graaff reinet,south africa,eastern cape

Graaff-Reinet is the oldest town in the Eastern Cape Province and has more national monuments than any other town in South Africa. A town with broad streets to allow ox wagons to turn and over 200 homes proclaimed as national monuments is home to the world’s oldest grapevine. Graaff-Reinet was named after its founding governor, Cornelius Jacob van de Graff in 1786 and his wife whose maiden name was Cornelia Reinet. There is so much to see and do. The accommodation in the area is excellent and most of the establishments offer activities such as hiking, bird watching, game viewing, clay pigeon shooting etc. Graaff-Reinett also has a golf course that is worth a visit. Aptly named the “gem of the Karoo” and a highly recommended destination.

Attractions and Things To Do in Graaf Reinet

REINET HOUSE (National Monument)
Mon-Fri: 09:00-12:30; 14:00-17:00 & Sat & Sun: 09:00-12:00

An H-shaped, six-gabled building in Cape Dutch style built bewteen 1806 and 1812 and used as the parsonage of the Dutch Reformed church from 1812 to 1904. Features include the Laubscher Doll Collection, Porcupine Quill Doll House, Rhino horn doorstep and one of the largest living grapevines in the world.

The Laubscher dolls were jointed dolls made of cloth that retailed for three shillings and sixpence. The first Laubscher doll was made by Anna Laubscher as a christmas gift for her niece in 1915. There were no dolls to be found in Graff-Reinet at the time and the “christmas doll” became such a hit that Anna started a doll factory that employed girls to sew the bodies, old men to stuff the bodies with saw dust and boys to dip the limbs in ink water.

The Porcupine Quill House was built by Mr. J. Joubert (1834-1907) during his retirement . He collected porcupine quills from farmers who would collect them for him. The construction of his house required more than 40 000 pins to secure the quills in place. The house has 52 windows with curtains, there are also figurines placed around the building.

A rhino crossing the Sundays River at night and destroying the Reinet House garden was shot by Rev. Andrew Murray’s son, James in 1880. The horn was kept by Charles (also a son of Rev. Andrew Murray) and used as his hat stand and doorstop. The horn was passed down in the family until 1972 when it was donated to the museum in for safe keeping.

KAROO NATURE RESERVE
One can see the famous and awe-inspiring Valley of Desolation including the peak Uitkyk, from which paragliding enthusiasts from all over the world come to share the skies with the Black Eagles.

Available Hikes in the reserve: Valley Nature Walk (45 minute, 1.5km walk) / Eerstefintein Day Walk (3 route options available of 5, 11 & 14km) / Driekoppe Trial (An overnight trail. Hiking/4x4 route to the overnight hut that sleeps 10 people – booking is essential)

Contact: The Reserve Manager in Bourke Street / Tel: +27 49 892-3453 / e-mial (c links i.e. note)

	Graaf-Reinet
	Graaff-Reinet is the oldest town in the Eastern Cape Province and has more national monuments than any other town in South Africa. A town with broad streets to allow ox wagons to turn and over 200 homes proclaimed as national monuments is home to the world’s oldest grapevine. Graaff-Reinet was named after its founding governor, Cornelius Jacob van de Graff in 1786 and his wife whose maiden name was Cornelia Reinet. There is so much to see and do. The accommodation in the area is excellent and most of the establishments offer activities such as hiking, bird watching, game viewing, clay pigeon shooting etc. Graaff-Reinett also has a golf course that is worth a visit. Aptly named the “gem of the Karoo” and a highly recommended destination. Attractions and Things To Do in Graaf Reinet REINET HOUSE (National Monument) Mon-Fri: 09:00-12:30; 14:00-17:00 & Sat & Sun: 09:00-12:00 An H-shaped, six-gabled building in Cape Dutch style built bewteen 1806 and 1812 and used as the parsonage of the Dutch Reformed church from 1812 to 1904. Features include the Laubscher Doll Collection, Porcupine Quill Doll House, Rhino horn doorstep and one of the largest living grapevines in the world. The Laubscher dolls were jointed dolls made of cloth that retailed for three shillings and sixpence. The first Laubscher doll was made by Anna Laubscher as a christmas gift for her niece in 1915. There were no dolls to be found in Graff-Reinet at the time and the “christmas doll” became such a hit that Anna started a doll factory that employed girls to sew the bodies, old men to stuff the bodies with saw dust and boys to dip the limbs in ink water. The Porcupine Quill House was built by Mr. J. Joubert (1834-1907) during his retirement . He collected porcupine quills from farmers who would collect them for him. The construction of his house required more than 40 000 pins to secure the quills in place. The house has 52 windows with curtains, there are also figurines placed around the building. A rhino crossing the Sundays River at night and destroying the Reinet House garden was shot by Rev. Andrew Murray’s son, James in 1880. The horn was kept by Charles (also a son of Rev. Andrew Murray) and used as his hat stand and doorstop. The horn was passed down in the family until 1972 when it was donated to the museum in for safe keeping. KAROO NATURE RESERVE One can see the famous and awe-inspiring Valley of Desolation including the peak Uitkyk, from which paragliding enthusiasts from all over the world come to share the skies with the Black Eagles. Available Hikes in the reserve: Valley Nature Walk (45 minute, 1.5km walk) / Eerstefintein Day Walk (3 route options available of 5, 11 & 14km) / Driekoppe Trial (An overnight trail. Hiking/4x4 route to the overnight hut that sleeps 10 people – booking is essential) Contact: The Reserve Manager in Bourke Street / Tel: +27 49 892-3453 / e-mial (c links i.e. note)
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Graaf-Reinet

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