Grahamstown

Grahamstown (Makhanda) is a picturesque small city of 140,000 people in the Cacadu District of Eastern Cape, South Africa. Known as 'The City of Saints' for its 40+ churches and 'Africa's Festival Capital' hosting six national events annually, it offers a slower pace than major cities with well-preserved Victorian, Colonial and Gothic Revivalist architecture. The town was renamed Makhanda in 2018 in honor of Xhosa warrior and prophet Makhanda ka Nxele, following its founding by Colonel John Graham in 1812 after the Fourth Frontier War.

Frontier Country represents a vibrant mix of African heritage where intense battles between British and Xhosa forces shaped the region's history. The area maintains true country hospitality with world-class game lodges, hotels and guest houses. Nearby towns Alicedale and Riebeeck East are gaining popularity for their lingering history and prestigious game reserves. Grahamstown is home to Rhodes University, lending the town a youthful energy beyond its historical significance.

Grahamstown is accessible via road from major Eastern Cape centers. The town lies on the R67 route towards Port Alfred and is approximately 2 hours from Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha). No commercial airport exists in Grahamstown; the nearest major airport is in Port Elizabeth. Bus services connect Grahamstown to surrounding towns and cities in the region.

Grahamstown is a walkable town centered around High Street and the Rhodes University campus. Local taxi services are available for reaching attractions outside the town center. Car rental is recommended for visiting the numerous private game reserves in the surrounding area such as Amakhala, Kariega, and Shamwari.

Grahamstown hosts major festivals throughout the year: the National Festival of Science, Engineering and Technology (SciFest) in March, Freedom Festival in April, Eastern Cape Eisteddfod in May, National Arts Festival in June/July (Africa's biggest, world's third largest arts festival selling 180,000 tickets), and National Schools Festival in July. The National Arts Festival is the peak period for visitors, offering over 500 productions. For wildlife viewing, the dry winter months (May-September) offer optimal game viewing conditions.

Grahamstown offers exceptional museums and cultural attractions. The Albany Museum Complex (established 1855) includes seven buildings: Natural Sciences Museum, History Museum, Observatory Museum, Fort Selwyn, Old Provost military prison, Drostdy Arch, and Old Priest's House. The Cory Library at Rhodes University supports research into Southern African history. The International Library of African Music (ILAM) houses the largest archive of African music in sub-Saharan Africa. The 1820 Settlers National Monument commemorates English-speaking settlers. Makana Botanical Gardens, the second oldest in South Africa, features over 160 bird species.

The Grahamstown area excels in outdoor activities including fishing, golf, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and skydiving. The Oldenburgia Hiking Trail is a two-day circular trail starting at the Grahamstown Municipal Caravan Park. The Mosslands Two River Trail follows the Assegaai and Kariega Rivers under forest canopy with overnight reed cabin accommodation. Rock climbing here is considered among South Africa's best venues due to accessible routes and quality climbs. The Eastern Province Skydivers Club operates every weekend welcoming beginners. Radway Green's mountain biking routes traverse Valley Bushveld with spectacular scenery.

Under the Drostdy Arch, the much-photographed entrance to Rhodes University, visitors find unique crafts from the Eastern Cape region. The shop 'Under the Arch' specializes in regional crafts, beads, snacks, and pottery by local potters Greg Jacobs and Richard Pullen. Earth Art Ceramic Production and Studio in Bathurst offers hand-thrown unique vessels.

Red Café at 127a High Street offers a great coffee shop atmosphere with friendly staff, licensed service, delicious light meals, and eclectic secondhand books. 137 High Street Restaurant adjacent to Rhodes University serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with the best cappuccino in town; fresh cakes and scones are baked daily with weekly menu specials. The Rat and Parrot at 59 New Street provides a cosy student pub atmosphere reminiscent of UK student bars.

Grahamstown offers diverse accommodation options. Budget-friendly choices include Colonel Graham Guest House (from R150 per person sharing, 4-star) and Jenny's B&B (from R320 per person sharing, 4-star). Mid-range options feature Henri House B&B (R500 double, R300 single) and A Stone's Throw B&B on R67 towards Port Alfred (R790). Higher-end options include The Cock House, The Highlander, Mountain View Manor, Cornerstone Manor Luxury B&B, Protea Hotel, and Graham Hotel. Most accommodations are owner-managed guesthouses reflecting the town's hospitality.

The Grahamstown region is surrounded by numerous private game reserves accessible as day trips. Amakhala Game Reserve offers owner-managed accommodation from intimate bush lodges to colonial residences. Shamwari Game Reserve is the Cape's premier Big 5 reserve with 5 different lodges and day programmes. Pumba Private Game Reserve achieves 5-star rating with Big 5 and rare white lions. Kariega Private Game Reserve spans 5,000 hectares of pristine wilderness above the Kariega River Valley. Kwande Private Game Reserve on the Fort Beaufort road is a luxury Big 5 reserve dedicated to preserving the endangered Blue Crane. Thomas Baines Nature Reserve is home to 'Tom the Rhino' and named after 19th-century artist Thomas Baines.

Grahamstown has standard South African mobile connectivity with major networks (Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom) providing coverage in the town center. WiFi is available at Rhodes University, cafes, and most guesthouses. South African power outlets use Type M plugs (15 amp, similar to UK square pins). Local telephone directory: 1023; International directory: 10903.

From Grahamstown, travelers can explore the Addo Elephant National Park for Big 7 wildlife experiences. The Baviaans region offers dramatic mountain scenery and hiking. Jeffreys Bay is a world-renowned surfing destination on the Sunshine Coast. St Francis provides coastal charm and water sports. The Karoo Heartland showcases semi-desert landscapes and star-gazing. Tsitsikamma National Park features indigenous forests and the famous Bloukrans Bridge bungee jump.