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Graaff-Reinet at a glance

Graaff-Reinet is well known as being one of South Africa's oldest towns and is commonly referred to as "the heart of the Great Karoo". A couple of things you may not have known about Graaff-Reinet are that it is renowned for its Cape Dutch architecture and that an abundance of pre-dinosaur fossils has been found in the area.

A brief history of the area 

Graaff-Reinet was founded in 1786 by governor Cornelius van de Graaff. Reinet House, which is now a museum, was named in honour of the governor's wife, Cornelia, and is home to one of the largest living grapevines in the world. From as early as the late 18th century, Graaff-Reinet was a busy trading centre, and the area's reputation of being a great place to break up a journey dates back to this time.

Distance from key points

Graaff-Reinet's closest airport is Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Gqeberha, which is approximately 265 km away. The drive will take between three and three and a half hours, depending which route you take. Towns relatively close to Graaff-Reinet include Somerset East, which is about 125 km away and Cradock, which is approximately 140 km away.

Climate 

Graaff-Reinet residents enjoy relatively warm weather all year round - except for those wintery nights when the mercury can drop to just four or five degrees. During the hottest months of the year - November to March, midday often sees temperatures rising into the low to mid 30s. In the coldest months of June and July, the highest temperatures are likely to be in the low 20s.

Schools in the area 

Children in Graaff-Reinet can get started on the road to success at primary schools like Union Preparatory School or Laer Volkskool Graaff-Reinet. High schools in this quaint town include Union High School and Hoër Volkskool.

Healthcare in the area 

The wide array of medical professionals you'll find in Graaff-Reinet has your needs covered! You'll find general practitioners, dentists, optometrists, physiotherapists, chiropractors and more without having to travel far from home.

Shopping experience

Graaff-Reinet has gained a reputation for being home to a range of eclectic gift shops and vintage antique stores that make the town a collector's dream. If you're new to town or just visiting, don't miss a trip to Windmill Junction, Die Smous and Slater & Dutch.

When it's time to get the grocery shopping done in Graaff-Reinet, you can visit Shoprite, Pick n Pay or SPAR.

Restaurants 

If you're looking for a traditional taste of the Karoo, Pioneers Restaurant and Pub is the great way to go. Some favourites from the menu include the Keto Pioneers Basket, the Springbok Burger and the traditional Bobotie.

Our Yard Roastery and Culture Stop is an ideal spot for a cup of coffee and a catch-up session with a loved one. They also have an on-site craft liquor merchant who has everything you'll need to make a perfect cocktail.

De Cambedoo Restaurant at the Drostdy Hotel offers both indoor and al fresco dining, with mouthwatering local venison and Karoo lamb on the menu.

Special attractions

The beauty of Graaff-Reinet and its surroundings shouldn't be underestimated, and there is lots to see in the area.

The Valley of Desolation in the Cambedoo National Park is arguably one of South Africa's most breathtaking views. On a clear day, visitors will be greeted with panoramic views of the stunning landscape around Graaff-Reinet. There are also picnic and braai sites as well as hiking trails, 4x4 trails and opportunities to go mountain biking.

The Reinet House museum in Graaff-Reinet is a must for history buffs, with its array of period furniture and items related to life in the town's early years.

Samara Karoo Reserve is a private wildlife reserve near Graaff-Reinet and the perfect spot for a weekend away for residents of the town. If luck is on your side, you may encounter the Big Five and cheetah here.

Make Graaff-Reinet your home. Let it be your story. 

Graaff-Reinet, with its historical significance, quaint restaurants and coffee shops and surrounding beauty, is a sought-after address. To find out more about this stunning area of the Eastern Cape, contact Seeff today.

Image Credit: Graaff-Reinet, Karoo, Eastern Cape, South Africa by South African Tourism | Flickr | CC BY 2.0 | https://bit.ly/3ExgNoZ

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Graaff-Reinet in the news

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Graaff-Reinet in the news

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