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Graaff-Reinet is the oldest town in the Eastern Cape and the fourth oldest in South Africa. During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries Dutch Burghers began to leave the Cape area. These Burghers became known as Trek Boers and were noted for their hardy, independent characters, disdain for authority and dislike of taxes.
To keep some control over their subjects, the authorities established in 1786 an administrative centre (Drostdy) in a picturesque setting where the Sundays River flows from the Sneeuberg Mountains. This they named after the Governor and his wife Reinet.
In the 1830s there was a mass movement of Boers away from the Colony to the North where they hoped to establish republics where they would be independent. This was the Great Trek which had huge ramifications on the history of South Africa. The majority of those on the Trek came from the Eastern Cape. One of the Graaff-Reinet trekkers, Andries Pretorius commanded the Boers at the Battle of Blood River and later became the first president of the South African Republic. Pretoria, was named after him.
Graaff-Reinet is the center of Camdeboo Municipality and is built in a “horseshoe” where the Sundays River loops and almost encircles the town.
Graaff-Reinet has one of the most attractive settings of any town in South Africa, mountains on three sides and the flat plains of the Camdeboo to the south. Few towns have conserved their townscape as well as Graaff-Reinet. The town has more protected buildings than any other in South Africa. The most prominent of these is the Dutch Reformed Church which is a Victorian gothic gem. Other notable structures are the Old Drostdy, now the Drostdy Hotel, as well as several splendid examples of Cape Dutch, such as Reinet House, Urquhart House and the old Residency, now part of the Graaff-Reinet Museum.
Since the days of the “Graaff-Reinet Republic” the town has always been in the forefront of historical processes in South Africa. During the guerilla phase of the Anglo Boer War, raiders from the Transvaal and Free State operated widely in the rugged terrain of the area, supported by much of the Afrikaans populace. Many, although subjects of the Queen, took up arms and joined the Boers. They were known as “Cape Rebels”. A large garrison was stationed in Graaff-Reinet to try and quell the situation. Their barracks still exist, now known as the “Royal Walk”. Many of the Cape Rebels were taken prisoner and charged with high treason. A number were shot by firing squad, the most controversial being Gideon Scheepers, a Boer commander, who was executed outside the town near Van Rynevelds Pass. When Van Rynevelds Dam was built his grave was covered by the resultant lake.
Robert Sobukwe one of South Africa’s most famous anti apartheid activists hailed from Graaff-Reinet. Best known for founding the Pan African Congress he was imprisoned on Robben Island. Dr Sobukwe is buried in Graaff-Reinet.
Graaff-Reinet is almost surrounded by the Camdeboo National Park. In this park is found one the well-known Valley of Desolation, a dramatic cleft in the ironstone rocks. There are many private game reserves and hunting lodges in the district. The town is also the centre of a sheep farming area well-known for the quality of its wool and its mutton. Karoo Lamb is the finest in the world. Many farms in the area offer farm stays and numerous activities such as hiking, horse riding, quad bikes, hunting, bird viewing and many more. Show more
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Villa Reinet, a listed national monument building, is the perfect base from which to experience the historic town of Graaff-Reinet and surrounds. Comments from past guests adorn our walls, and we would love your comments to join them. 5 rooms for...
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Situated in the “Gem of the Karoo” Graaff-Reinet, Queen Manor Boutique Guest House provides top quality, first class accommodation for the discerning traveller and businessman.
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Enjoy spectacular views of the Karoo escarpment, off the R63 between Port Elizabeth and Graaff-Reinet. A picture perfect, Melrose sunset is definitely one worth staying for, where after you can enjoy a three course meal which encapsulates the...
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No 6 is a charming, historic and luxurious guest house, in central Graaff-Reinet, close to all amenities, National Monuments and art galleries. Three generous rooms, two bathrooms (1 en suite). Self-catering in luxury kitchen or choose the B&B...
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Mount Camdeboo is privately owned, having been purchased by the late Logie Buchanan and his wife, Cathy in 1996. Their son, Iain and the Buchanan family have poured much love and dedication into developing this property over the years from...
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This old Karoo home, circa 1856, has been transformed into a small boutique-type accommodation centrally situated in Graaff-Reinet, the jewel of the Karoo. Our guesthouse, named Aa'Qtansisi, is derived from the authentic original Khoisan language,...
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Situated off the R337 between Jansenville and Pearston, The Stone Cottage offers guests the opportunity to experience the tranquillity of the Karoo countryside. The more energetically inclined, can spend time at the swimming pool, enjoy exploring...
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Come and enjoy the comfort, peace and tranquility of Aan-die-Oewer’s exquisite 3-star facilities and top-class service.
