The area where Graaff-Reinet was established in 1786 was ideally suited for the settlement by the Trekboers. Nestled in the horseshoe bend of the Sundays River and protected by the Sneeuberg Mountains, it is the 4th oldest town in the country and steeped with history both indigenous and settler. It is possibly South Africa’s equivalent to the historic town of Williamsburg.

Graaff-Reinet is a fascinating town : it boasts 250 buildings that are National Monuments. Here you will find buildings which are considered the pinnacle of the Cape Dutch style of architecture and numerous museums with collections of photographic memorabilia, fireworks and fossils that trace the story of the Karoo and of the town from prehistory up to the present day. The Hester Rupert Art Gallery is considered to house one of the most representative art collections. At the Old Library you will find photographs chronicling the life of Robert Sobukwe the Freedom Fighter who founded the Pan African Congress. He was a key figure in the struggle for democracy and is buried here.

Graaff-Reinet is unique in that it is surrounded by the Karoo Nature Reserve where game and birds abound. There are choices of hiking trails (from an hour to two days) or horse trails which take you to places that no vehicle will ever go.

This 14 500 hectare reserve incorporates a 1 000 hectare dam. The reserve also offers superb birding and game viewing. Here kudu, springbuck, monkey and buffalo alike thrive on the everlasting plains.

Perhaps the biggest attraction is the extraordinary geology of the mountains that creates the famous joint dolerite pillars of the Valley of Desolation. Don’t miss the scenic drive to the summit of the mountain, from where you can truly experience the vastness of the Karoo. It is a spectacular setting from which to watch the sun rise and set.

There are other extraordinary places to see and experiences to encounter. Take a guided tour through Umazizakhe Township, have a meal in a really special traditional restaurant and on a Sunday you might like to join a church service. Be introduced to Bushman rock art while learning about the Khoi-San culture. Remember to bring your golf clubs and play a game on our unique 9 hole golf course or join the local bowls club for a game or two. After a day of wandering and exploring, enjoy a meal at one of the quaint restaurants.

For lovers of the outdoors and families there are a number of farms for fun-filled holidays. Wherever you stay in Graaff-Reinet, you will always remember with pleasure the good times spent here with us. Graaff-Reinet now has an airport with a tarred runway for visitors wanting to reach us by air.

Aberdeen - The town of Aberdeen (1857) is set against the backdrop of the Camdeboo Mountains. It is a treasure chest of Victorian architecture, and, with many of the houses dated before 1890, it has been declared an Architectural Conservation town.

Many of the houses are richly decorated and intricately designed with domes, gables, turrets, ‘broekie lace’ and plaster motifs. A few still sport the once fashionable conservatories constructed of wooden and iron fretwork with richly hued coloured glass.

Of special interest is the Dutch Reformed Church – the 50m tower is the highest in South Africa, but it is 18 inches out of true, due to the weight of the roof tiles – ‘The Leaning Tower of Aberdeen’. The huge olive tree in the church garden originates from the Garden of Gethsemane. A unique collection of biblical wall hangings covers the walls of the church hall and guided tours are available during the day by appointment. Numerous artists have settled here including Carlos de Souza, whose intricately decoupaged ostrich eggs have found a home throughout the world. Various other crafters have workshops that may be viewed by appointment.

The well kept cemetery is of special interest to historians. Many of the soldiers, both British and Boer, who lost their lives during the Anglo Boer War are buried here. British graves are numbered and the cemetery is open to the public. Camdeboo Conservancy - Off the N9 between Graaff-Reinet and Aberdeen lies the “green valley”. We bathe in the shadow of towering mountains, hear the sound of water flowing everywhere, and are blessed with forests of trees and uncountable smaller plants. Come and join in all the various eco-friendly activities we offer or experience the peace and tranquillity which comes naturally as you enter the Conservancy.

Whether you partake in the day to day farming activities or delight in a horse ride, you are guaranteed to experience the restoration of your soul.

Nieu Bethesda - Visit Nieu Bethesda, a village at the foot of the Kompasberg, 50km from Graaff-Reinet. Time has stood still here and visitors can wander through the gravel streets in safety, enjoying the peace & quiet of this unique village. It is here that you will find the famous Owl House, created by Helen Martins and made famous by Athol Fugard in the film ‘The Road to Mecca’. This museum is visited by more than 15 000 tourists a year, and is the best example of outsider art in the country. Make sure you don’t miss the Bethesda Arts Centre, a vibrant arts project in the heart of the village. Visit the working studios and beautiful gallery, stop for a coffee, and catch a starlit performance in the Centre’s open-air theatre. This inspiring project works to uplift the local township community. The Arts Centre also runs the annual Nieu Bethesda Lantern Parade on New Year’s Eve. Watch the magical celebration as several hundred lanterns pass under a velvety black sky or join a lantern-making workshop and take part in the parade.

You can enjoy drinks and good food in coffee shops, restaurants and pubs, and stay over in a large variety of B&B’s, self-catering units and working guest farms. Enjoy the old world atmosphere while listening to the water in the water furrows or on a guided donkey cart trip through the village.

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Graaff-Reinet Accommodation Eastern Cape Karoo Heartland

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Camdeboo Manor Guesthouse - Graaff-Reinet

We aim to provide our guests with comfortable accommodation as well as a sense of being whisked away to an exotic location where luxury and comfort are the norm.

4 Rothman Street - Graaff-Reinet

Situated in a quiet area of Graaff-Reinet within safe walking distance of the centre of town. Secure off-street parking. 4 suites with own entrance, 2 double en-suite bedrooms, lounge/diningroom, kitchen or kitchenette. Air-conditioning, pool,...

Clifton Country Manor, Wedding & Conference Venue - Graaff-Reinet

"Occupying a breathtaking 7000 hectares on the lower slopes of the Sneeu Berge, Clifton Manor is one of Graaff Reinett's most famous and luxurious farms and fourth oldest homestead in South Africa. Located a short drive from the historic town...

Camdeboo Cottages

Camdeboo Cottages consists of nine self-catering cottages (all national monuments) situated in the heart of historical Graaff-Reinet. B&B / restaurant on site / secure parking / swimming pool. Tours by arrangement to Valley of Desolation /...

Karoopark Guest House

Karoopark Guest House dates back to the end of the 1800’s and the colonial main building boasts high ceilings and numerous areas to relax in and soak up the relaxed atmosphere of the karoo

Somerset Stables

Somerset Stables is located within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Large comfortable bedrooms en-suite, have TV with M-Net, Persian and wool carpets. High quality cotton linen provides a comfortable sleep. Private entrances to the rooms.

Andries Stockenstrom Guesthouse - Graaff Reinet

Gordon & Rose Wright invite you to experience Karoo hospitality and Slow Karoo food at it's best

Heather's B&B - Graaff-Reinet

Arrive as a stranger, depart as a friend and return as a regular. Stay in one of our 1, 2 or 3 bedroom self catering units, fully equipped, a home from home. Pool, secure parking and braai. Either self catering for B & B. View of surrounding...

Thyme & Again - Graaff Reinet

Centrally situated Wheelchair accessable accommodation with true Karoo hospitality. 3 rooms have roll in showers. All rooms are airconditioned and heated with a small kitchenette on suite bathrooms, TV and hot blankets in winter. We offer braai...

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Graaff-Reinet Accommodation (9)

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