Graaff Reinet

Afrikaans name: Graaff-Reinet

Graaff Reinet CBD

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Eastern Cape

Graaff-Reinet is one of the oldest towns in South Africa with only Cape Town, Swellendam and Stellenbosch being older. The town was originally founded in 1786. The name is derived from the Governer of the Cape Colony at the time, Cornelis Jacob van de Graaff, and the maiden name of his wife which was Reinet.

There are numerous buildings in the town from bygone eras. In fact, over 200 buildings have been declared as national monuments. Of particular interest is the Dutch Reformed Church building, Stretch's Court, Reinet House Museum and the Drostdy Hotel.

Graaff-Reinet has an unusual setting in that is virtually surrounded by the Camdeboo National Park. Besides the many species of mammals and birds that may be seen the outstanding feature is the Valley of Desolation.

Other activies in the area include golf, trout fishing, horse riding and mountain bike trails. Besides the Drostdy Hotel there are numerous accommodation options including many B&B's.

Above - View of Graaff-Reinet from the Toposcope Lookout point in the Camdeboo National Park

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Above - The famous NG Klip Kerk, Graaff Reinet

Photo © Johan van Zyl

References and further reading

Top Birding Spots in Southern Africa - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Published: 1992 - Page: 320

Where to Watch Birds in Southern Africa - Author: A. Berruti and J.C. Sinclair - Published: 1983 - Page: 97

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 132

The Pictorial Motoring Atlas of South Africa - Author: Maxwell Leigh - Published: 1987 - Page: 60

Road Tripping South Africa - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2014 - Page: 17

Road Tripping South Africa - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2014 - Page: 110

Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Published: 1986 - Page: 81

On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 1995 - Page: 300

Places to Visit in Southern Africa - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1995 - Page: 306

go! - Issue 153 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 106

Mountains of Southern Africa - Author: David Bristow - Published: 1985 - Page: 89

Getaway - Vol 31 No 03 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 106

Country Life - Issue 244 - Author: - Published: 2016 - Page: 24

Country Life - Issue 250 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 44

Country Life - Issue 281 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 30

Farm Stall to Farm Stall - Author: Jennifer Stern - Published: 2014 - Page: 108

Country Life - Issue 175 - Author: - Published: 2011 - Page: 24

Country Life - Issue 175 - Author: - Published: 2011 - Page: 76

Country Life - Issue 182 - Author: - Published: 2011 - Page: 27

Caravan & Outdoor Life - Issue 609 - Author: - Published: 2012 - Page: 62

Conollys Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 126

Book of the Road - 4th edition - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2019 - Page: 119

---

Top