Grahamstown Overview
With a large university, some of South Africa’s top schools and a plethora of museums and other cult
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In and Around
Grahamstown
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Author: Samantha Black
Submitted: 05 May 2009
With a large university, some of South Africa’s top schools and a plethora of museums and other cultural attractions, Grahamstown is a rather erudite destination. It’s also the venue of the National Festival of the Arts, which is the second largest arts festival in the world, coming in just behind Edinburgh. Of Grahamstown’s numerous lovely old buildings, many of which are national monuments, the one that – literally – stands out is the magnificent Cathedral of St Michael and St George, which forms a focal point at the top of High Street. The more academic of the many museums in Grahamstown include the Observatory Museum, which has the only genuine Victorian Camera Obscura in the southern hemisphere, the National English Literary Museum, the Library of African Music and – rather unusually considering its inland position – the SA Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, where you can see exhibits relating to the coelacanth – the fossil fish that was thought to be extinct but still lives off the South African coast. Grahamstown’s position on the 19th century frontier between the British colonialists and the Xhosa tribes, has contributed to its interesting history. And the culture of rebellion that was forged in the Frontier Wars was brought to bear during the 20th century to the extent that Grahamstown was one of the major centres of resistance to the apartheid regime. Local historians offer insightful tours of the area, highlighting seminal moments in South Africa’s history. Grahamstown has a decent golf course and it is very close to one of the newest golf resorts in South Africa – the Gary Player-designed Bushman Sands in the interesting and unusual town of Alicedale. There is good climbing near the town, a skydiving club and – less than an hour’s drive away – good surfing at Port Alfred. There are numerous excellent game viewing destinations within an hour’s drive of Grahamstown.
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Grahamstown aerial
© Alan Stephenson
© South African Tourism
© Alan Stephenson
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Accommodation near Grahamstown
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(Please note: distances shown are 'as the crow flies', and not necessarily the actual travelling distance)
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A Stone's Throw Bed and Breakfast and self-cater accommodation, offers warm Eastern Cape hospitality in the heart of Frontier Country, Grahamstown. Freedom is a Stone's Throw Away ... Stunning Sunsets ... Country Garden Setting ... Spectacular View ... Bird Lover's delight ... Scenic Walks ... Welcome atmosphere.
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A professionally run Guesthouse with the best service and all the comforts you will ever need while away from home! A very relaxed atmosphere with genuine Eastern-Cape Hospitality!! Our lifestyle and motto is "Nothing is impossible or too much trouble for our guests"!!
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Beautifully located Game lodge nestled on a rocky ridge overlooking natural Fish River Bushveld situated on an intimate Game Reserve just 30 km outside of Grahamstown.
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Self-Catering, Guest House, 6 sleeper, 3 stars, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two lounges, games room, travel agency service, family friendly
We are now able to offer extra 2 beds making it 8 sleeper although we prefer to market the house as a 6 sleeper.
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Situated approximately half-way betweeen Capetown and Durban, in a quiet setting just off the N2, Coombs Lodge is an eight bed, self-catering, stone and thatch bush lodge. The Lodge is nestled in amongst Eastern Cape valley-bushveld and teems with a variety of bird species and small game.
The Lodge takes same party bookings only.
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Situated in a tranquil suburb in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, the heart of Settler country, with a picturesque garden perfect for a restful stay. Walk to the city centre, close to schools and Rhodes University, Game Reserves and Port Alfred. Jenny's is ideal for business and leisure travellers.
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Yellow Piano Inn is located on a small hill in the beautiful Manley Flats valley just 20 kilometres from Grahamstown (the ‘City of the Saints’) with it’s famed architectural and cultural heritage.
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