This picturesque heritage town is the only place in South Africa that is virtually surrounded by Camdeboo National Park, home to the world-renowned Valley of Desolation.
The town has over 220 heritage sites, more than any other town in South Africa, and many of them are privately owned. Farm stays, wildlife viewing, exhilarating walks in nature and watersports on Nqweba Dam are all popular, as is the traditional Karoo food (lamb especially) and hospitality.
-Witness the breath-taking views on top of the Valley of Desolation in Camdeboo National Park and watch the sun go down over the Plains of Camdeboo.
-Experience life as it was in the 1800s when you visit the historical Reinet House, Old Residency Museum, Urquhart House and the Military Museum. The Black Acorn
grapevine planted by Charles Murray in 1870 is still growing at Reinet House.
-Admire the architecture of the Dutch Reformed Church (Groot Kerk), Drostdy Hotel, Stretch’s Court and the cottages in the town.
-Relive the prehistoric era through the fossils in the Old Library Museum.
-Enjoy the artwork of famous contemporary South African artists at the Hester Rupert Art Museum.
-Obesa Nursery has the biggest cacti collection on earth. There is also a ceramic gallery where you can buy lovingly crafted pots in which to plant your Karoo rose-like succulent.
-Karoo adventure – take a 4x4 to the top of the mountain trail or set off hiking and mountain biking in the vast open landscapes and experience what freedom really feels like.
-Experience authentic Karoo farm life on a working guest farm in the area.
Established in 1786, Graaff-Reinet is the fourth oldest magisterial district in South Africa and is known as the “Gem of the Karoo”. The word Camdeboo has become synonymous with a sense of magical mystery thanks to Eve Palmer’s book “The Plains of Camdeboo”, published in 1966.
