South Africa – The Graaff Reinet Route
The Eastern Cape Route Beckons the Tourist to Visit Graaff Reinet
Aug 30, 2009
Traveling along the Eastern Cape Route, be sure to visit the historically significant town of Graaff Reinet, set in the past, still retaining an air of long ago, and filled with an atmosphere inviting the visitor to stay longer. The area was called the “Green Valley” by its original settlers and indeed the verdant, picturesque surroundings will confirm why.
Established in 1786 as a trading area for the settlers of the time, the old buildings are preserved today as National Monuments. Visitors will get pleasure from the perfect examples of Cape Dutch architecture. A wonderful example of other historical architecture is the famous Dutch Reformed Church, called the “Gem of the Karoo”, situated in the center of the town. Its elegant white structure is stunning, and it stands old and proud of its heritage, on a lawn of emerald green.
Graaff Reinet will probably serve as a midway stopover for most travelers on their way to another exciting destination. However, it would be a missed opportunity to exclude a visit to this delightful town. From the main road, a tourist will not get an image of anything interesting in the vicinity. The town, with a population of about 80,000 inhabitants is hidden, although the prominent Sneeuberg Mountain stands imposing, strong and pointed towards the sky.
There are no signs of the abundant greenery, or the quaintness, from a distance. With a blink of the eye a passerby may not even notice the place, so be sure to follow the map carefully if plans are set to visit this interesting locality. There will be no disappointment here! The inviting town will draw the traveler in as soon as some of the city’s features are spotted. The red flowers of the flamboyant trees, juxtaposed with the dark green of their leaves, will charm those who enjoy the local flora of new venues.
Restaurants and Cafes in Graaff Reinet
For the traveler, a number of unusual beautifully-decorated restaurants serve a large variety of foods, and for the international traveler, at an amazingly low price. The current conversion from European or American currency to South African rand grants the visitor one of the best priced vacations attainable.
Inside many of the restaurants, appealing original décor filled with color, local art, and old age ambience, will enhance the meals. Preferably, if one likes to sit outside in warm seasons, the dense foliage of the gardens or surrounding areas will take the visitor into a timeless zone, a feeling of being in a place of old. It is worthwhile calling in a reservation to ensure a table for dinner.
Lodgings in Graaff Reinet
Available to the traveler are many hotels, lodgings, and a variety of Bed and Breakfast venues. Arrange a booking in advance to ensure a reservation. Go online to find some names of restaurants, or ask at the reception desk of any hotel to recommend some of the well-known eateries in the area.
The Weather in Graaff Reinet
Traveling in the summer months, one can experience the pleasant afternoon rain showers that keep Graaff Reinet in her green beauty. The reason for the oasis type of setting is this daily rainfall. Thunder and lightning usually accompanies the rain, but after a short storm, everything calms and the green everywhere glistens with freshness.
For further information, the website, Graaffreinet.co.za , displays spectacular photos that show the wonders of plant, game, accommodation, and places to visit during one’s stay. It caters to all visitors, including backpackers, and gives recommendations for things to see in the area.
Another website, Graaffreinet.com offers a wealth of information regarding history, accommodation, climate and tourism.
Don’t miss this gem of a place! Just finding this jewel along the way will bring an unexpected pleasure.
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