Lavender Picking in Stellenbosch: A Beautiful Day at Canettevallei Lavender Farm
Looking for a fun day activity just outside Cape Town?
Being surrounded by purple lavender, the smells of lavender and fresh farm air scents, farm animals in the background and views of the mountain ranges – the perfect day outing.
Lavender picking in South Africa, yes please! A few weekends ago we went lavender picking in Stellenbosch and it was such a calming and fun experience. Going on all these outings keeps reminding us of all the fun things to do in Cape Town.
It was a perfect winter day – no wind, cloudy (not complaining as it’s great for pictures) and not overcrowded, so we could enjoy our time walking through the rows of lavender.
If you are keen for a day outing from Cape Town and get away from the city, lavender picking at Canettevallei Lavender and Wine Farm is something you should definitely add to your weekend calendar.
Lavender Picking at Canettevallei Lavender Farm
Canettevallei Lavender and Wine Farm is a beautiful farm in Stellenbosch, where you can pick lavender, sip on wine, buy gifts at the little shop and sip on coffee, all without the large crowds.
You can purchase tickets beforehand or pay as you get there. The lovely team assisted us and we had a walk around the farm stall – I love a good old hand made natural soap!
The welcoming team provides you with the tools needed to pick lavender. This is a really chilled outing to do with friends, family or date days.
Best time to visit: June to October, during lavender season
Location: Stellenboschkloof Road, Vlottenburg, Stellenbosch
Lavender picking: R60 per bunch
Picking hours: Monday – Saturday, 10:00 – 15:00
Best for: Couples, friends, families, photography, girls’ outings and unique Cape Town day trips
Make sure to check the website / social media / contact the team for updates.
Where Is Canettevallei Lavender Farm?
Canettevellei Lavender and Wine Farm is on the outskirts of Stellenbosch (depending where you’re coming from, the Kuilsriver side is easier for us).
Located on Stellenboschkloof Road in Vlottenburg, you travel down a windy road which is surrounded by farms, farm houses, animals and a complete change of city life scenery.
PS: Turn at the garage on the corner!
Follow us on @offtwowander on Instagram.
What Is Lavender Picking at Canettevallei Like?
Canettevallei’s pick your own lavender experience is a simple, relaxing and fun experience all at once.
When you arrive, the team assists explaining the process, provides the tools and shows you around.
The current price is R60 per bunch (ours is still in the lounge 2 weeks later, looking and smelling lovely).
Walk through the lavender, enjoy the smells, take pictures and collect your bunch to take home.
How Does Lavender Picking Work?
Don’t worry, we have never done this before either and don’t have green fingers! It is such a simple and peaceful outing, where you walk through the Lavender fields and simply pick and cut the lavender you want. Add it to the ring (for sizing) and once the ring is full, head back to the farm shop to hand in the scissors and go for coffee or wine afterwards.
It’s the perfect setting for stunning pictures, to watch the bees on the lavender and just enjoy being in nature.
For those feeling adventurous and have more time to explore South Africa and Africa, get some inspiration from our blogs below.
Perhaps considering a 5 day trip to the Victoria Falls, or a trip up South Africa’s West Coast to Langebaan? I am sure you have heard of Churchhaven and Kraal Baai, two spectacular beaches inside the West Coast National Park. For those who are time restricted, you can base yourself in Langebaan and do day trips from there.
Is Canettevallei Lavender Farm Good for Photos?
It’s a GREAT spot for photos! If you are wanting a photogenic outing near Cape Town, this one is it. The purple fields and mountain backdrop make it a location for stunning photos.
Think of lavender fields, cute sister selfies, mountain pictures, cute outfits, close-up lavender pictures, nature pictures etc. Our camera roll has tooooo many pictures!
What Else Can You Do at Canettevallei Lavender Farm?
Visit the Canettevallei Farm Shop
We love a cute farm shop! This shop sells lavender-inspired products and other items which make perfect take-home gifts for yourself or as a gift for loved ones. My fave is the lavender soaps – anything to calm my nervous system.
Enjoy a Wine Tasting
The Farm has both vineyards and lavender, making it a perfect outing to combine lavender picking and wine tastings afterwards.
Find out more about us
Read more about our travel stories and the reason behind why we started our travel blog.
When Is the Best Time to Go Lavender Picking in Stellenbosch?
