Graaff-Reinet

Considered the Eastern Cape's oldest town, Graaff-Reinet offers a trip back to yesteryear and is home to hundreds of lovingly restored Victorian buildings and national monuments. Graaff-Reinet lies at the foot of the Sneeuberg Mountains next to the Sundays River. The imposing Dutch Reformed church presides over the quaint Karoo Heartland town. Famous for prehistoric fossils, it’s also the hometown of Robert Sobukwe, founder of the Pan African Congress. Visit the stunning Valley of Desolation in the surrounding Camdeboo National Park. The area has some great hiking trails and contains one of the largest concentrations of ancient fossilized bones. Nieu-Bethesda is only a 52 km drive from Graaff-Reinet and is a worthwhile day trip to check out the Owl House, Fossil Interpretation Centre, little galleries, craft shops and cafes.