Grahamstown Brochure

The
3rd Wonder of our world
GRAHAMSTOWN
ALICEDALE, FORT BROWN, FRASERS CAMP, GRAHAMSTOWN,
RIEBEEK-EAST, SALEM, SEVEN FOUNTAINS, SIDBURY
www.travelgrahamstown.co.za
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
1
TOWNS IN THE GRAHAMSTOWN AREA
2
MAPS
3
THINGS TO DO
5
PLACES TO SEE
9
PLACES TO STAY
12
USEFUL INFORMATION
14
Home to the
National Arts Festival
Frontier Country is a vibrant mix of all the best of Africa - where many
intense battles were fought & many famous warriors are remembered. True
country hospitality reigns in this area with its world class game lodges, hotels
& guest houses. Grahamstown, the centre of Frontier Country is known by
many colourful names such as the “Settlers City”, “City of Saints” and “City of
Schools”. Grahamstown hosts a number of festivals during the year, the most
popular being the National Arts Festival during June and July.
The delightful towns of Alicedale and Riebeeck East are also situated in the
area and are fast gaining local and international popularity for their lingering
history and the many prestigious game reserves that surround them.
www.travelgrahamstown.co.za
1
TOWNS
IN THE GRAHAMSTOWN AREA
ALICEDALE
This charming Victorian-styled town, situated 65km outside of
Grahamstown, used to be the core railway junction in South Africa
before the mid 1990’s. Whilst in Alicedale, do not miss out on a trip to
the Mohair Museum, a round of golf at the Gary Player-designed 18hole golf course and lunch at the 4 star Bushman Sands Hotel. A visit to
the Bushman Caves, unscathed rock art and safari experiences in game
reserves in the area are also recommended.
F O RT B R OW N
Located next to the Great Fish River between Kwandwe Game Reserve
and the Fish River Nature Reserve, Fort Brown sprung up around a
British Fortification of the same name. This area, with its barren beauty,
is covered by Eastern Cape thicket is only 30kms from Grahamstown.
FRASERS CAMP
Located near an old lookout tower and near the other settlement of The
Coombs, this little settlement is located amongst grassy hills and is an
excellent base to explore the Fish River and Kap River valleys.
GRAHAMSTOWN
Grahamstown, Africa’s Festival Capital comes alive with culture & activity,
drama & jazz, flea markets & cabaret as over 50 000 people flock to the
city for the annual National Arts Festival! Home to Rhodes University this quaint town is a blend of history, art and culture packaged in a rustic
town with architectural wonders, superb restaurants and nature on the
doorstop - the perfect fusion of the past and present.
Tourist Information Centre, Tel: + 27 (0) 46 622 3241
RIEBEEK-EAST
This town lies in the vicinity of the archaeological sites showing cultural
activity that predates many claims world-wide, contributing to its status
as the cradle of human culture. This typical “platteland dorp” was built
around the magnificent Dutch Reformed Church and is surrounded by
farms and game reserves.
SALEM
This historic village, located on the road to Kendon-on-Sea, was founded
by early British settlers. The village boasts two Methodist Churches
which were erected in 1832 and 1848 which overlook the village green
where many a game of cricket has been played over hundreds of years.
The village is famous for an event that took place in the Frontier Wars
where a resident, Richard Gush, chose to successfully parley with an
amaXhosa force that was preparing to attack the village rather than fight.
S E V E N F O U N TA I N S
This village, located off the N2 about 30 kms from Grahamstown
possesses a splendid Methodist Church. Founded originally by Irish
settlers in 1820 they named their little settlement after the number of
springs in the area.
S I D B U RY
A small village set out by Richard Daniel in the early 1830’s along the
lines of an English country Village with Daniel’s house, Sidbury Park,
being set a little way from the village. Sidbury boasts two splendid
churches, with a number of war graves in the church graveyards.
2
OUR LOCATION
SOUTH AFRICAN CONTEXT
Johannesburg
Pretoria
Durban
Eastern Cape
Cape Town
Port Elizabeth
CACADU CONTEXT
KAROO
GRAHAMSTOWN
BAVIAANS
Cape Town
TSITSIKAMMA
ADDO
JEFFREYS
Port Elizabeth
INDIAN OCEAN
3
SUNSHINE
COAST
Durban
4
To Port Elizabeth
ADDO
R342
To Cradock
N10
KAROO
N2
Paterson
R400
Sidbury
R350
Seven
Fountains
Salem
R72
Alexandria
R343
Grahamstown
R344
GRAHAMSTOWN
Alicedale
Riebeeck-East
To Bedford
To Adelaide
R67
Frasers Camp
R72
To Port Alfred
Paterson
To East London
& Bhisho
Committees Drift
SUNSHINE COAST
N2
Fort Brown
R67
To Fort Beaufort
THE GRAHAMSTOWN AREA
THINGS TO DO
The Grahamstown area is outstanding for outdoor activities such as
fishing, golf, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and skydiving.
