Nov 9, 2016 | Articles
Just been handed the nerve-wrecking job of arranging accommodation in central Graaff-Reinet for some of your VIP executives? Feeling overwhelmed, stressed out and at a loss of where to start looking. We don’t blame you. A town born of beauty, culture and history, Graaff-Reinet is simply a destination in its own right. With so much to see and enjoy, and with so many different types of accommodation to book, choosing accommodation can be tricky for anyone who doesn’t know Graaff-Reinet. If you’re new to Graaff-Reinet and have no idea where to start your search, then start with KarooRus.
We’re Within Walking Distance from Restaurants, Boutiques and Shops
Situated in central Graaff-Reinet, only a mere 5 minutes’ walking distance from Graaff-Reinet’s best restaurants, boutiques and food markets, we offer guests the choice of six newly renovated and stylishly decorated spacious suites that are perfect for large families, honeymooners, VIPs, and local and international tourists.
We Offer the Choice of Six Stylish, Spacious Suites
Flaunting a home-away-from-home ambience that simply cannot be compared to any impersonal hotel atmosphere, not only is comfort provided at the highest level, but so is luxury. Great care has been taken to ensure that our guests get great value for money, which is why we leave nothing out at KarooRus. While each suite comes with its own private entrance, alarm system, secure off-street parking and braai area, our stylishly decorated suites boast beautiful wooden floors, top-quality linen and towels, air conditioning, a flat-screen with satellite, and pristine luxury en-suite bathrooms. Guests can also take pleasure in preparing their meals in a fully-equipped kitchenette furnished with all the latest appliances and top-of-the-range kitchenware. Our self-catering suites are as follows:
- Family Unit – this large air-conditioned unit has a queen-sized bed, two single beds, a sleeper couch, a dining table and chairs, a private bathroom and a fully equipped kitchenette. The unit also has a flat-screen TV and DStv
- Honeymoon Suite – this spacious air-conditioned unit has a queen-sized bed, a dining table and chairs, a private bathroom and its own fully equipped kitchenette. The unit also has a flat-screen TV and DStv
- Large Family Unit – this is a large air-conditioned unit with four rooms of which two are bedrooms. There is a double bed, two single beds, a sleeper couch, a dining table and chairs, a large bathroom and a fully equipped kitchenette. The unit also has a flat-screen TV and DStv.
- Luxury Room – this roomy air-conditioned unit has a queen-sized bed, a sleeper couch, a dining table and chairs, a private bathroom and a fully equipped kitchenette. The unit also has a flat-screen TV and DStv.
- Twin Room – this is a neat air-conditioned unit with two single beds, a dining nook, a private bathroom and its own fully equipped kitchenette. There is a flat-screen TV with DStv.
While finding accommodation in central Graaff-Reinet is certainly no hard feat, if you really want to impress your Director and make your VIPs happy and comfortable, then choose KarooRus. We’ll make sure that our luxurious self-catering accommodation is the highlight of their stay.
Nov 9, 2016 | Articles
Guest Houses to Host Your Stay in Graaff Reinet
When shopping around for the best guest houses available to host your stay in Graaff Reinet you will probably find that there is no shortage in options. In order to ensure that you are not disappointed with all the establishments being fully booked, you should make your reservation as early as possible. At KarooRus, we see many travellers through our doors each and every year and it is only because of the intrigue and rich history of our beautiful little town that this is possible. Travellers from all walks of life and from all over the world come to Graaff Reinet, to relax, unwind and explore at their leisure and we offer the perfect “home base” from which to do this.
Our location is what makes us the ideal place to rest your head and keep your goodies. We are within walking distance to central town and the various restaurants and stores that you might need to visit. If you are planning on exploring and experiencing the various churches, museums, art galleries and places of interest such as The Valley of Desolation at the Camdeboo National Park, you are in for an absolute treat. The people of Graaff Reinet are welcoming and friendly and are sure to make you feel right at home.
At our self-catering establishment there are 6 units available. Each unit is comfortably furnished and decorated and you will find that you have access to your own fully equipped kitchenette and en-suite bathroom. DStv and ample secure off street parking are additional perks that will make you feel right at home. Our facilities are designed to offer you the most convenient stay with us.
You will find our rooms absolutely luxurious and we have reliable and trustworthy cleaning staff that will ensure your unit is spic and span for the duration of your stay. Getting away is all about relaxing and unwinding so don’t lift a finger while staying for us – we will take care of it all.
When it comes to special needs we don’t flinch. We offer facilities to cater to wheel chair guests, welcome children with open arms and even have units that are ideal for pets to come along. There is every reason to believe that we will make your stay with us as comfortable and convenient as possible and if you have any additional special requirements, just let us know and we will do whatever we can to assist you / accommodate your needs.
