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
Camdeboo National Park`s June Holiday Programme
24th June 2013 to 28th June 2013
Contact Rosemary Scheepers or Sade Cowley for more information & bookings 049 8923453 or rosemary.scheepers@sanparks.org
Graaff-Reinet Museums
19th July 2013
The Graaff-Reinet Museum, together with the ACVV Protective Workplace, will be hosting the first ever STRUT Trunk Show in Graaff-Reinet as a fundraising initiative. Contact 049 8923801
Weekend Workshop at Ganora with Talbot Cox
25th July 2013 to 28th July 2013
Join well-known artist & art teacher Talbot Cox for a happy and expressive weekend workshop aimed at making art a part of your daily existence.... Contact Heidi 082 8652699
Photography & Stargazing at Ganora
29th August 2013 to 1st September 2013
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.A 2nd course will run from 21 - 24 November 2013 Contact Hester Steynberg 0498411302
Pink Trees for Pauline / Graaff-Reinet & District Cancer Association
18th October 2013
Once again the Graaff-Reinet and District Cancer Association is busy organising the PINK TREES FOR PAULINE project. This amazing town proved last year that it truly is unique and capable of doing anything it sets its mind to! And doing it 110%!
News
Camp in the Camdeboo National Park
2nd January 2013
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
Black Eagle Glide
21st May 2013
A watchable nest is at the Valley of Desolation, in the Camdeboo National Park outside of Graaff-Reinet. I went to inspect the nest on the 24th May 2013 and there is green material on it but no eggs yet. Instead I was treated to a breathtaking aerial display. Before I reached the nest I saw an eagle in free fall, disappearing into the Valley. Next there were Pied Crows mobbing a Harrier-hawk, and then they switched their attention to the eagle. Whle all this was happening a Falcon (too fast to identitfy) streaked down the cliff face. When it was all over the Black Eagle passed me , gliding closely over me. They invariably do this just to let me know that I am not the only inquistive one!
YouTube link to Graaff-Reinet`s new marketing Video
21st May 2013
New Graaff-Reinet Marketing Video http://youtu.be/cSan9sXJcQs Thanks to Mandy Roets, Marketing and Projects Manager Graaff-Reinet Tourism and NightOwl Media.
Valley of Desolation in Camdeboo National Park
21st May 2013
Formed hundreds of millions of years ago, the Karoo of South Africa is one of the great natural wonders of the world. Camdeboo National Park provides the visitor with insights into the unique landscape and ecosystem of the Karoo, not to mention awesome scenic beauty. Contact 049 8923453
Drostdy Hotel
21st May 2013
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

 

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

 

Graaff Reinet Museums
 
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