GRAHAMSTOWN. The 3 rd Wonder of our world.

Transcription

1 The 3 rd Wonder of our world GRAHAMSTOWN ALICEDALE, FORT BROWN, FRASERS CAMP, GRAHAMSTOWN, RIEBEEK-EAST, SALEM, SEVEN FOUNTAINS, SIDBURY

2 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. 1

3 TOWNS IN THE GRAHAMSTOWN AREA A L I C E D A L E 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 18- hole 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 R T B R O W 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. F R A S E R S C A M P 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. G R A H A M S T O W N Grahamstown, Africa s Festival Capital comes alive with culture & activity, drama & jazz, flea markets & cabaret as over 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) R I E B E E K - E A S T 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. S A L E M 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 T A 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 R Y 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

4 OUR LOCATION S O U T H A F R I C A N C O N T E X T Johannesburg Pretoria Durban Eastern Cape Cape Town Port Elizabeth C A C A D U C O N T E X T KAROO BAVIAANS ADDO GRAHAMSTOWN SUNSHINE COAST Durban Cape Town TSITSIKAMMA JEFFREYS Port Elizabeth 3 INDIAN OCEAN

5 T H E G R A H A M S T O W N A R E A KAROO To Cradock N10 R342 ADDO To Port Elizabeth R400 Paterson N2 To Adelaide To Bedford R344 R350 Riebeeck-East Alicedale Grahamstown Sidbury Seven Fountains Salem R343 GRAHAMSTOWN R72 Alexandria To Fort Beaufort R67 Fort Brown Committees Drift N2 To East London & Bhisho Frasers Camp R67 Paterson SUNSHINE COAST To Port Alfred R72 4

6 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) Web: info@nationalartsfestival.co.za G A M E R E S E R V 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

7 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) centralres@amakhala.co.za 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) Web: 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) Web: KARIEGA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE This private game reserve is set in hectares of pristine wilderness above the Kariega River Valley. Tel: +27 (0) reservations@kariega.co.za Web: 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) Web: KWANTU PRIVATE GAME RESERVE Experience Five-Star accommodation, mouth-watering meals, our elephant sanctuary, endangered and exotic wildlife. Tel: +27 (0) Web: LALIBELA GAME RESERVE Lalibela spans 4 ecosystems and offers luxury accommodation Tel: +27 (0) Web: 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) Fax: +27 (0) Web: 6

8 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) Web: 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) O U T D O O R A D V E N T U R E 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) Web: F I S H I N G 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) L A N G H O L M C O U N T R Y E S T A T 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) or +27 (0) langholm@algoanet.com G O L F 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) Bushman Sands Golf Course: Tel: +27 (0)

9 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. H E L I C O P T E R S Boma Helicopters - services range from film and photo sessions, map making, surveys, and reconnaissance, game capture and counting of wild animals. Tel: +27 (0) Web: H I K I N G 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) or +27 (0) 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) or +27 (0) M O U N T A 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) or +27 (0) R O C K C L I M B I N G 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) or +27 (0) S K Y D I V I N G The Eastern Province Skydivers Club is situated in Grahamstown. Jumping takes place every weekend. Beginners are welcome. Tel: +27 (0) or +27 (0)

10 PLACES TO SEE G R A H A M S T O W N 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) 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 The History Museum houses an important 9

11 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) INTERNATIONAL LIBRARY OF AFRICAN MUSIC Established in 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) 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) 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) NATIONAL ENGLISH LITERARY MUSEUM Established in This museum is dedicated to preserving the contribution of South African writers to English Literature. Tel: +27 (0)

12 NATURAL SCIENCE MUSEUM Established in (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) 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 Tel: +27 (0) 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) Web: 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 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) A L I C E D A L E 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)

