Eat, drink and be merry!
DO, BROWSE AND BUY Valley of Desolation
This is Graaff-Reinet’s best-known tourist attraction – for good reason. The views and impressive rock formations make you feel small, as it should be. There’s a large observation deck where you can sit and enjoy your morning coffee as you look out over the valley. The valley forms part of the Camdeboo National Park, where you can go for game drives and stay over in your own tent or at the tented camp. sanparks.org
Museums and art
Graaff-Reinet has a number of wonderful museums and art galleries that require time to explore. Stop in at the Tourism Office at 17 Church Street to find out more and pick up a street map.
graaffreinet.co.za
Our Yard and are two interesting shopping destinations next door to each other
Windmill Junction
in Somerset Street. Also nearby are Schoonhuid, which sells artisan bath and body products, and the Afrikanis Rum tasting room. Our Yard windmilljunction.co.za schoonhuid.co.za afrikanis.co.za
Three Peaks Challenge
Climb the three highest mountain peaks in the area – Toorberg (2 106 m), Nardousberg (2 420 m) and Kompasberg (2 504 m) – over three days. You’ll be carrying only a day pack, because at night you sleep in a bed in town.
toerboer.co.za 083 538 2865
EAT OUT
Hello You is a wonderful restaurant not to be missed if you ever pass through Graaff-Reinet. The food is excellent – from breakfast to light meals, burgers, pasta and steak – and so are the wine and coffee.
Hello You 082 225 8918
De Camdeboo Restaurant, part of the Drostdy Hotel, is a lovely place with an old-world atmosphere. There’s also the Wijnkamer, or vinoteque, which you can book for dinner if you want to treat someone special. drostdy.co.za
Drostdy Hotel Graaff-Reinet
Maria’s is a coffee shop that’s part of Our Yard Roastery & Culture Stop. They roast the coffee on-site and serve breakfast. For lunch there’s hake and chips, pasta and burgers on the menu, among others. mariascoffee.co.za
Our Yard 049 891 0337
STAY OVER
Graaff-Reinet is blessed with a wide range of impressive accommodation options. One that stands out is Casa Karoo, a beautifully renovated, wellequipped self-catering Karoo cottage with a swimming pool and braai.
Casa Karoo