For the nature lover there are plenty of world class game lodges,
private game reserves and a wealth of plant and bird life to discover.
Annual events include the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown,
the biggest festival of its kind in Africa, second only to the Edinburgh
Festival. During June/July, the annual National SciFest in March, the
Freedom Festival in April, The Eastern Cape Eisteddfod in May and
the National Schools festival in July.
National Arts Festival
Tel: +27 (0) 46 603 1103 | Web: [email protected]
G A M E R E S E RV E S
Most of the private game reserve’s in the area are home to Africa’s Big
5 namely the elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard. The reserves
are all malaria-free and situated between 20 and 60km outside
Grahamstown. There are many accommodation options in the area
that cater for everyone’s needs, from luxury accommodation, to self
catering chalets and perfectly neat camping terrains. You can choose
one that compliments your ideal African experience.
The area also boasts more than five eco-systems, thus enabling
the support of many forms of plant, animal and bird life. Go on a
sunset game drive, an escorted bush walk or a night drive and let the
spectacular valleys, amazing rivers and abundant wildlife inspire you.
5
AMAKHALA GAME RESERVE
This private game reserve boasts a wide selection of owner managed
accommodation ranging from intimate bush lodges to majestic
colonial residences.
Tel: +27 (0) 46 636 2752 | E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www amakhala.co.za
BUSHMAN SANDS HOTEL, SPA & GOLF COURSE
The 4-star hotel is a delightful blend of rich heritage & modern
luxury - from the great outdoors to pampering and relaxation.
Tel: +27 (0) 42 231 8000 | Web: www.riverhotels.co.za/bushmans
GREAT FISH RIVER RESERVE
The reserve is rich in history, with several forts bearing witness to the
frontier conflicts between Xhosa and settler.
Tel: +27 (0) 40 635 2116 Web: www.ecparks.co.za/parks-reserves/great-fish-river
KARIEGA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
This private game reserve is set in 5 000 hectares of pristine wilderness
above the Kariega River Valley.
Tel: +27 (0) 46 636 7904 | E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.kariega.co.za
KWANDWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Situated on the Fort Beaufort road and straddling the Great Fish
River, this luxury Big 5 reserve is dedicated to the preservation of the
magnificent but endangered Blue Crane.
Tel: +27 (0) 46 603 3400 | Web: www.kwandwereserve.co.za
KWANTU PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Experience Five-Star accommodation, mouth-watering meals, our
elephant sanctuary, endangered and exotic wildlife.
Tel: +27 (0) 42 203 1400 | Web: www.kwantu.co.za
LALIBELA GAME RESERVE
Lalibela spans 4 ecosystems and offers luxury accommodation
Tel: +27 (0) 41 581 8170 | Web: www.lalibela.co.za
PUMBA GAME RESERVE
With its 5 star game lodge luxury, guests have every opportunity to
enjoy the ultimate essence of South Africa’s luxury and style.
Tel: +27 (0) 46 603 2000 | Fax: +27 (0) 46 603 2001
Web: www.pehotels.co.za/pumba
6
SHAMWARI GAME RESERVE
The Cape’s Premier Big 5 Game Reserve - Choose between 5
different lodges, or experience a day programme including a visit to
the African Arts & Culture Village.
Tel: +27 (0) 41 407 1000 | Web: www.shamwari.co.za
THOMAS BAINES NATURE RESERVE
Home of “Tom the Rhino”, Thomas Baines Nature Reserve is named
after the famous 19th Century artist who left a valuable record of
the rich diversity of fauna and flora in the region, including the nowextinct quagga.
Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 7216
OU TD O OR ADVE NTURE
FRASERS CAMP
Push the frontier of fear! The first zipline tours in Frontier Country.
Join the fun for an adrenalin–fuelled zip line tour or An adrenalinfuelled teambuilding or family adventure. Safe, fully guided, allweather tours every 30 minutes. Situated 38 km from Grahamstown
on the N2 towards East London
Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 4657 | Web: www.fraserscampadventures.co.za
FISHING
Within a 20km radius of the city there are over 400 acres of water
containing small- and large-mouth bass, barbel, carp, mullet,
yellowtail and trout.