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Karoo Rus offers luxurious self catering accommodation in central Graaff-Reinet, within 5 minutes' walk of most shops, museums, attractions and restaurants.
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Camdeboo National Park provides the visitor with two campsites, one with furnished and equipped tents and the other a caravan and camping park with 15 sites.
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Situated in the quiet suburb of Cypress Grove, this Guesthouse is a great place to come to after a long day on the road, or after a long day at the office - if you're in town for business.
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Betty`s is just a stones throw away from central Graaff-Reinet. A mere 10 minute stroll will get you to most of the restaurants, museums, sight-seeing, banks and shops.Betty`s is in the main street running East to West and situated next to a...
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These two charming cottages date back to the 1800s and combine authentic Karoo style and ambience with every modern comfort.Beautifully restored and furnished with antiques, they face each other across the shady quiet of one of the most picturesque...
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Heather and Barry Vorster have only one problem with their accommodation, our guests enjoy the "home from home feeling" in each of our units that they feel so at home they don't want to leave.
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Camdeboo Cottages is located in the heart of old Graaff-Reinet, on the corner of Bourke and Parliament Street, within walking distance of local attractions and facilities.
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A warm, relaxed ambience has been created with particular emphasis on comfort to make our guests feel at home.
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In the heart of Graaff-Reinet lies Avondrust, a charming and inviting Guest House offering our guests 2000m2 of gracious living.
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Situated in the “Gem of the Karoo” Graaff-Reinet, Queen Manor Boutique Guest House provides top quality, first class accommodation for the discerning traveller and businessman.
|
|
|
|
Villa Reinet, a listed national monument building, is the perfect base from which to experience the historic town of Graaff-Reinet and surrounds. Comments from past guests adorn our walls, and we would love your comments to join them. 5 rooms for...
|
|
|
|
This old Karoo home, circa 1856, has been transformed into a small boutique-type accommodation centrally situated in Graaff-Reinet, the jewel of the Karoo. Our guesthouse, named Aa'Qtansisi, is derived from the authentic original Khoisan language,...
|
|
|
|
Situated off the R337 between Jansenville and Pearston, The Stone Cottage offers guests the opportunity to experience the tranquillity of the Karoo countryside. The more energetically inclined, can spend time at the swimming pool, enjoy exploring...
|
|
|
|
Situated in the quiet suburb of Cypress Grove, this Guesthouse is a great place to come to after a long day on the road, or after a long day at the office - if you're in town for business.
|
|
|
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In the heart of Graaff-Reinet lies Avondrust, a charming and inviting Guest House offering our guests 2000m2 of gracious living.
|
|
|
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These two charming cottages date back to the 1800s and combine authentic Karoo style and ambience with every modern comfort.Beautifully restored and furnished with antiques, they face each other across the shady quiet of one of the most picturesque...
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Camdeboo National Park provides the visitor with two campsites, one with furnished and equipped tents and the other a caravan and camping park with 15 sites.
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Camdeboo Cottages is located in the heart of old Graaff-Reinet, on the corner of Bourke and Parliament Street, within walking distance of local attractions and facilities.
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Karoo Rus offers luxurious self catering accommodation in central Graaff-Reinet, within 5 minutes' walk of most shops, museums, attractions and restaurants.
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A warm, relaxed ambience has been created with particular emphasis on comfort to make our guests feel at home.
|
|
|
|
Heather and Barry Vorster have only one problem with their accommodation, our guests enjoy the "home from home feeling" in each of our units that they feel so at home they don't want to leave.
|
|
|
|
Betty`s is just a stones throw away from central Graaff-Reinet. A mere 10 minute stroll will get you to most of the restaurants, museums, sight-seeing, banks and shops.Betty`s is in the main street running East to West and situated next to a...
|
|
|
|
Enjoy spectacular views of the Karoo escarpment, off the R63 between Port Elizabeth and Graaff-Reinet. A picture perfect, Melrose sunset is definitely one worth staying for, where after you can enjoy a three course meal which encapsulates the...
|
|
|
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No 6 is a charming, historic and luxurious guest house, in central Graaff-Reinet, close to all amenities, National Monuments and art galleries. Three generous rooms, two bathrooms (1 en suite). Self-catering in luxury kitchen or choose the B&B...
|
|
|
|
Mount Camdeboo is privately owned, having been purchased by the late Logie Buchanan and his wife, Cathy in 1996. Their son, Iain and the Buchanan family have poured much love and dedication into developing this property over the years from...
|
|
|
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Come and enjoy the comfort, peace and tranquility of Aan-die-Oewer’s exquisite 3-star facilities and top-class service.
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GRAAFF-REINET QUICK LINKS
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