Graaff-Reinet & the Karoo

Timeless beauty in the South Africa's Karoo heartland

The Great Karoo appeals to those who enjoy remote places. The Great Karoo offers a captivating blend of dramatic landscapes, huge skies and superb star gazing. This expansive semi-desert region is a haven for stargazers, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. Notably some of the most beautiful Eastern Cape safari lodges are in the Karoo, such as Samara and Mount Camdeboo.

Graaff-Reinet – A Living Monument

Nestled in the heart of the Karoo, Graaff-Reinet stands as a testament to South Africa's colonial heritage. With its superb architecture and quirky museums, it’s been described as a ‘living monument’. Established in 1786, it is the fourth-oldest town in the country and boasts over 220 impeccably preserved national monuments. From simple flat topped Karoo houses, to Cape Dutch homesteads to ornate Victorian villas, the town's architecture tells tales of a bygone era.

The multi-faceted Graaff-Reinet Museum, spread across five historical buildings, offers insights into the region's rich tapestry of history and culture.​

Graaff Reinet can be your base for a couple of nights to explore the area,

Natural Wonders of the Valley of Desolation

Valley of Desolation: a short drive from Graaff Reine, this geological marvel within the Camdeboo National Park. With its dolerite columns and view over the plains of Camdeboo, it's one of the most awe-inspiring vistas in South Africa. The park is also perfect for walking.

Mountain Zebra National Park: lies between Graaff-Reinet and Cradock, this park is a sanctuary for the endangered Cape mountain zebra. Opportunities for game viewing, hiking, and birding.

Nieu Bethesda: north to Graaff-Reinet, lies this tiny picturesque hamlet in an isolated, but fertile, valley. Here you’ll find the curious, eerie sculptures of the Owl House. Helen Martin was a virtual recluse who transformed her rather lonely home into a mesmerizing world of sculptures and mosaics