Graaff-Reinet - Karoo South Africa

Graaf-Reinet a small Karoo town in South Africa is today a tourist destination because of its history. Graaff-Reinet has much of its history preserved in its architecture one of the reasons Tourists flock to the area. Around 1770 the trek of the Boers had penetrated from the Cape into the area of today's Graaff-Reinet. Here, at the margin of the colony, they led an unsteady life under constant threat from Xhosa groups, but as independent and autonomous farmers.

Graaff-Reinet This situation was too difficult for the Cape Town administration to inspect, so they decided to establish a state authority in the region. The first administrator was installed here in 1785. He determined the borders of his territory in 1786, had an administration building erected - the Drostdy - and named the place after the then Governor Jacob van der Graaff and his wife Cornelia Reinet.

The attempt to secure government authority turned out to be difficult. The self-assured citizens resisted any supervision. In 1795 they even proclaimed an autonomous republic, an endeavour which failed however, mainly due to the arrival of the English at the Cape that same year.

Drostdy House in Graaff-Reinet But the government also did not manage to establish lasting peace, and when at the end of the 19th century the Boer War broke out, the citizens of Graaff-Reinet fought fiercely on the side of the Boers. Nowadays Graaff-Reinet with its 200 monument-protected buildings is one of the best preserved historical places in the country.

Accommodation in Graaf-Reinet

Amakhulu Central Reservations
Merle offers a very friendly and professional service to book accommodation in South Africa. She knows some great advice about the Karoo and Graaff-Reinet
Accommodation in Graaff-Reinet
This website has by far the best selection of accommodation available in South Africa. You correspond directly with the accommodation establishment.
Abbotsbury
Explore nearby Graaf-Reinet and Owl House in Nieu Bethesda while staying in beautiful relaxing environment on a tranquil sheep farm. Try the Karoo lamb that Gordon and Sue Scott prepare so well.
Avondrust
This is a gracious Gregorian home (1911) centrally situated in Graaff-Reinet. Personal and attentive service is the hallmark of this establishment.
Kingfisher Lodge
This place is great for honeymooners. Its set in a park like garden. The rooms are individually decorated each with a private entrance.

Climate in Graaff Reinet

The town lies 759 m above sea-level.
Summer: Hot weather with average temperatures of 31°C.
Winter: Cool but dry with average temperatures of 6,1°C.

Places to Visit in Graaff-Reinet

Reinet House (Water-wheel)
Old Library Museum
The Old Residency
Urquhart House
Nieu-Bethesda
First Midland Hospital
Anglo-Boer War Memorial Statue
Hester Rupert Art Museum
Drostday & Strecth's Court
Jan Rupoert Centre
St. James' Church
Dutch Reformed Church
John Rupert Little Theater
Graaff-Reinet Pharmacy
Union Monument
Town Hall / War Memorial
Succulent & Cacti Collection
Cradock Street / Private Dwellings

Things to do in Graaff-Reinet

Karoo Nature Reserve
Take a look at the Valley of Dessolation a breathtaking spectacle of precariously balanced dolerite columns.
There are more national monuments in Graaff-Reinet than any other town in South Africa - explore Graaff-Reinet, a town with a well-preserved and beautifully restored architectural heritage.
There are over 220 bird species recorded in the area.
Paragliding with eagles - share the thermals of the vast Karoo skies with these magnificent birds or take a fossil walk on one of the local farms. Whatever your fancy, there is something to suit everyone.
Plants of the Karroo Desert - find out how plants adapt to the harsh and variable climate in the Karoo semi-desert.
Game viewing
Hiking Trails
Visit Nieu-Bethesda