You can conveniently check availability at KarooRus for the dates of your trip by making use of our online booking system. Here you can quite easily reserve the room of your choice and have peace of mind that you have a comfortable and well situated place to stay for your trip to Graaff Reinet. If you are looking for guest houses in Graaff Reinet, look no further. We will provide you with the opportunity to stay in the lap of luxury at a cost-effective rate. Make your trip to our town memorable – book your accommodation with us today.
Nov 9, 2016 | Articles
Indulge in the Beauty of Arts & Crafts from Graaff-Reinet to Nieu-Bethesda
The first step towards artistic enrichment during your next vacation in the Karoo is to book a guest house in Graaff-Reinet. You will need ample time to visit the many art jewels in and around Graaff-Reinet. Of course, the best guest house to book is certainly KarooRus with its luxury self-catering apartments and central location.
But… let us talk about the art of Graaff-Reinet and surrounds for a moment.
The original artists of the Karoo were the Xam group who left visual stories of their history on the cave walls of the Karoo. Indeed, well over 59 000 such cave painting sites are to be found in the Karoo and if you are a historian, there is no reason to wait. Book a guest house in Graaff-Reinet right now and stay for a while to ensure that you have enough time to visit as many as possible rock painting sites.
Graaff-Reinet is certainly the art lover’s dream destination with places such as the Jan Rupert Art Centre, Camdeboo National Park with its rock paintings, and the display of contemporary artworks at the Hester Rupert Museum. Photographers, likewise, will love the surrounds offering superb nature photography opportunities.
The nearby town of Nieu-Bethesda is worth a visit because it is home to the famous Owl House with its numerous sculptures and one-of-a-kind arts by Helen Martins and equally famous Koos Malgas.
So, which artists can claim the Karoo as their home? Many, but you may recognise names such as Athol Fugard and Albert Redelinghuys.
Many of the local artworks are also displayed in the shops and galleries of Graaff-Reinet and nearby towns. The Biblical scholar will certainly appreciate the Biblical Panels, which were the handwork of five ladies. The splendour of the works lies in the beautiful collage arrangements. You will be able to see the works at the Aberdeen Dutch Reformed Church Hall. Aberdeen is another town within short driving distance from Graaff-Reinet.
We recommend taking a day or two to visit the various art galleries, potteries and craft shops in the towns of Nieu-Bethesda and Graaff-Reinet. Start with the Hester Rupert Art Museum in Church Street followed by a visit to the Jan Rupert Centre in Middle Street. Make your way to the Windmill Junction at the corner of Bourke and Somerset Streets for artistically inspired jewellery, furniture and crafts.
Do not forget about the ACVV Workplace for the Disabled located in Industria Street, which can be visited Mondays to Fridays for handmade arts and crafts. If you are looking for African crafts drop in at the African Adventure located on the corner of Church and Parsonage Streets and for unique mosaic and pottery work, visit OBESA Pottery and Mosaics.
From Graaff-Reinet, drive to Nieu-Bethesda for a visit of the Bethesda Art Centre housing stunning quilts and beautiful local arts. Also, visit the Ware on Earth Gallery & Ceramics to view the clay and abstract sculptures in addition to plates by Charmaine Haines.
Do not miss out on the opportunity to see the sculpture works of Frans Boekkooi at his studio next to the brewery and end the visit to Nieu-Bethesda with a walk-through of the Owl House before returning to KarooRus for a well-deserved rest.
Nov 9, 2016 | Articles
Explore the Karoo While Enjoying Luxury Self-Catering Guest House Accommodation in Graaff-Reinet
While visiting the Karoo Heartland you will need warm and welcoming accommodation…and few places can compare with KarooRus offering superb guest house accommodation in Graaff-Reinet. The opulent surrounds of the six self-catering units located in a beautifully restored house, provide for safe and well-equipped accommodation for travellers to this unique part of South Africa.
Each of the units is fitted with self-controlled air-conditioning, a kitchenette and breakfast nook complete with cooking utensils & cutlery, as well as a microwave and two plate stove. We know that the first coffee or tea brew of the morning is essential to get you up and going and for that reason we have included a tea & coffee making facility in every apartment.
Enjoy comfortable accommodation with the double bed and or single beds, flat screen TV with DStv bouquet, duvets, sheets foam pillows and extra blankets for the cooler evenings. Our unique guest house accommodation in Graaff-Reinet is exceptionally popular amongst tourists to this quaint little town because of the luxuries offered including the private and en-suite bathroom in each unit.
Of course, you will want to explore the surrounding area and Graaff-Reinet will not disappoint. As the oldest town in the Eastern Cape it has as many as 200 buildings which have been declared National Monuments. Indeed, you will find that an entire street has been restored to its former glory and of particular interest are the slave cottages. The town still has its original old-time charm, which for some people, is also a welcoming reprieve after the beautiful, but sandy character of the Karoo.