Albany Sports, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 3146.
L A N G H O L M C O U N T RY E S TAT E
Animal Touch Farm, coffee shop and restaurant - situated half way
between Grahamstown and Port Alfred. (30km from Grahamstown).
Camping site available.
Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 8003 or +27 (0) 83 528 1816
E-mail: [email protected]
GOLF
The Grahamstown area is a golfer’s paradise, with the Grahamstown
Golf Course, and the Gary Player designed Bushman Sands Golf
Course in close proximity.
Grahamstown Golf Course: Tel: +27 (0) 46 636 1361
Bushman Sands Golf Course: Tel: +27 (0) 42 231 8000
7
B I R D WA T C H I N G
Situated in the middle of a region where four geographical zones
meet, Grahamstown is a bird-watchers paradise.
HELICOPTERS
Boma Helicopters - services range from film and photo sessions, map
making, surveys, and reconnaissance, game capture and counting of wild
animals.
Tel: +27 (0) 82 659 0254 | Web: www.bomahelicopters.co.za
HIKING
OLDENBURGIA HIKING TRAIL
Grahamstown’s own hiking trail is the Oldenburgia Hiking
Trail which is a two-day circular trail starting and ending at the
Grahamstown Municipal Caravan Park.
Tel: +27 (0) 46 603 6072 or +27 (0) 46 603 6093
MOSSLANDS TWO RIVER TRAIL
The trail meanders along the Assegaai and Kariega Rivers, mostly
under canopy. There are two overnights for 12 people in Reed Cabins
overlooking a stretch of water, and an old Settler Cottage.
Sally Moss, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 8956 or +27 (0) 82 473 5122
M O U N TA I N B I K I N G
Don’t waste another day, grab your bike or your boots and
your binoculars and discover the gem of the Frontier Country!
The Eastern Cape is a wonderful place and Radway Green’s wellplanned routes will take you through the Valley Bushveld with
spectacular scenery, with birds and game in abundance.
Radway Green, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 8398 or +27 (0) 72 151 0519
ROCK CLIMBING
Grahamstown has been identified as one of the best venues for rockclimbing and bouldering in South Africa, due to its wide variety of
easily-accessible routes and crags and the quality of available climbs.
Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 4517 or +27 (0) 83 631 4800
SKYDIVING
The Eastern Province Skydivers Club is situated in Grahamstown.
Jumping takes place every weekend. Beginners are welcome.
Tel: +27 (0) 46 636 2486 or +27 (0) 82 800 9263
8
PLACES TO SEE
GRAHAMSTOWN
ALBANY MUSEUM COMPLEX
The original Albany Museum was established in 1855 by the
Grahamstown medical-Chirurgical Society. The Museum today
consists of a family of seven buildings which includes the Natural
Sciences Museum, the History Museum, the Observatory Museum,
Fort Selwyn, the Old Provost military prison, Drostdy Arch and the
Old Priest’s House.
CORY LIBRARY FOR HISTORICAL RESEARCH
The Cory Library at Rhodes University collects material of all kinds
to support research into the history of Southern African and related
fields in the social sciences.
EASTERN STAR GALLERY
The Eastern Star gallery takes its name from a newspaper established
in Grahamstown in 1871 which was the forerunner of the Argus
Company’s famous present-day daily, The Star of Johannesburg.
Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 7042
FRASER’S CAMP ADVENTURES
Fraser’s Camp offers adrenalin-fuelled teambuilding of family
adventures with 6 ziplines that range between 135 & 240 m long.
The facility is located in 38 km from Grahamstown and also offers
accomodation on request.
HISTORY MUSEUM
Established in 1965. The History Museum houses an important
9
collection of historical artefacts as well as a genealogical archive
relating to the 1820 British Settlers. The Fine Art collection is also
housed in the History Museum, along with important scientific and
historical libraries.
Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 2312
INTERNATIONAL LIBRARY OF AFRICAN MUSIC
Established in 1954. The ILAM houses the largest archive of African
music in sub Saharan Africa (follow ILAM signs from the gate
opposite Rhodes University Theatre)
Tel: +27 (0) 46 603 8557
THE 1820 SETTLERS NATIONAL MONUMENT
The Monument was built to commemorate the contributions made
by English-speaking Settlers to South Africa. Since its opening on
13 July 1974, this superbly equipped building has been a centre of
creative thought and activity.
Tel: +27 (0) 46 603 1100
MAKANA BOTANICAL GARDENS
Is the second oldest Botanical garden in South Africa and is home
to a number of interesting exotic species of plants representing
its European history and is now also home to many local species.
