Grahamstown, Frontier Country
To most South Africans, Grahamstown, (or Makhanda) 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 Grahamstown Arts Festival, which during apartheid was a hive of political and protest theatre that never closed its doors to any race, colour, sex or creed, and imposes no censorship or artistic restraint on works presented at the festival, continues as a platform for experimentation.
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.
Additional Reading
For more info about Grahamstown see our articles on the SA Travel News Blog: 1]. The city of saints – 10 slightly off-beat historical attractions in Grahamstown 2]. Grahamstown, The 'Festival City'
Travellers' Reviews
4 Reviews from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
What a beautiful, old little town. Love the history. The Grahamstown Arts festival is quite fun and nice to see. I wouldnt stay here for a long time though, was great for the day.
Sally (Cape Town)
Verified review
What a vibe! When the students are in town expect the nightlife to be buzzing. The town has plentyof history too - check out the oldest postbox in the country. Enjoyed the brief stay here, next time I'd like a bit more time to explore.
Alex (Port Elizabeth)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options

Huntsdrift Lodge
Huntsdrift Lodge offers Grahamstown accommodation high upon a ridge with a breath taking view of the mountains and The Great Fish River. This spe...

Kwandwe Uplands Homestead
The African wilderness of which childhood dreams are made is found at Kwandwe Uplands Homestead. An intimate private safari home imbued with old-...

Settler Cottage Apartments
Located in Grahamstown, Settler Cottage Apartments accommodates up to eight guests in three separate apartments. Here guests are near to a variet...

Seven Fountains Farm
Seven Fountains Farm boasts century old buildings that have been converted to individually furnished double rooms and self catering cottages. Bre...

Huntshoek Lodge
Huntshoek Lodge offers Grahamstown accommodation which caters for all budgets and needs – from small intimate groups, mini conferences, team buil...

The Ranch House Guesthouse
The Ranch House Guesthouse in Grahamstown is situated 17km outside of town on a private game reserve, about one and a half hours by road from Por...

Trumpetters Drift Game Farm
Trumpetters Drift Game Farm is the ideal destination for visitors wanting a quiet retreat with the option of indulging in game farm activities wi...

Somerset Lodge Grahamstown
Somerset Lodge provides accommodation in a standalone triple storey apartment block. The apartments have secure parking and are conveniently loca...

30 on Oatlands Road
30 on Oatlands offers you warm, welcoming and affordable accommodation. The guest house is within easy walking distance of various local attracti...

Amabwe Guest House
Located in Grahamstown, Amabwe Guesthouse provides accommodation within walking distance of the 1820 Settlers Monument and a short drive from Tho...

Wildebeest Chalet
Wildebeest is self-standing chalet offering Grahamstown accommodation on the outskirts of Huntsdrift Lodge with its own private deck and incredib...

137 High Street Guest House
137 High Street Guest House is situated in Grahamstown and offers comfortable accommodation for up to 20 guests in a selection of suites. Here gu...

Pumba Msenge Bush Lodge
Only 105km from Port Elizabeth, Pumba Msenge Bush Lodge is in the heart of the Eastern Cape's malaria-free game viewing region. With its 5-star G...

Hunters Chalet
Hunters Chalet offers Grahamstown accommodation at Huntshoek Lodge. This is a great spot for a quiet and peaceful getaway with no interference's ...

Lanherne Guest House
Lanherne Guest House, in Grahamstown, is a classic early 1900s home located in the Westhill suburb. The Guest House provides easy access to all p...

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge
Set in the heart of the Private Reserve in thick vegetation overlooking a dense valley, Ecca Lodge offers breathtaking views onto an escarpment o...

Kwandwe Melton Manor
Kwandwe Melton Manor is a private space that inspires the sharing of meals, laughter and experiences around the farmhouse table. Grand views of t...

Pumba Water Lodge
Water Lodge provides the perfect balance between an idyllic African safari and true 5-star luxury. Guests of the Water Lodge will be privy to unr...

Fiddlewood Fields
Fiddlewood Fields is a beautiful guesthouse set in a quiet lush garden. We are ideally located just 700m from St Andrews College, 100m from St An...

Bartholomew's Loft and Cottage
Bartholomew's Loft and Cottage is within easy walking distance of the city centre and Rhodes University. The Loft is an historic building, once a...

Cornerstone Manor
Cornerstone Manor is a beautifully restored Victorian villa set in the leafy suburb of Westhill in Grahamstown. Two luxurious guest suites overlo...

