Graaff-Reinett

After many months stuck in our little home we decided to swap a dark, cold Christmas for a sunny, summer Christmas instead.

The plan is a road trip over Christmas and New Years through some of the Western and Eastern Cape rural areas which we had not seen before.

Nine hours and three pit-stops into day one of the road trip, we decided on very short notice to change our finally destination for that day to a small town called Graaff-Reinet.

Thank goodness for AirBnB and the quick response from the host, finding a place to rest our heads for the night was no problem.

The name of the town has always been familiar to me. I had no idea what to expect but I was instantly intrigued by its charm. It is elegant and beautiful, set against a backdrop of surrounding mountains.

Graaff-Reinet is the 4th oldest town in South Africa and was established in 1786. It boasts approximately 220 listed national monuments, more than any other place in South Africa.

Walking the streets reveal a rich collection of old buildings. Styles vary from Flemish Renaissance style to Cape Dutch to Victorian, Georgina, Edwardian and a typical Karoo-style.

Immaculately kept houses and cottages, some with wrap-around verandas (patios) and big windows, others with flat zinc roofs or carved wooden posts. Wooden shutters and light painted walls, each house with its own special details… this place certainly has a lot of charm and character.

Many buildings and houses have been modernised, but the character of the buildings still remain.

It is December 23rd and all the restaurants and hotels are fully booked, yet the streets are strangely peaceful and quiet. It is wonderful!

After a cold beer at a nearby restaurant we take a long scroll through the streets with a view of the sunset just to stretch the legs before heading back to our accommodation for a good night rest.

It was a very short stay in this small town, but it left a big impression.

We will definitely be visiting this quaint little town again.