Over 160 species of birds has been identified in these gardens.
The ghost of Lady Juana Smith is reputed to still wander in the
gardens she loved so much.
Tel: +27 (0) 46 603 8240
NATIONAL ENGLISH LITERARY MUSEUM
Established in 1974. This museum is dedicated to preserving the
contribution of South African writers to English Literature.
Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 7042
10
NATURAL SCIENCE MUSEUM
Established in 1855. (A component of the Albany Museum
Complex). This museum has a well known Egyptology section and
has excellent displays on the pre history, the geological history and
the natural history of the area.
Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 2312
OBSERVATORY MUSEUM
Established 1982, this building was originally a 19th Century
jeweller’s shop and family home. Its connection with the identification
of the Eureka, South Africa’s first authenticated diamond, in 1867,
prompted De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited to purchase the
building and restore it in 1981-1982.
Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 2312
SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE FOR AQUATIC
BIODIVERSITY
Established 1946, the South African Institute for Aquatic
Biodiversity is the leading centre for the study of fishes in southern
Africa. The displays are a source opf endless fascination.
Tel: +27 (0) 46 603 5800 | Web: www.saiab.ru.ac.za
THE PROVOST PRISON
In 1835, after the Sixth Frontier War, the Governor of the Cape,
Sir Benjamin D’Urban, ordered the building of a fortified barracks
and military prison on the Drostdy grounds. The Provost Prison, a
Jeremy Bentham design called a ‘panopticon’, was completed in 1838.
The first and only prisoners it ever housed were mutineers from
Frazer’s Camp., who later suffered the most elaborate execution ever
staged in South Africa.
Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 2312
ALICEDALE
A visit to Alicedale includes a Cultural Xhosa Village, a rural
township experience, the possibility of a donkey cart ride, olive
groves, light lunches at the beautifully refurbished historical Railway
Station, untouched Bushman Cave and Rock Art. Not to forget the
superb Golf Course at Bushman Sands and Leisure Centre where
the ladies can pamper themselves in luxury and comfort.
Also not to be missed is the Weaving Museum, which is part of the
oldest Mohair Factory in South Africa. Abafazi Crafts and Designs
is a delightful outlet for beautiful local bead and basket work.
An internationally renowned Interior Decor and Designer furniture
outlet is also worth a visit.
Tel: +27 (0) 42 231 1247
11
PLACES TO STAY
GRAHAMSTOWN
18 On Park, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 4875
28 Stones Hill, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 4086
37 High Street, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 3242
7 Worcester Street, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 2843
A Stone’s Throw B&B, Cell: +27 (0) 83 651 9244
Accommodation & Activity Finder, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 4517
Afri Temba Leisure, Tel: +27 (0) 86 128 3737
Aloe Cottage, Tel: +27 (0) 82 886 9933
Amakhala Reserve, Tel +27 (0) 82 602 7820
Amberleigh B&B, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 4724
Amblewood B&B, Tel: +27 (0) 83 283 0682
Angels Rest, Tel: +27 (0) 84 443 0040
Antique Silk B&B, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 3816
Arthur’s Seat B&B, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 7516
B’s B&B, Tel: +27 (0) 82 785 9363
Bartholomew B&B, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 3465
Bella Vita, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 3007
Bella’s Guest House, Tel: +27 (0) 46 636 2077
Belvedere B&B, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 4486
Big 5 Fort B&B, Tel: +27 (0) 46 636 1643
Bird Valley B&B, Tel: +27 (0) 83 406 0222
Bushman Sands-Alicedale, Tel: +27 (0) 42 231 8000
Carpenter’s B&B, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 3957
Charlotte’s B&B, Tel: +27 (0) 46 636 2772
Cock House, The, Tel: +27 (0) 46 636 1287
Colonel Graham Guest House, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 2274
Coombs View Game Reserve, Tel:+27 (0) 46 622 5935
Country Cousins, Tel: +27 (0) 82 444 1879
Courtlands, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 3247
Dovecote B&B, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 8809
Durham Cottage B&B, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 4453
Eagle’s Nest B&B, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 7189
12
Elgon B&B, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 7702
Entabeni Homestays, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 3241
Evelyn Guest House, Tel: +27 (0) 86 128 3737
Fraser’s Camp Adventures, Tel: +27 (0) 72 550 4460
