Karoo Connections

• Graaff-Reinet

KAROO CONNECTIONS GRAAFF-REINET

HISTORICAL GRAAFF-REINET TOUR  

After an introductory talk on Magazine Hill overlooking the town, take a guided walk through the architectural “Gem of the Karoo”, the 4th oldest town in South Africa, with Cape Dutch, Victorian & quaint Karoo style homes. Learn about its rich historical and cultural past and discover why David Livingstone called it “the prettiest town in all Africa”. Visit landmarks and national monuments including the old Drostdy, Stretch’s Court, the Dutch Reformed Church and the Graaff-Reinet Club where bullet holes in the bar-counter reveal a fascinating past. (± 3 hours) 

UMASIZAKHE TOWNSHIP WALKABOUT 

Visit the birthplace of Robert Sobukwe (The 1st leader of the PAC & the man who defied the authorities and led the Pass Book protests of 1960) Experience this vibrant and friendly community with a local guide and learn about “Ubuntu” and the Xhosa language and culture. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea & “rooster-brood” in “Antie Emily's” home and visit a local project and/or a school. Visit the historical Royal Block and quench your thirst in Kitten’s Place or the White House Tavern. On a Sunday one can attend a church service and hear a traditional or gospel choir. (± 3 hours)

VALLEY OF DESOLATION SUNDOWNER TOUR BY OPEN LAND ROVER 

Experience the solitude of the hauntingly beautiful “Cathedral of the Mountains” with spectacular 120m high columns of ancient eroded volcanic rock that stand sentinel over the endless, parched Plains of Camdeboo. Panoramic views over Graaff-Reinet are also afforded and on the distant horizon the Cockscomb Mountain is visible 150km away. Wildlife commonly seen on this tour includes Kudu, Cape Mountain Zebra, Mountain Reedbuck and the majestic Verreaux’s Eagle with their 2m wingspan. Optional 2 km Crag Lizard hiking trail along the cliff-tops. (± 3 hours)

 CAMDEBOO NATIONAL PARK GAME DRIVE BY OPEN LAND ROVER

Experience incredible open landscapes in this 19 405-hectare park with 225 bird species, 34 reptile species and 43 mammal species including Kudu, Blesbok, Black Wildebeest, Oryx, Cape Mountain Zebra, Cape Buffalo, Red Hartebeest, Springbok and Eland. Meerkats are frequently seen at their burrows and Vervet Monkeys abound in the Acacia. Thousands of water-birds including the African Fish Eagle inhabit the wetlands of the Nqweba Dam while Blue Crane and Stanley's Bustard are also often seen. (± 3 hours)

MOUNTAIN ZEBRA NATIONAL PARK TOUR 

Take a drive over the Sneeuberg Mountains to this 28 000 hectare park established in 1937 to conserve the endangered Cape Mountain Zebra. From the extensive grassland plateau one is afforded panoramic vistas of the “Karoo Highlands”. Large herds of Mountain Zebra, Blesbok, Black Wildebeest, Springbok, Eland and Red Hartebeest abound. The re-introduction over the last few years of Cape Buffalo, Black Rhino, Cheetah, Lion and Red-billed Oxpeckers make this park well worth a visit. Optional hiking trails. Optional packed or rest camp lunch (full day)

DRIEKOPPE 4X4 TRAIL BY OPEN LAND ROVER 
 
An adventure into the remote and rugged mountains of the little visited 11 000 ha eastern sector of the Camdeboo National Park. Explore by open Land Rover a world of rocky ravines & breath-taking views over the surrounding Plains of Camdeboo. Track down the rare Cape Mountain Zebra & experience a true Karoo mountain wilderness. Optional hiking trails. Optional packed or barbecue lunch. (½ day or full day) 

BUSHMAN ROCK ART & GONDWANALAND FOSSIL TOUR 

Full day incl. Nieu Bethesda & Owl House Tour
In the Sneeuberg Mountains lies an oasis; a sheltered, well-watered hollow hidden high up on the inhospitable plateau where man has lived, hunted, & survived for thousands of years. Take a walk to the paintings in a nearby rock-shelter, see hundreds of Bushman artefacts, learn about their vanished culture & take a fascinating guided tour of the fossil museum where hundreds of fossils are explained. The Karoo Basin of Gondwanaland is known to palaeontologists as “the richest reptile fossil depository on the planet.” Optional lunch. (½ day or full day)

NIEU BETHESDA & OWL HOUSE TOUR

 Bushman Rock Art & Gondwanaland Fossil TourTake a scenic drive to this picturesque and secluded village in the Sneeuberg Mountains where the relaxed pace of life has been little changed by time. Visit the Owl House; the eccentric Helen Martins’ fantasy world of glass and concrete. Take a walk through the quaint dusty streets, visit coffee shops, art galleries and see the talents of emerging township artists at the Bethesda Arts Centre. Optional lunch. (½ day or full day)

REGIONAL TRANSFERS & AIRPORT SHUTTLE – prices on application

We service the Eastern Cape & Great Karoo and combine safe & reliable service with competitive rates. For general transfers for any size group to regional airports, towns, lodges and game reserves do not hesitate to contact us. All transfers are with experienced drivers and luxury air-conditioned vehicles which carry on-board fridges with refreshments.  Tours and discounted rates for groups or children under 12 available on request. Minimum two participants. Tours by open Land Rover (max 10 passengers) or air-conditioned minivans. All rates include entrance fees and refreshments.

For further information please contact Karoo Connections at:
7 Church Street | PO Box 538, Graaff-Reinet 6280, South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)49 892 3978
Fax: +27 (0)49 891 1061
Cell: +27 (0)82 339 8646
E-mail: karooconnections@intekom.co.za
Website: www.karooconnections.co.za