Grahamstown
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All About Grahamstown "THE CITY OF SAINTS - CITY OF CULTURE"
Grahamstown a small city with a sizeable spirit! Best known for playing host to the world’s second largest arts festival- the National Arts Festival. Its renowned schools, Rhodes University, famous coelacanth, and Botanical Gardens also distinguish Grahamstown.
Situated in the heart of the Frontier Country, Grahamstown is steeped in history and has something to offer everyone, from fascinating historical holidays to an adrenaline pumping outdoor adventure.
Museums are plentiful, well maintained and in touch with the times. They include the Natural Science Museum (celebrating it’s 150th birthday this year) the History Museum, the Observatory Museum, Fort Selwyn and the Provost Prison. These constitute the Albany Museum Complex, which is the largest of its kind in the country. With its charming streets lined with quaint settler houses, Grahamstown is considered by many to be a living museum.
The International Library of African Music is situated on the Rhodes University Campus and is a unique institution, well worth a couple of hours of holiday time.
The Botanical Gardens, “Bots” to the locals, was the second botanical garden established by the English in the Cape Colony. Plans and planting began in 1853 and much of the original gardens remain in tact.
Rhodes University and Government funding are currently restoring the gardens to their former glory with future plans for an educational venue and open-air amphitheatre. “Bots” is a venue destined to become a hub for gatherings, picnics, musical events, or just a simple stroll in the park.
The city boasts the only Victorian Camera Obscura (Magical Mirror) in the Southern Hemisphere, and the oldest Post Box in the country. The Cathedral of St Michael & St George has the highest spire in the land and houses a magnificent organ. The peeling of the Cathedral bells can be regularly heard throughout the city.
South Africa’s first dinosaur was discovered near Grahamstown and the story of the coelacanth, believed to have been extinct, plays itself out at the South African Institute for Aquatic Bio-Diversity.
It is easy to explore the surrounding countryside by taking daytrips to the magnificent Sunshine Coast (a mere half hour’s drive away). The beaches are one of South Africa’s hidden treasures and if you know where to look, (with the correct licenses) oysters, mussels and other delicacies are plentiful.
Settler villages and towns, namely Bathurst, Alicedale, Salem, Alexandria, Port Alfred, Kleinemonde and others, surround Grahamstown. This historically farming area abounds with some of the most beautiful and well-known game and nature reserves. It is a malaria free part of the country, with accommodation rates within the reach of the average South African.
Spend an interesting day or two at one of the pineapple farms, some of which are still owned and managed by the descendants of the 1820 Settlers.
There are many and various outdoor adventures and activities to choose from including 4x4 trails, skydiving, hiking, kayaking, surfing, and rock climbing. For those requiring the gentler things in life, try fishing, boating, birding, golf, and whale watching or relax on the best beaches in the Eastern Cape.
CLICK HERE for a comprehensive list of Things to Do while in Grahamstown.
Grahamstown Hospitality Guild has a membership of approximately 70 registered B&B’s, Guest Houses, Hotels, Lodges, and Farm Stays. They are known for their high standards of hospitality and friendship. For those wanting the Township experience, be treated right royally by the “Entabeni Homestay” Ladies. |
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