Makhanda

Understand

Frontier Country is a vibrant mix of all the best of Africa - where many intense battles were fought and many famous warriors are remembered. True country hospitality reigns in this area with its world class game lodges, hotels and guest houses. 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. The town was named after Colonel John Graham, its founder in 1812, after the Fourth Frontier War, between the British and Xhosa. In 2018, it was renamed "Makhanda" (prophet) in memory of Xhosa warrior and prophet Makhanda ka Nxele.

Grahamstown Tourism, ☏ +27 46 622-3241, [email protected].

Getting there

By plane There are two airports near Grahamstown. The closest is the Port Elizabeth airport which is 114 km from Grahamstown. The East London airport is 123 km away. There are regular flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and other South African destinations to the airports in Port Elizabeth and East London.

By road

Grahamstown lies just off the N2 highway about 110 km (70 mi) northeast of Port Elizabeth and 130 km (80 mi) southwest of East London. From Port Alfred in the south, follow the R67 north through Bathurst. From the north, a number of different routes converge on Grahamstown. Grahamstown is easily accessible by motorways from Cape Town (887 km), Durban (671 km), and East London (152 km). You could also drive in from Johannesburg (950 km). The road conditions are fairly good if you are coming from any of these cities.

By rail The station is on Ayliff street (right in town). However there is no longer a train between Grahamstown and Alicedale, inland to the west. From Alicedale there are regular trains south to Port Elizabeth and north to Bloemfontein and Johannesburg. For several years there has been talk of reviving the disused rail link between Grahamstown and Port Alfred, but this project is still very far from completion.

By bus Several companies, including Greyhound and Intercape, run long distance buses between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, which stop off at Grahamstown along the way. If you choose to travel like this, remember to take some toilet roll as the bus may run out pretty quickly. Minibus taxis from Raglan Street go to Port Elizaberth R40 3 hours, and East London R60 4 hours.

See

In Grahamstown 1 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. 2 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, 4 Anglo African St, ☏ +27 46 622-7042. 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. Fraser's Camp Adventures. Fraser’s Camp offers adrenalin-fuelled teambuilding or family adventures with 6 ziplines that range between 135 & 240 m long. The facility is 38 km from Grahamstown and also offers accommodation on request. History Museum, ☏ +27 46 622-2312. Established in 1965. The History Museum houses an important 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. 3 International Library of African Music, ☏ +27 46 603-8557. Established in 1954. The ILAM houses the largest archive of African music in sub -aharan Africa. Follow ILAM signs from the gate opposite Rhodes University Theatre. 4 The 1820 Settlers National Monument, ☏ +27 46 603-1100. 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. Makana Botanical Gardens, ☏ +27 46 603-8240. This is the second oldest botanical garden

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, and third biggest in the world, 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.

Game reserves Most of the private game reserves in the area are home to Africa’s Big 5 namely the elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard. The reserves are all free from malaria and are situated between 20 and 60 km 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 ecosystems, 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.

Amakhala Game Reserve, ☏ +27 46 636-2752, fax: +27 86 694-6895, [email protected]. This private game reserve boasts a wide selection of owner managed accommodation ranging from intimate bush lodges to majestic colonial residences. Bushman Sands Hotel, Spa & Golf Course, Alicedale, ☏ +27 42 231-8000, fax: +27 42 231-8001. The 4-star hotel is a delightful blend of rich heritage and modern luxury. Activities range from the great outdoors to pampering and relaxation. Great Fish River Reserve, ☏ +27 40 635-2116, fax: +27 42 231-8001. The reserve is rich in history, with several forts bearing witness to the frontier conflicts between Xhosa and settler.

Buy

Under the Arch. There are two shops under the Drostdy Arch, the much-photographed entrance to Rhodes University. The shop called "Under the Arch" sells wonderful unusual gifts, specialising in crafts from the Eastern Cape region and further afield. They also stock a range of beads and snacks. Don't miss the pottery by local potters Greg Jacobs and Richard Pullen. Earth Art Ceramic Production and Studio, 613 Kowie Road, Bathurst, ☏ +27 46 625-0166. Each vessel is hand thrown and decorated to be unique.

Eat

Red Café, 127a High St (Upstairs from UPB, just past Postnet), ☏ +27 46 622-83