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.

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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

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

Southern African Birdfinder - Author: Cohen, Spottiswoode and Rossouw - Published: 2006 - Page: 108

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

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

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

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

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

On Route - Explore South Africa region by region - 3rd edition - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 2014 - Page: 172

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

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

Getaway - Vol 29 No 10 - Author: - Published: 2018 - Page: 54

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

Country Life - Issue 284 - Author: - Published: 2020 - Page: 75

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

Country Life - Issue 277 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 28

Country Life - Issue 274 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 36

Country Life - Issue 274 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 78

Country Life - Issue 271 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 70

Country Life - Issue 271 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 18

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

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

Country Life - Issue 241 - Author: - Published: 2016 - Page: 55

Country Life - Issue 224 - Author: - Published: 2015 - Page: 30

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

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

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

Country Life - Issue 169 - Author: - Published: 2010 - Page: 64

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

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

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

Graaff-Reinet Tourism

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