graaff-reinet

Graaff-Reinet - Richly Imbued with History, Nature & Beauty

Surrounded by the Camdeboo National Park, Graaff-Reinet, the heart of the “Great Karoo” – Place of Thirst – is a boundless and mysterious area covered by vast sheep and game farms, where broad plains roll away to distant koppies and multilayered mountains that seem to touch the indigo sky. Listen to the silence, breathe in the aged earth and the Karoo bossies (which conjure up the taste of Karoo lamb!), and gaze at a startlingly clear horizon that seems drawn at the other end of the earth. Our clear night skies are studded with countless stars and huge bright planets; even other galaxies are visible with the naked eye, offering some of the best star gazing in the world. Fossils of some of the earliest forms of one-celled life have been discovered here, indicating that life has existed in this region for three billion years. The richness of pre-dinosaur fossils in this region is world-renowned.

Graaff-Reinet, the fourth oldest town in South Africa, is recognized as the home of magnificent examples of Cape Dutch architecture, and over 220 heritage sites (more than any other town in South Africa!). The past is preserved in four extraordinary museums which hold collections of photographic memorabilia, firearms, artworks and fossils, tracing the story of the Karoo - and the town - from pre-history right up to the present day.

We invite you to experience the magic of this area, discover eccentric little hamlets, sprawling farmsteads and the historical town of Graaff-Reinet, populated by warm and welcoming people that love to share their stories and legends.

Events

Noah`s Arc Animal Interaction Centre
20th December 2011 to 31st January 2012

Our Animal Interaction Centre is unique in its collection, which includes everything from farm animals to wildlife to exotic creatures and birds. Our goal is to allow visitors to interact with the animals while learning all about them.

Game by day, sky by night.
3rd January 2012 to 31st January 2012

There’s nothing more profound for a city slicker lapping up a game retreat experience than hearing the cry of a wild animal in the dead of night.

Camdeboo National Park Birding Weekend
23rd March 2012 to 25th March 2012

For more information Contact Amy-Lee Pollard 049 8923453

News

Pieneef Museum
14th September 2011

Closed until further notice

Isobel Dixon
13th January 2012

Matt Merritt interviewed Isobel Dixon about her new collection of poems, The Tempest Prognosticator, which has been called “a virtuoso collection” by JM Coetzee.