Grahamstown, Frontier Country
To most South Africans, Grahamstown, just off the N2 between Port Elizabeth and Port Alfred, is the home of Rhodes University, and the host of one of the country’s longest running and major arts festivals - the National Arts Festival.
Regarded as the heart of the tourist route known as 'Frontier Country', Grahamstown, along with towns like Alicedale, Sidbury, Riebeeck East, Hogsback and Alice, is part of one of the most diverse ecological regions in South Africa, with thousands of hectares devoted to nature and game conservation, and a history seeped in forts, conflict and strife.
Grahamstown lies at the intersection of four very different climatic zones and its unpredictable weather is part of the excitement of the annual arts festival, which takes place in the middle of winter and sees thousands of people bundled in coats, gloves and scarves, descend on the city, whose broad tree-lined streets, gorgeous historical buildings, museums and plethora of churches - responsible for its ‘City of Saints’ label - are a throw-back to the time when Grahamstown was the second largest city in the Cape.
The Fringe still serves as a great place to spot talent as theatre is not subject to a selection committee, as is the main festival. Grahamstown maintains its small-town Victorian charm, its over 100 schools and university earning it a reputation as an academic city. grahamstown is also a bird watchers delight. The Thomas Baines Nature Reserve, which lies just outside the city, and the Great Fish River Reserve, about 35 kilometres away, both provide a wide variety of bird life.
The Oldenburgia hiking trail, Grahamstown’s own hiking trail, is a two-day circular trail starting and ending in the city, and there are another two shorter walking trails in town - the Dassie Krantz and Gowie Kloof.
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Featured Attractions in (or near) Grahamstown
Bucklands Private Game Reserve
Bucklands Private Game Reserve is a Stewart Family conservation initiative which was launched in 2007 culminating from the families deep love of the African continent's splendid diversity and natural beauty found within its wildlife and nature reserves. Terry and Michele's outdoor lifestyles and regular ... more information
Great Fish River Reserve
The spectacularly beautiful Great Fish River Reserve lies in the valley of the Great Fish River, between the town of Grahamstown and Fort Beaufort, extending eastwards all the way to the Kieskama River. It is a malaria-free area of enormous potential that has managed thus far to remain largely off the major ... more information
Makana Botanical Gardens
The Makana Botanical Gardens, said to be the second oldest such gardens in South Africa and a national monument, lie adjacent to the Rhodes University campus in Grahamstown. They were established way back in 1853 and were the second garden established in the Cape Colony at the time. Given the beauty ... more information
Pumba Game Reserve
Lying in a particularly breathtaking setting that includes five of the world’s seven biomes, Pumba Private Game Reserve has a couple of major advantages: one, it is set in a malaria-free part of the Eastern Cape, and two, it provides really easy access to big game viewing, including the Big Five, making travelling to ... more information
Thomas Baines Nature Reserve
The Thomas Baines Nature Reserve is situated 12km from Grahamstown. The Thomas Baines Reserve is named after the famous 19th Century artist who left a valuable record of the rich diversity of fauna and flora in the region, including the now-extinct quagga. The nature reserve boasts an impressive herd ... more information
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Things To Do in Grahamstown
Cocktails at Yellow House
Where: Grahamstown
How much (per person): R1 to R100
For a fun night out spend an evening in the centre of Grahamstown enjoying the nightlife at the Yellow House Cocktail Bar or relax on the pa ... more information
Tour of Valley of The Ancient Voices
Where: Grahamstown
How much (per person): On Request
A knowledgeable guide will lead you through the Valley of the Ancient Voices. The walk winds through the valley for 2 kilometers from beginn ... more information
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Events and/or Festivals in Grahamstown
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On Holiday in Grahamstown
• Grahamstown Map
• Things to Do in Grahamstown
• Grahamstown Accommodation
• Grahamstown Hotels
• Frontier Country Accommodation
• Frontier Country Hotels
• Eastern Cape Accommodation
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