Date: 2nd December 2015
Did you know that December and January are Grahamstown’s quietest months? We are officially “off peak”. But did you also know that far from shutting down completely, Grahamstown is open for business and that it is the ideal end-of-year holiday spot for families or couples wanting something different?
Situated about half-way between the Eastern Cape's main cities of East London and Port Elizabeth, Grahamstown is a mere 50kms from the blue flag beaches at Port Alfred and Kenton-on-Sea, and is surrounded by a number of well-known private game reserves – perfect if you’re looking for a wildlife and beach experience, but without the crush of holiday crowds when you want some peaceful down-time.
If you are looking for adventure, there’s always something to do.
Want to go on safari? There’s Pumba, Kwantu, Kichaka, Kariega, Bucklands, XXL, and Lukhanyo private game reserves, Addo Elephant National Park, Thomas Baines Nature Reserve and the Great Fish River Reserve to choose from.
Take a boat cruise up the Kariega or Kowie Rivers and have a picnic on the beach afterwards.
Go golfing, hiking, horse riding, swimming, canoeing, surfboarding, skydiving and zip-lining or just relax and amble around the streets of historic Grahamstown soaking up the very Englishness of the city.
Take a city and township tour; stay over with a Kwam e-Makana owner and experience township hospitality e-kasi style.
Easy day trips can be made to Riebeek East, Salem, Alicedale, Bathurst and Port Alfred; go sightseeing along the coast to East London, or travel westwards to Kenton-on-Sea, Alexandria and beyond to Port Elizabeth.
Too lazy to drive? Take a shuttle to the bigger cities which will drop you off at a major shopping centre and collect you again or hire a driver who will ferry you in style to wherever you want to go.
Grahamstown is amazing during the hot and sunny months; with no crowds and great value for money it is the perfect holiday destination for everyone.
Special Offers:
GAME DRIVES R350PP (including refreshments), minimum 4 people – Lukhanyo Game Reserve. Call 082 661 0048 to book.
20% DISCOUNT – Aloe and Elephant Lodge – accommodation discount for December and January. Call 082 890 2633 to book.
10% DISCOUNT – Historic Cottages – accommodation discount on bookings of 2 nights or more during December and January. Call 083 630 8696 to book.
ACCOMMODATION R899PPPN (sharing) for 1-21/12/2015 – Bucklands Private Game Reserve. Call 0727363681 to book.
Activities:
Africana/Out of print books: Fables Bookshop 046 636 1525
Bingo/Casino: Goldrush Bingo and Entertainment 046 622 2164
Canoeing: Bushmans River Canoe Trail (Kenton) 046 648 1223
Cruises: Kariega River 082 361 9750; Kowie River 046 624 1866
Elephant Back safari: 042 881 2427
Golf: Belmont GC (Grahamstown) 087 809 0698, Royal Port Alfred GC 046 624 4796, Alexandria GC 046 653 0207, Alicedale 042 231 8000
Grahamstown: Cathedral of St Michael and St George, Astronomical Toposcope, Riding Club, Artificers’ Square, Winged Figure of Peace memorial, SA’s oldest post box, 1820 Settlers’ Monument.
Museums: Camera Obscura, History and Science, Fort Selwyn and Old Provost (Grahamstown) 046 622 2312; Weaving (Alicedale) 042 231 1247; Agricultural (Bathurst) 072 408 4858.
Sky diving: EP Skydivers 082 441 2005 (January)
Tour guide: Ottours 082 214 4242
Zip-lining: Fraser’s Camp 082 659 2715
For more information go to www.grahamstown.co.za