The best time for lavender picking at Canettevallei is between June and October. This is when the lavender fields are in full bloom and look absolutely stunning – so pictureworthy. With the picking times being in Cape Town winter months, make sure to check the weather forecast so you’re not picking lavender in a downpour…
If you are unsure, contact the team for more information.
If you’re in Cape Town for a visit, check out our 7 Day Cape Town Itinerary
What Should You Wear for Lavender Picking?
Don’t wear your newest outfit! You are walking through the farm with lavender bushes as high as you, so you will get poked by the branches as you walk through.
We recommend wearing comfy shoes to walk in, sun glasses and natural colours to contrast with the purple in those photos.
Make Lavender Picking a Day Trip From Cape Town
We love a good ol road trip, so whenever we get the chance to hit the road, we make the most of it!
- Coffee cups
- Snacks
- Music
We really enjoy visiting Boschendal and planned to go for our birthday this year, but with both of us being sick, we cancelled at the time. We decided to head to Boschendal Deli Restaurant for their delicious curry and beef burgers for lunch, before heading to Canettevallei. Would recommend this if you’re looking for a different lunch or dinner spot – I cannot make my own curry like that, so Boschendal it is.
Another reason for me going here is for the deli takeaways. Our order is always 2 x chocolate croissants, brownies and pastéis de nata for the family.
It’s breathtakingly beautiful to drive through the Franschhoek and Stellenbosch farms, visiting places you don’t go to often.
After lunch, we made our way to Canettevallei for our lavender picking. Walked through the property, shopped at the farm shop and sat on the benches overlooking the dam.
What Else to Do Near Stellenbosch
We are so lucky to live in Cape Town with many places to see and activities to get up to. Here are more things we would suggest you do in Stellies if you have the time:
Wine tasting and lunch at Jordan
Explore Stellenbosch town & see the University
Stop at Meraki for coffee and cake
Hike the mountain trails (in groups for safety)
Is Lavender Picking at Canettevallei Worth It?
Cape Town – we pretty much have it all – ocean, wine, farms, stunning people and weather.
For those looking for a fun activity to do, within +- 1 hour from cape town, add lavender picking to your “fun things to do in Cape Town” list. You will love it!
Take the pictures, spend the day in nature and enjoy your lavender bunch on your dining room table.
We are always wandering to places in our backyard and sharing what we get up to. So follow us on @offtwowander on Instagram. / tag us so we can see what you get up to!
#offtwowander #offtwowanderlavenderpicking @offtwowander
Have the best day!
Julia
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***Note: This blog was published in August 2026 and information can change. Please make sure to contact the relevant teams to find up to date information to avoid disappointment.*
FAQ
Where can I go lavender picking near Cape Town?
Canettevallei Lavender and Wine Farm is a popular option for lavender picking near Cape Town. It is located on Stellenboschkloof Road near Stellenbosch and offers a Pick Your Own Lavender experience during the lavender season.
Do you need to book lavender picking at Canettevallei?
Yes, we recommend booking your Pick Your Own Lavender experience in advance, particularly during busy periods. Canettevallei’s official booking information provides the latest availability, dates and requirements.
When is lavender picking season in Stellenbosch?
Lavender picking at Canettevallei generally runs from June to October, although the exact dates can vary depending on the flowering season. We recommend checking with the farm before visiting.
Is lavender picking suitable for children?
Lavender picking is a relatively simple outdoor activity and can be enjoyed by families, although parents should supervise children around the working farm environment and follow the farm’s instructions.
What should I bring for lavender picking?
We recommend comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, water and your camera. You don’t need to bring lavender-picking tools because Canettevallei provides the equipment.
How much does lavender picking at Canettevallei cost?
At the time of writing, Pick Your Own Lavender costs R60 per bunch. The farm provides the tools needed for picking.
off two wander
Lauren and Julia are twin sisters from Cape Town, South Africa, sharing their travel adventures & showcasing what South Africa and other countries have to offer. They are passionate about travel, wildlife, conservation, being surrounded by nature & holistic well-being. They are both currently working fully remotely - Lauren is a travel guru - her previous industry, before moving over to digital marketing. Julia is a qualified teacher and is currently working for a digital agency too! Lauren does the travel logistics and web development, where Julia does the travel blogging & finances (if it wasn’t for Julia, Lauren would be on holiday all the time). Their travel blog covers anything from travel tips, guides & to do’s, wine farm spots & them visiting their favourite coffee shops (they are both creatures of habit, so you’ll find them obsessing over the good coffee cafes).
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