GRAHAMSTOWN. The 3 rd Wonder of our world.

The 3 rd 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 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 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 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

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

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

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: 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

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: 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) 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: reservations@kariega.co.za 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 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) 46 622 4657 Web: www.fraserscampadventures.co.za 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) 46 622 3146. 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) 46 622 8003 or +27 (0) 83 528 1816 E-mail: 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) 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. 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) 82 659 0254 Web: www.bomahelicopters.co.za 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) 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 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) 46 622 8398 or +27 (0) 72 151 0519 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) 46 622 4517 or +27 (0) 83 631 4800 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) 46 636 2486 or +27 (0) 82 800 9263 8

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) 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 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) 42 231 1247 11

PLACES TO STAY G R A H A M S T O W N 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 R TA 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 T A N C E T A 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: info@grahamstown.co.za www.travelgrahamstown.co.za