8A Grahamstown
8A Grahamstown is a luxurious and spacious guest house, ideally located in Grahamstown. 8A Grahamstown has been professionally designed and decor...

Induli Lodge
Induli derives its name from the isiXhosa word for "hilltop," perfectly capturing its serene location within the sprawling 22,000-acre Amakhala G...

Jenny's Guest House
Situated in Grahamstown in the heart of Settler Country, Jenny's Guest House's picturesque garden and sparkling swimming pool make for a perfect,...

Kwandwe Fort House
Warmth and comfort embodies the refined private spaces of the Fort House in Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. The private villa has been elegantly de...

The Milner Luxury Guest House
The Milner is a luxury guest house offering accommodation in Grahamstown. Choose from a selection of suites offered on a bed & breakfast basis. D...

African Safari Lodge
African Safari Lodge is situated on a private game reserve 17km outside of Grahamstown. The lodge is perched 20 meters above the high water mark ...

AppleBee Guest Cottages
AppleBee Guest Cottages are conveniently situated just 100m from St Andrew's Prep, 700m from St Andrew's College & DSG and 1.2km from Rhodes Univ...

The Cock House
One of Grahamstown's best-loved landmarks, The Cock House offers self-catering rooms and is located in Makhanda (Grahamstown). The guest house is...

A Stone's Throw
A Stone's Throw offers warm Eastern Cape hospitality in the heart of Frontier Country in a tranquil country setting, a must for bird lovers. Situ...

Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace is a much loved, laid-back family home. Full of quaint vintage treasures and oozing old charm, with wooden floors, high ceilings an...

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge
Great Fish River Lodge is located in the magnificent malaria-free Eastern Cape, Kwandwe Game Reserve and is within easy reach of South Africa's b...

Wishford Cottage
Wishford Cottage is located in the heart of Grahamstown. The character cottage is a short walk from the schools, sporting facilities, shopping ma...

Colonel Graham Guest House
Colonel Graham offers fine accommodation in the Eastern Cape city of Grahamstown offers the ideal blend of historical charm and modern day comfor...

Land's End Private Reserve
Land's End Private Reserve offers guests a relaxing self-catering getaway in a spacious family holiday home surrounded by beautiful scenery. The ...
Things to do in the area

Albany Museum Complex
Established 1855, the Albany Museum Complex comprises five museums and is the second oldest museum in South Africa. The Museum Complex has an Edu...

Visit the Makana Botanical Gardens
Head off to the Makana Botanical gardens on a week-day morning when few people are around. You can enter after passing through the Rhodes Univers...

The Grahamstown Cathedral
The Cathedral of St Michael and St George now known as the Grahamstown Cathedral was built in the 1800's and first opened its doors in 1830. This...

1820 Settlers National Monument
The 1820 Settlers National Monument, located in the historic town of Grahamstown (now Makhanda) in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, stands as a signi...

The Provost Prison
This was built in 1838 as a military prison in the Drostdy grounds when Sir Benjamin d'Urban, who was Governor of the Cape Colony, instructed the...

Oldest Official Letterbox in South Africa
When was the last time you posted a letter or send a postcard? In today's world it is all electronic and instant, but one can't forget the excite...

Cory Library For Historical Research
The Cory Library is found at Rhodes University and collects materials of all kinds to support research into the history of South Africa, related ...

The Eastern Star Gallery
The Eastern Star Gallery gets its name from a newspaper that was established in Grahamstown in 1871, which was the predecessor to the popular and...

Observatory Museum
If you only have time to visit one museum on your visit to Grahamstown then the Observatory Museum as it is a unique museum which celebrates the ...
Noteworthy attractions

Addo Elephant Park
Situated in a malaria free area the magnificently diverse Addo Elephant Park offers a wide variety of game viewing, outdoor adventure, accommodat...

Amakhala Game Reserve
Steeped in history and beauty, this 6000-hectare game reserve creates an ideal environment for an unforgettable safari and an intimate experience...

Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve is the southernmost, Big Game, private reserve in Africa - Malaraia Free. This ultimate African adventure stretches along t...

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 l...

Bosberg Nature Reserve
Set on the southern slopes of the Bosberg Mountains, the Bosberg Nature Reserve is a thickly wooded nature reserve that looms over the town of So...

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 Beaufor...

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 adv...

Tsolwana Game Reserve
Nestled against the northern slopes of the Winterberg Mountain range at the edge of the Karoo, Tsolwana Game Reserve lies between Cradock and Que...

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 ...
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