13 PLACES TO STAY G R A H A M S T O W N 18 On Park, Tel: +27 (0) Stones Hill, Tel: +27 (0) High Street, Tel: +27 (0) Worcester Street, Tel: +27 (0) A Stone s Throw B&B, Cell: +27 (0) Accommodation & Activity Finder, Tel: +27 (0) Afri Temba Leisure, Tel: +27 (0) Aloe Cottage, Tel: +27 (0) Amakhala Reserve, Tel +27 (0) Amberleigh B&B, Tel: +27 (0) Amblewood B&B, Tel: +27 (0) Angels Rest, Tel: +27 (0) Antique Silk B&B, Tel: +27 (0) Arthur s Seat B&B, Tel: +27 (0) B s B&B, Tel: +27 (0) Bartholomew B&B, Tel: +27 (0) Bella Vita, Tel: +27 (0) Bella s Guest House, Tel: +27 (0) Belvedere B&B, Tel: +27 (0) Big 5 Fort B&B, Tel: +27 (0) Bird Valley B&B, Tel: +27 (0) Bushman Sands-Alicedale, Tel: +27 (0) Carpenter s B&B, Tel: +27 (0) Charlotte s B&B, Tel: +27 (0) Cock House, The, Tel: +27 (0) Colonel Graham Guest House, Tel: +27 (0) Coombs View Game Reserve, Tel:+27 (0) Country Cousins, Tel: +27 (0) Courtlands, Tel: +27 (0) Dovecote B&B, Tel: +27 (0) Durham Cottage B&B, Tel: +27 (0) Eagle s Nest B&B, Tel: +27 (0)

14 Elgon B&B, Tel: +27 (0) Entabeni Homestays, Tel: +27 (0) Evelyn Guest House, Tel: +27 (0) Fraser s Camp Adventures, Tel: +27 (0) Frontier Country Hotel, Tel: +27 (0) Graham Hotel, Tel: +27 (0) Grahamstown Accommodation, Tel: +27 (0) Guinea-Fowl House, Tel: +27 (0) Hawthorn Cottage, Tel: +27 (0) Henri House, Tel: +27 (0) High Corner Guest House, Tel: +27 (0) Hilton Farm, Tel: +27 (0) Historic Cottages, Tel: +27 (0) Hope Garden B&B, Tel: +27 (0) Hotel Victoria Mews, Tel: +27 (0) Jenny s B&B, Tel: +27 (0) Kariega Game Reserve, Tel: +27 (0) Kichaka Lodge, Tel: +27 (0) Kikuyu Lodge, Tel: +27 (0) Kwam Emakana Homestays, Tel: +27 (0) Kwandwe Game Reserve, Tel: +27 (0) Lalibela Game Reserve, Tel: +27 (0) Lantern Hill Guesthouse, Tel: +27 (0) Lissagelly Cottage, Tel:+27 (0) Longmead B&B, Tel: +27 (0) Lwethu s B&B, Tel: +27 (0) Makana Tourism, Tel: +27 (0) Mbuleli Tours And Transfers Cc, Tel: +27 (0) Mhambi-The Traveller B&B, Tel: +27 (0) Mimosa B & B, Tel: +27 (0) Monastery Guesthouse, Tel: +27 (0) Morning Dew B&B, Tel: +27 (0) Oak Lodge, Tel: +27 (0) Old Goal Backpackers, Tel: +27 (0) Perlemoen Escapes, Tel: +27 (0) Petworth Place, Tel: +27 (0) PPLP Events And Marketing, Tel: +27 (0) Pumba Private Game Reserve, Tel: +27 (0) Qalazive Communications, Tel: +27(0) Radway Green B&B, Tel: +27 (0) Rambling Rose Cottages, Tel: +27 (0) Setman House B&B, Tel: +27 (0) Settlers Hill Cottages, Tel: +27 (0) Settlers Tea Garden And Gift Shop, Tel: +27 (0) Shaleky s Cottage, Tel: +27 (0) Shamwari Game Reserve, Tel: +27 (0) Suffield House B&B, Tel: +27 (0) Summerhill Inn, Tel: +27 (0) Sure Go Travel & Accommodation, Tel: +27 (0) Temba Game Reserve & Olive Park Lodge, Tel: +27 (0) The Heritage, Tel: +27 (0) The Highlander Guest House, Tel: +27 (0) The Kaiser s, Tel: +27 (0) The Residency Guesthouse, Tel: +27 (0) The White House Guesthouse, Tel: +27 (0) The White House Self-Catering Cottages, Tel: +27 (0) Tipuana B And B, Tel: +27 (0) Whitnall Cottage, Tel: +27 (0) Zimluk B&B, Tel: +27 (0)

15 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: 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 R TA N T N U M B E R S Ambulance: +27 (0) (10177) Fire Station: +27 (0) Police: +27 (0) (10111) Hospital: +27 (0) (10111) D I S T A N C E T A B L E 14

16 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) Web: