week is ~R3900/$216 ($30/day).

    Split the car with a group!

  • If you’re staying within the Cape Town-Stellenbosch region, totally. While we personally prefer the flexibility of a rental car, it’s still affordable to rideshare around the area for convenience and comfort.

    We recommend having Uber and Bolt downloaded. There is no Lyft available.

    Sample prices to help with your rental car versus rideshare decision:

    • Cape Town —> Devonvale (one of the accommodation recommendations) is a 45 minute drive, one-way:

      • An UberXL (6 seats) will run you R441/$24-25.

      • An UberX (3 seats) will run you R321/$17-18.

    • Devonvale —> Muratie (wedding venue) is a 10 minute drive, one-way, and Ubers range from R78-120/$4-6.

      • This is just for reference. You won’t have to do this ride, as we’ll have shuttles on wedding day - see below!

  • Please do not hail random taxis or accept a lift from an individual offering taxi services in the airport. Either pre-book a taxi or use Uber/Bolt.

    Here are some additional links for you to get around, whether it be from the airport or elsewhere:

  • Yes, we are! We will be providing shuttle transportation to and from the wedding venue on the day of the wedding - from the preferred accommodations above ONLY. Stay tuned for more details.

    For the welcome braai and farewell picnic, there will be no organized shuttle service for guests not staying at Devonvale, but there should be plenty of Ubers around! Please plan accordingly.