About Rhodes University
Grahamstown is a small town in the Eastern Cape and is best known for two things: 1) The Rhodes University and 2) The National Arts Festival (affectionately known as the Grahamstown Festival). This little town is steeped in history and heritage, full of South African and colonial culture that infuses it with plenty of character. It is within this setting that around 7 000 local and international students converge to learn and thrive in a number of academic disciplines.
Rhodes University was established in 1904 in response to a growing need for tertiary education and a lack of facilities and funds in smaller institutions around the Eastern Cape Province. Over the generations, it has continued to grow, enjoying its present reputation as one of South Africa's top universities. Around half of all of the students here stay in the residences, which means that they make up a large portion of the local population of the town.
Did you know? Most of the town can be explored on foot, which gives you, the visitor, an opportunity to become part of the charm and character of Grahamstown.
Rhodes University is equipped with undergraduate and postgraduate departments; giving students the opportunity to explore and excel in a number of different areas. The academic departments include (but are certainly not limited to) Accounting, African Languages, Anthropology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Drama, Economics, English, Environmental Science, Fine Art, Geology, Human Kinetics & Ergonomics, Ichthyology & Fisheries Science, Journalism & Media Studies, Law, Music & Musicology, Political & International Studies, Zoology & Entomology; and a number of other languages (such as Chinese, Afrikaans, German and French).
Roughly one-quarter of the students here are postgraduates, while about 20% are not South Africans. This testifies to the diversity of those that make up the population of this university and of Grahamstown itself. Some of the notable graduates of Rhodes include Wilbur Smith (author and novelist), Ian Roberts (South African actor), Nan Cross (anti-apartheid activist), Max Theiler (virologist and Nobel Peace Prize winner), and Mluleki George (ANC MP and former prisoner on Robben Island).
For those visiting the beautiful Rhodes University Campus, there is plenty to see and do in the town that surrounds it. Grahamstown is known for its colonial history, old-world Victorian-style architecture (including many churches), and the creative folk that give it an arty sort of look and feel. The streets are wide and flanked by tall trees that cast dappled shadows onto those exploring the town beneath them. To avoid disappointment it is advisable to book your accommodation well in advance when visiting Grahamstown. Browse our Grahamstown Accommodation pages to find guest houses, hotels and self catering places and for additional info about Grahamstown which includes attractions and Things to Do, see 'About Grahamstown'.
Because it is a university town, Grahamstown is also full of fun places to eat, drink and relax. Quirky coffee shops and restaurants, night clubs, shopping malls and open markets are the order of the day. Albany Museum is affiliated with Rhodes University and is the second-oldest museum in South Africa, having been established in 1855. It boasts an incredible variety of exhibits that include archaeological findings, fossils, natural displays, historical displays, and a magnificent fine art collection. The Old Provost Prison (an official Heritage Site built in a uniquely British Cape Colony style) is also part of this museum.
Need to Know
WhereRhodes University, Grahamstown, Frontier Country, Eastern Cape, South Africa
WhenDaylight hours.
OvernightStay in Grahamstown Accommodation, Eastern Cape
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested inIn the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Grahamstown

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...

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...

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

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...

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 ...

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

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

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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 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-...

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...

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 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...
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 ...
Accommodation convenient to Rhodes University
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Eastern Cape Accommodation / Frontier Country Accommodation / Grahamstown Accommodation