Graaff-Reinet is a town situated in the heart of the Great Karoo in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It was founded in 1786 and named after the Governor of the Cape, Cornelis Jacob van de Graaff and his wife Reinet . It is the fourth oldest town in South Africa.
Graaff-Reinet is surrounded by the Camdeboo national park and lies in the bend of the Sundays River. It is a vast and strange area with huge sheep and game farms. Broad plains surround the town which seems almost to be guarded by the Sneeuberg range of mountains. The night skies are incredibly clear and regarded as one of the outstanding places for star gazers in the world as innumerable stars and dazzlingly clear planets and even other galaxies can be seen with the naked eye.
The existence of fossils from pre–dinosaur times have been found, bringing worldwide attention to this area. The Town of Graaff-Reinet houses four amazing museums that chronicle the story of the Karroo and the town, past and present.
Graaff-Reinet in South Africa is known to have the most outstandingly splendid examples of Cape Dutch architecture, which includes the Reinet House Museum, the Dutch Reformed Church which can be found in the Centre of Town and the Drostdy Hotel which was built in 1806. There is also a wonderful example of Karroo architecture at Stretch’s Court, a picturesque restored street of brightly painted Karoo cottages. More than 200 buildings in Graaff-Reinet are national monuments and these can be viewed by taking an interesting Horse and Carriage ride through the town.
A visit to the “Valley of Desolation” is just a short distance out of town and of great interest. Visitors can view this national monument of aged Dolerite Pillars recognized as a Geological marvel. From this area there are also magnificent views over the plains of the Great Karroo.
There is a selection of all types of accommodation available including some charming Lodges and Guest houses.
