ABOUT GRAHAMSTOWN

Grahamstown is of great historical significance in the modern history of South Africa, named after Colonel Graham a famous and controversial soldier who was part of the immigration of mainly British “Settlers” from the 1820s. Hence it is also known as the Settler City as well as the City of Saints for its large number of places of worship of many denominations. Check out www.grahamstown.co.za its official website.

The following are some of the things potential visitors can view along with experiencing this lovely accommodation I am offering and also the reason why I have renovated Lanherne Guest House in the old English colonial style to share part of this beautiful historic town. Grahamstown is the home of the oldest post box in South Africa, which is on the corner of Worcester St.

Known also as a centre of educational excellence there are many wonderful schools, St. Andrew’s College and Prep, Diosesan School for Girls, Kingswood College as well as Graeme College, and Victoria Girls High School .

At the heart of the town is Rhodes University and the Eastern Cape High Court.

Whilst in Grahamstown why don’t you visit or check out some of the following:

• Observatory
• Albany Museum, second oldest museum in South Africa.
• The Coffee shop at the Monument for a stunning view of Grahamstown and surrounds.
• A trip up Mountain Drive & view the surrounding countryside from the Toposcope. For the walker there are many marked hiking trails.
• For the runner, join a run/walk for life, newcomers and visitors always welcome.
• Grahamstown Golf Course.
• Musical instrument workshop.

The annual National Arts Festival gets bigger and better every year and attracts international participants as well as audiences. This takes place end of June running into early July. It is a truly remarkable event consisting of live theatre, dance, music, comedy, a jazz festival, arts and crafts.

Grahamstown also hosts the South African Scifest which is a feast of science presentations and workshops aimed at children and scholars (and adults) of all ages.

Grahamstown is surrounded by Malaria Free Private Game Parks and hunting concessions and is about 100kms from Addo Elephant Natioal Park – home of the Big Seven.

Frasers Camp Adventures offers Zipline tours just 38km from GT.

Some suggestions for private game reserves to visit very close to Grahamstown, Kichaka, Vaalkrans (offers self-catering options), Pumba which offers day safaris, Amakala, Kwandwe, and many more.

Other large scale attractions in the vicinity include Baviaanskloof Mega-reserve the ultimate in eco-tourism and adventure tours, outdoor recreation and a unique wilderness experience.

We are 60kms from the sunshine coast. Port Alfred and Kenton-upon-Sea. Both consist of kilometers of unspoiled sandy beaches including Blue Flag status beaches and stunning sand dunes. Ride on the Kenton beach with Beachcomber Horse trails. A few kms along the coast one can take kite surfing lessons at Cannon Rocks, which is increasingly popular for kite surfing as it is now known worldwide as one of the best destinations in the world for this sport.

On the way to Port Alfred from Grahamstown you will find Bathurst which is an arty village, full of local creative talent and several fine eateries and pubs.

For a slightly different rural experience take a trip to Riebeeck East.