A Living Farm Experience in the Cape Winelands
Franschhoek, South Africa
Babylonstoren is not just a place to stay, it is an immersive farm experience. Set in the spectacular Franschhoek Valley within South Africa’s Cape Winelands, the property occupies one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms in the region.
Here, exceptional accommodation is seamlessly intertwined with outstanding food and award-winning wines. At the heart of the estate lies its renowned garden, which produces seasonal fruit, vegetables and herbs that guide the menus through a true farm-to-fork philosophy.
Accommodation is simple, contemporary and elegant. Guests can choose between suites in the historic Farmhouse, Garden Cottages, Fynbos Cottages and two private houses designed for families or small groups.
Highlights and Activities at Babylonstoren
ROOMS: 29 rooms, including two family houses
BEST FOR: Honeymooners, Couples and Families
ACTIVITIES:
- Wine and olive tasting
- Farm workshops
- Daily garden tours
- Walking and cycling trails
- Dining experiences
- Wellness treatments
- Mountain drives
Why We Love Babylonstoren
Every aspect of Babylonstoren – from its hotel and spa to its farm shop and restaurants – is shaped by the seasonal rhythm of the garden. The estate feels authentic and alive, offering a refined yet grounded Cape Winelands experience.
 FAQs About Babylonstoren
Where is Babylonstoren located?
Babylonstoren is located in the Franschhoek Valley in South Africa’s Cape Winelands, approximately one hour from Cape Town. The estate sits between Franschhoek, Paarl and Stellenbosch, making it an ideal base for exploring the region’s wine estates and mountain landscapes.
What makes Babylonstoren unique?
Babylonstoren is centred around one of the most celebrated gardens in South Africa. The extensive fruit and vegetable garden guides the estate’s farm-to-fork philosophy, with seasonal produce shaping the menus across its restaurants and farm shop.
The combination of a historic Cape Dutch farm, working vineyards and contemporary accommodation creates an immersive Winelands experience rather than a traditional hotel stay.
What types of accommodation are available at Babylonstoren?
The estate offers a range of accommodation options, including:
- Farmhouse Suites
Elegant suites set within the historic Cape Dutch farmhouse, offering classic charm with contemporary comfort. - Garden Cottages
Private cottages nestled within the estate gardens, blending understated luxury with direct access to the farm’s seasonal rhythms. - Fynbos Cottages
Secluded cottages surrounded by indigenous fynbos vegetation, offering a quieter, nature-driven Winelands escape. - Private Family or Group Houses
Spacious standalone houses designed for families or small groups, providing added privacy and shared living space within the estate.
Each is designed in a clean, contemporary style while preserving the charm of the original Cape Dutch architecture.
Is Babylonstoren suitable for families?
Yes. With spacious cottages and two private houses, Babylonstoren works well for families and multigenerational travel. The gardens, cycling trails and farm experiences are particularly engaging for younger guests.
Ready to start planning Your Safari?
Reach out and let’s start talking. We’ll listen and begin to tailor an experiential, private, luxury vacation based on exactly how you want to experience Africa. From adventure to relaxation—and everything in between—let us handle every detail of your unforgettable journey.
Explore More South Africa Safaris
South Africa offers exceptional Big Five safaris and diverse landscapes year-round. Explore our suggested itineraries below, or let us tailor one for you.
14-DAY CAPE TOWN & BIG FIVE HONEYMOON
Fancy a honeymoon in the most romantic locations around Southern Africa? We’ve got just the itinerary planned for you! Our Southern Africa Honeymoon itinerary will take you from Cape Town to the Greater Kruger, onwards to Zimbabwe and finally finishing in whimsical Mozambique. Expect nothing but the best for this once in a lifetime trip.
From $12,600
per person
White Lions of Ngala: A Luxury South Africa Safari
Discover South Africa through a journey that blends coastal beauty with extraordinary wildlife experiences. Begin in Cape Town, a city of mountains, beaches, and vibrant culture. Continue to the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve for world class Big Five viewing, then venture into Kruger National Park to see the mystical white lions of Ngala Private Game Reserve. This itinerary brings together the very best of South Africa in one unforgettable adventure.
From $11,500
per person
The Best of South Africa
This all-inclusive South Africa itinerary is the perfect choice for your first time in Africa. We’ll take you on a whirlwind 10-days exploring Cape Town and the Cape Winelands, followed by an adventurous safari in the bush of South Africa.
