graaff-reinet
 
Graaff-Reinet - Richly Imbued with History, Nature & Beauty

Surrounded by the Camdeboo National Park, Graaff-Reinet, the heart of the “Great Karoo” – Place of Thirst – is a boundless and mysterious area covered by vast sheep and game farms, where broad plains roll away to distant koppies and multilayered mountains that seem to touch the indigo sky.  Listen to the silence, breathe in the aged earth and the Karoo bossies (which conjure up the taste of Karoo lamb!), and gaze at a startlingly clear horizon that seems drawn at the other end of the earth.  Our clear night skies are studded with countless stars and huge bright planets; even other galaxies are visible with the naked eye, offering some of the best star gazing in the world.  Fossils of some of the earliest forms of one-celled life have been discovered here, indicating that life has existed in this region for three billion years.  The richness of pre-dinosaur fossils in this region is world-renowned. 

Graaff-Reinet, the fourth oldest town in South Africa, is recognized as the home of magnificent examples of Cape Dutch architecture, and over 220 heritage sites (more than any other town in South Africa!).  The past is preserved in four extraordinary museums which hold collections of photographic memorabilia, firearms, artworks and fossils, tracing the story of the Karoo - and the town - from pre-history right up to the present day.

We invite you to experience the magic of this area, discover eccentric little hamlets, sprawling farmsteads and the historical town of Graaff-Reinet, populated by warm and welcoming people that love to share their stories and legends.

 

Events
Photography & Stargazing at Ganora
17th May 2012 to 18th May 2012
Join well-known photographer Pine Pienaar for an exciting, informal weekend where you'll not only get to know your camera, but also enjoy the stars and some good company. Seats are limited, so you'll receive hands-on, personal attention so you can also take photo's like these.Contact Hester Steynberg 0498411302
Graaff-Reinet Community Tourism Office
23rd May 2012 to
Annual General Meeting to be held at Queen Manor Guest House 23 Queen Street Graaff-Reinet at 10h00 049 8924248
Camdeboo Music Festival
31st May 2012 to 3rd June 2012
To be held at the Urquhart Caravan Park Contact the Caravan Park for more information 049 8922136
Camdeboo Hospice
4th June 2012
Annual General Meeting in the Hospice Boardroom 4 June 2012 at 17h15.All members of the community are invited 049 8924732
Murray Family Festival 2012
28th June 2012 to 3rd July 2012
All descendants of Andrew Murray of Graaff-Reinet are cordially invited and urged to rally the aforementioned family this year in Graaff-Reinet.
Graaff-Reinet Teachers Training College Reunion
29th June 2012 to 1st July 2012
Reunion for all teachers who trained at the College. Contact Rina Greeff 0764777876
Interschools & Class Reunion Weekend
9th August 2012 to 12th August 2012
Annual Interschools & Class Reunion Weekend Union High School 049 8910262 Volkskool 049 8910514
Karoo-lus Festival
28th September 2012 to 29th September 2012
More info to follow shortly. Contact Johan v Jaarsveld 049 8910825
News
Drostdy Hotel
29th April 2012
The stately Drostdy Hotel, nestled in the heart of the historic town of Graaff-Reinet in the Great Karoo, will be closing down to undergo extensive renovations, and re-opening towards the end of 2013 For accommodation options in Graaff-Reinet contact Graaff-Reinet Tourism Office 049 8924248 or visit www.graaffreinet.co.za
Camp in the Camdeboo National Park
30th April 2012
Camdeboo National Park, which surrounds the town of Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape, will open its long-awaited Nqweba Camp Site on 1st March 2012 and Lakeside Camp Site on 1 March 2012. Contact Camdeboo National Park 049 8923453
Pieneef Station Panels Exhibition
30th April 2012
ON PERMANENT EXHIBITION AT THE RUPERT ART MUSEUM STELLENBOSCH
Hester Rupert Art Museum
30th April 2012
Graaff-Reinet is full of surprising discoveries, like the Hester Rupert Art Museum. This Karoo art museum houses a wonderful collection of South African art.
Reinet House Museum
30th April 2012
The Graaff-Reinet Museum or “Reinet House”, formerly a Dutch Reformed Church parsonage, was built at the expense of the Government in 1812 during the ministry of the Rev. Kicherer. It was the home of three ministers prior to 1822, the year in which the Rev. Andrew Murray, from Aberdeenshire, Scotland, became the resident minister. After his death in 1866 the parsonage was occupied by his son Charles until his death in 1904.
Camdeboo National Park
10th May 2012
Plans are afoot in South Africa to open up an ancient migratory trail used by the endangered Cape mountain zebra and other wildlife. The exciting new initiative aims to create a corridor between Camdeboo and Mountain Zebra National Parks to improve the conservation status of South Africa’s grassland animals.
Samara Private Game Reserve Newsletter
15th May 2012
Update on 2 Spotty Ladies Sibella who has successfully reared 3 litters, totaling 18 cubs, continues to enjoy her life and provide awesome experiences for our guests.

 

Click on the links below in order to access their web sites
 
 

 

Graaff Reinet Museums
 
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