|
Good old Grahamstown is a dorp with a difference. |This little town is probably better known for its annual National Arts Festival and its distinguished schools and university, than for its magical mirror , famous coelacanth, or its botanical garden. Truth be known, this different little dorpie is by far one of South Africa's best kept secrets and has something for everyone, whether it is a historical holiday or an outdoor adventure.
Situated in the heart of frontier country, Grahamstown is steeped in history and is not called a frontier town for nothing. Museums are plentiful and the gems of the city's tourist attractions includes the Albany Museum complex - which is the country\s biggest museum complex and includes the Natural Science Museum, the History Museum, the Observatory Museum, Fort Selwyn and the Provost Prison. The National English Literary Museum and the International Library of African Music amongst others are also situated in Grahamstown. Some even say the town is a living museum.
The Botanical Gardens, or "Bots" as it is called by locals, was the first botanical garden to be established by the English in the Cape Colony, it started in 1853 and has somehow managed to keep growing. Recently "Bots" is being revived to its former glory and what a spectacular sight to behold.
This little dorpie boasts the only Victorian camera obscura in the Southern Hemisphere, the oldest post box in the country and the Cathedral of St Michael and St George as the highest spire in the land. South Africa's first dinosaur was discovered near Grahamstown and the story of the coelacanth, believed to be extinct and then discovered, plays it out in the JLB Smith Institute for Ichthyology. So many other firsts and only awaits the hungry tourist.
It is easy to explore the surrounding area by doing daytrips o the Sunshine Coast (a mere half and hour away) and the surrounding frontier country towns: Bathurst, Alicedale, Salem, Alexandria and many more.
There are various outdoor adventures to choose from: 4x4 trails, abseiling, birding, cycling, dune boarding, game viewing, hiking, rock climbing, golf, fishing, township tours, boat cruises, kayaking, diving, river rafting, surfing and whale watching.
So if you are looking for a peaceful and decidedly different holiday, let Grahamstown be your holiday destination!
Revitalise your soul and energy away from the maddening crowds - Visit Grahamstown and Frontier Country.
Article from Country Life magazine.
|
|
|
1 Scotts Avenue
Grahamstown 6139
Eastern Cape
South Africa
   
Roswitha Hobson
email: Historic@imaginet
.co.za
Tel/Fax: +27 (0) 46 622 8936
Cell: +27 (0) 83 630 8696
|
 |
|
|