From $10,400
per person
Â
What Ubuntu Travelers Are Saying
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had the absolute best time on our trip all thanks to Ubuntu's attention to detail, and thoughtfulness that went into helping us plan our dream honeymoon in South Africa. We appreciated at the start of the process how we didn't feel pressured into anything, Smruti really listened to our vision for the trip and recommended the best options, while also bringing in perspective that we wouldn't have thought of. While we were in South Africa, we were connected 24/7 to Ubunto employees who were there to answer any question, help make last minute reservations, etc. Just an overall wonderful group of people to work with!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Our experience with Ubuntu was absolutely incredible from start to finish! They planned the most amazing honeymoon for us, taking us to Cape Town, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, and Benguerra Island in Mozambique. Every destination was unique and special, and the entire itinerary was perfectly curated to give us the best of everything—from beautiful scenery and incredible food to unforgettable safari experiences and a relaxing island escape. Our time in Timbavati and Sabi Sand was truly once in a lifetime, with unbelievable wildlife encounters and memories we will cherish forever. Ending our honeymoon on Benguerra Island was the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the most beautiful beaches. Every stop exceeded our expectations, and the combination of destinations made for the most incredible trip. Ubuntu made the entire planning process seamless, with thoughtful attention to detail and an itinerary that felt perfectly tailored to us. We were able to relax and enjoy every moment knowing everything was taken care of. We couldn’t have imagined a more perfect honeymoon and are so grateful to Ubuntu for helping us create memories that will last a lifetime. We would recommend them to anyone planning a special trip, especially a honeymoon. Truly the trip of a lifetime!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had the most wonderful honeymoon thanks to the team at Ubuntu! From planning with Leah to logistics with Jenna to our team on the ground in Kenya and Tanzania - everyone was spectacular and beyond knowledgeable. We would certainly use Ubuntu for our next safari again! The team is truly wonderful and we didn't have to worry about a thing. If you are looking to go on a safari you should definitely use Ubuntu!!!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I had some problems with airline cancellations and some other pre-Safari things I had to get out of the way such as vaccinations, a visa and an electronic travel authorization.Ubuntu was very helpful with any problem I encountered and helped me get it solved. They stayed in touch every step of the way, including when I was actually on my Safari. I was never alone, although I was traveling solo. I felt very safe and secure over there. Thank you.Ubuntu!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
From the very first zoom call with Leah to the detailed itinerary that Jenna put together to the boots on the ground communication from Jacinta, Mandie, Nyameka and the whole team we had the most incredible first safari experience in Kenya thanks to Ubuntu. They put us up in the most iconic tents with staff that went above and beyond to make sure we had a memorable experience. Our plane transfers from lodge to lodge were seamless and very easy to navigate. We had the absolute best safari vacation and we owe that to Ubuntu!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We worked with Ubuntu to plan our honeymoon, and throughout the entire process, we experienced such wonderful customer service. With so many things pulling us in different directions between wedding planning, our personal lives, and work, there were definitely times when our responses and decisions took longer than expected. No matter how long an email sat in our inbox, though, the Ubuntu team was always quick to respond. They patiently answered all of our questions, no matter how silly, and consistently provided helpful specifics, whether that was a direct link or step-by-step instructions. We really appreciated that the team focused on giving us the information we needed to make informed decisions without ever making the process feel like a sales pitch. They were respectful and realistic when it came to conversations about our budget while still making sure they were creating the best experience possible for us. Once we arrived in Africa, the experience continued to be top-notch. The accommodations were beautiful, and every staff member we interacted with was professional, welcoming, and went above and beyond to make our trip memorable. Having all of our airport transfers and domestic travel taken care of was such a relief and exactly what we needed after the chaos of wedding planning. We would recommend working with Ubuntu to anyone we know who is planning a trip to Africa. They made the entire experience seamless, stress-free, and incredibly memorable. We are so grateful for the role they played in making our honeymoon so special.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We just arrived home from a 31 day epic adventure in Africa. We covered SA (Cape Town and surrounds), Singita at Sabi Sands, Vumbura Plains in the Okavango Delta, Joburg, Vic Falls Zimbabwe, Tanzania (Nomad at Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks), Rwanda (Kigali and Singita at Volcanoes National Park). Ubuntu did an absolutely amazing job in arranging the trip. They were with us every step of the way. Excellent team and service! CDTTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Could not ask for a better safari firm. No stone is left unturned and you always feel like you can get answers, day or night! This is my second time using Ubuntu and I highly recommend them.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Absolute 1st class travel planning. We had the most amazing and memorable trip, and as a person who likes to travel plan myself, this trip had so many moving parts there's no way I could have tackled it. I'd give Ubuntu an 11/10 rating if I could. They made our travel seamless, relaxed, and delivered the most incredible experience. 100% we will use them again.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had the BEST experience with Ubuntu planning our South Africa trip! From the beginning, they were so easy to work with and were amazing at communicating with us both before and during the trip. They put together the perfect itinerary for us with safari at two different lodges, time on Benguerra Island, and we even decided to add Franschhoek a couple of months before we left. They made everything so easy and somehow managed to make the entire trip feel completely seamless. One of the biggest things that stood out was how responsive they were when we had our international flight canceled. I literally just had to send them a WhatsApp message with our new flight information, and they immediately took care of rearranging everything for us. We never had to stress about figuring out transfers or logistics ourselves. They even had porters meet us at every airport, so we barely had to think about our luggage or where we were supposed to go. We truly felt taken care of every step of the way. It was honestly the trip of a lifetime, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. We are already talking about when we can go back and will 100% be using Ubuntu again to plan our next trip. Highly, highly recommend them!