Frontier Country Hotel, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 7667
Graham Hotel, Tel: +27 (0) 86 128 3737
Grahamstown Accommodation, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 3241
Guinea-Fowl House, Tel: +27 (0) 46 636 2887
Hawthorn Cottage, Tel: +27 (0) 82 809 4283
Henri House, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 8845
High Corner Guest House, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 8284
Hilton Farm, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 5895
Historic Cottages, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 8936
Hope Garden B&B, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 5375
Hotel Victoria Mews, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 7208
Jenny’s B&B, Tel: +27 (0) 46 636 1541
Kariega Game Reserve, Tel: +27 (0) 46 636 7904
Kichaka Lodge, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 6024
Kikuyu Lodge, Tel: +27 (0) 46 653 9039
Kwam Emakana Homestays, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 3241
Kwandwe Game Reserve, Tel: +27 (0) 46 603 3400
Lalibela Game Reserve, Tel: +27 (0) 41 581 8170
Lantern Hill Guesthouse, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 8782
Lissagelly Cottage, Tel:+27 (0) 46 622 4970
Longmead B&B, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 4820
Lwethu’s B&B, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 2866
Makana Tourism, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 3241
Mbuleli Tours And Transfers Cc, Tel: +27 (0) 82 979 5906
Mhambi-The Traveller B&B, Tel: +27 (0) 46 636 2198
Mimosa B & B, Tel: +27 (0) 83 357 8232
Monastery Guesthouse, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 8111
Morning Dew B&B, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 3251
Oak Lodge, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 9123
Old Goal Backpackers, Tel: +27 (0) 46 636 1001
Perlemoen Escapes, Tel: +27 (0) 84 404 4546
Petworth Place, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 5146
PPLP Events And Marketing, Tel: +27 (0) 43 722 1092
Pumba Private Game Reserve, Tel: +27 (0) 46 603 2000
Qalazive Communications, Tel: +27(0) 82 351 4877
Radway Green B&B, Tel: +27 (0) 72 151 0519
Rambling Rose Cottages, Tel: +27 (0) 46 636 2816
Setman House B&B, Tel: +27 (0) 86 128 3737
Settlers Hill Cottages, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 4243
Settlers Tea Garden And Gift Shop, Tel: +27 (0) 82 820 1909
Shaleky’s Cottage, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 7502
Shamwari Game Reserve, Tel: +27 (0) 42 203 1111
Suffield House B&B, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 6033
Summerhill Inn, Tel: +27 (0) 46 625 0833
Sure Go Travel & Accommodation, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 2235
Temba Game Reserve & Olive Park Lodge, Tel: +27 (0) 86 128 3737
The Heritage, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 5218
The Highlander Guest House, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 3564
The Kaiser’s, Tel: +27 (0) 82 655 6696
The Residency Guesthouse, Tel: +27 (0) 46 624 5382
The White House Guesthouse, Tel: +27 (0) 82 443 9575
The White House Self-Catering Cottages, Tel: +27 (0) 46 636 2396
Tipuana B And B, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 3105
Whitnall Cottage, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 8007
Zimluk B&B, Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 8506
13
USEFUL INFORMATION
For contact details for food and groceries, vehicles, home services,
liquor, medical practitioners, nurseries & garden services, pharmacy,
professional, cleaning, legal services, photography, security, timber
decks, housing, health and beauty call the local or international
telephone directory.
Local telephone directory: 1023
International telephone directory: 10903
H A N D Y T R AV E L T I P S
• At the airport, get direction and information from marked
information counters
• Stay alert and keep an eye on your valuables and luggage at all times
• Store your valuables and passport in the hotel safety deposit box
• When you go sight-seeing, plan your route beforehand
• Use registered and qualified tour guides. Contact tourism offices for
a list of qualified tour guides
• Look out for stray animals on the road
• In the event of an accident, contact the police and emergency services
immediately
I M P O RTA N T N U M B E R S
Ambulance: +27 (0) 46 622 7976 (10177)
Fire Station: +27 (0) 46 603 6000
Police: +27 (0) 46 603 9100 (10111)
Hospital: +27 (0) 46 603 9100 (10111)
D I S TA N C E TA B L E
14
COME & EXPLORE THE
OF OUR WORLD
ADDO, BAVIAANS & THE GAMTOOS VALLEY,
GRAHAMSTOWN, JEFFREYS BAY & ST FRANCIS, KAROO,
SUNSHINE COAST, TSITSIKAMMA & THE LANGKLOOF
GrahamstownTourism
Tel: +27 (0) 46 622 3241 | Web: www.grahamstown.co.za
E-mail: [email protected]
www.travelgrahamstown.co.za