WHERE WE’ RE GOING
OVERNIGHT STOP: GRAAFF REINET
For a small town in the middle of nowhere, Graaff Reinet packs a punch. The fourth oldest town in South Africa – founded in 1786 by the Dutch East India Company – it is rich in history and architecture, and known for its unique blend of cultural and natural attractions. Industry wise, it’ s the focal point of South Africa’ s mohair industry, the biggest mohair producer in the world.
The locals are warm and hospitable, but in the past they’ ve been famously revolting … On three occasions( in 1795, 1799 and 1801), unhappy with the Company’ s taxation policy, they declared themselves an independent colony. Graaff Reinet was also the starting point for Great Trek groups led by Gerrit Maritz and Piet Retief between 1835 and 1842, when
Graaff Reinet’ s Burn Camp is the only one situated in a town. Dinner is served in local restaurants, and in a break from the Lapa format, tents are pitched on the fields of the 1O6-year-old Union High School. A moment when town and race come together.
Dutch-speaking people moved away from the Cape Colony( then ruled by Britain) into new territory. During the Anglo-Boer War, the town was the centre of British military operations in the Eastern Cape.
Today it has the highest number of national monuments and museums in South Africa, is renowned for its well-preserved Cape Dutch, Victorian and Edwardian architecture, and has a vibrant cultural scene, with
museums, art galleries and theatres showcasing local talent. There’ s Karoomade rum, local wines, restaurants serving up hearty regional cuisine, and an increasingly popular annual Stoep Tasting Wine Weekend.
Nearby are the Camdeboo National Park, home to the dramatic Valley of Desolation with its towering dolerite columns, and the Mountain Zebra National Park, which protects the endangered Cape mountain zebra.
36 NEDBANK GRAVEL BURN