Graaff-Reinet travel guide

Founded in 1786, Graaff-Reinet, the oldest town of the Eastern Cape, lies between the Sneuberg Mountains and the Sundays River. The town was originally described as “nothing more than a collection of mud huts”, but years of prosperity from farming are reflected in the local architecture – over 220 of the town’s historical buildings have been declared national monuments. Today it is surprisin gly smart, with row upon row of perfectly restored houses, leafy streets and a quiet, bustling atmosphere. Nevertheless, Graaff-Reinet remains a small provincial town in deep Karoo country, so don’t expect much in the form of entertainment.

The town was originally established as an administrative centre to control the frontier districts for the government in the Cape. Mauritz Woeke was sent as governor or landrost in 1785. He chose the site of Graaff-Reinet because of its water supplies and fertile soils. The town grew to become an important trading centre on the new frontier and there was a boom in sheep farming during the 1850s, when English settlers first brought merino sheep to the region. The Graaff-Reinet Publicity Association can provide tourist information 7 Church St, T049-892 4248, http://www.graaffreinet.co.za, Mon-Fri 0800-1700, Sat 0900-1200, Sun 1000-1200.