A must visit attraction is the Camdeboo Park with the Valley of Desolation within its borders as well as the Nqweba Dam. The Valley of Desolation is known for dolerite pillars which reach up to 120 metres in the air and certainly make a scenic picture to appreciate. The Camdeboo Conservancy covers 22 farms which provide a large area of hiking trails with other activities such as horse riding, trout fishing and birding also on offer. Specialised tours for rock art viewing and township experiences can be booked in Graaff-Reinet.
Take a morning drive to the little village of Nieu-Bethesda, a historical church town where you will also be able to visit the famous Owl House, an art lover’s dream which has been featured in many magazines as one of the best examples of outsider art. The house belonged to the late Helen Martins who transformed her little home into an art masterpiece of sculptures and unusual art works.
Our town offers the history buff an amazing array of museums and buildings to visit of which the Hester Rupert Art Museum is an example. The museum is located in the fifth oldest church structure in the country, which was originally built as a Dutch Reformed Mission Church in 1821. It became and art museum in 1966 with 90 stunning sculptures and paintings from 83 artists. Anton Rupert originally donated the money for the creation of the museum and the Town Council named the building after Anton’s late mother in honour of his contribution. The museum building was declared a National Monument in 1968.
No doubt – if you visit Graaff-Reinet you will want to stay at least a day or two. Contact us to book luxury and comfortable self-catering accommodation in Graaff-Reinet.
Nov 9, 2016 | Articles
Waar om Heerlike te Eet en Luuks te Bly in Graaff-Reinet
KarooRus bied topgehalte selfsorg en Graaff-Reinet-verblyf – bespreek nou jou akkommodasie vir die komende feesseisoen om teleurstelling te voorkom. Ons goeie ligging maak dit vir jou moontlik om baie van die gesogte restaurante, kunsgallerye, museums en ander besienswaardighede te besoek te voet, sonder om eers in jou motor te klim.
Terwyl jy natuurlik van ons luukse maar beskostigbatre Graaff-Reinet-verblyf gebruik maak sal jy ook na omliggende areas wil reis soos die Kamdeboo Nasionale Park met sy unieke rotsformasies en rotstekeninge. As jy egter wil weet waar om uit te eet en sosiaal te verkeer tydens jou Graaff-Reinet-verblyf kan jy gerus sommige van die plekke hieronder besoek.
Koeksisters, melktert, gemmerbier en beskuit is so eie aan die Karoo soos die rotstekeninge en jy sal na hartelus kan smul aan sulke lekkernye terwyl jy hier vakansie hou. Skaapkerrie en wildsvleis is van die ander disse wat jy moet proe. Karookos smaak vorentoe.
Dis net in die Karoo waar jy beesvleis, springbok en volstruis op dieselfde bord kan vind. Baie restaurante bied hierdie maaltyd aan en jy kan nie teruggaan huis toe sonder om die unieke kombinasie te proe nie. Karoolam is uiters gesog weens die besonderse smaak. Die lamsvleis hier smaak anders as in die res van die land weens die bossies waaraan die skape wei. Die tradisionele aartappels, patats en bone saam met skaapvleis maak ‘n besoek aan ten minste een of twee van die restaurante ‘n noodsaaklikheid. Min plekke in Suid-Afrika bied sulke smaaklike tradisionele nageregte soos malvapoeding aan en dus is dit nog ‘n lekkerny wat jy op jou lysie moet sit.
Hoewel wyn nie in die Graaff-Reinet-omgewing verbou word nie, beteken dit nie dat jy nie van die beste Suid-Afrikaanse wyne sal kan geniet nie. As jy egter die oudste wynwingerdstok in die land wil sien, maak ‘n draai by die Reinet Huis waar die stok sedert 1870 sy man staan teen die wind en die weer.
Graaff-Reinet het geen tekort aan deli’s, koffiewinkels, restaurante en straatkafees nie. Jy kan selfs ‘n brouery in die buurdorp Nieu-Bethesda besoek vir tuisgemaakte brousels, kaas en wildsalami. Daar is ook plekkies in die omgewing waar jy kan piekniek hou – ‘n groot verskeidenheid is dus op die spyskaart vir die kosliefhebber.
Enkele van die eetplekke om te besoek tydens jou Graaff-Reinet-verblyf sluit in die De Camdeboo Restaurant vir ‘n gourmet-ervaring, die Coldstream Restaurant wat bekendstaan vir hul wildsvleis, die Karoo Sjiek Koffiewinkel met hul kindervriendelike omgewing en die Pioneer Restaurant wat ook ‘n kroeg het. Hierdie eetplek is gewild weens die tradisionele Karoodisse en hartlike atmosfeer.
As jy egte Karoodisse wil geniet, maak ‘n draai by die Polka Restaurant, Deli & Koffiewinkel. Die restaurant se spyskaart is spesifiek opgestel om tradisionele geregte bekend te stel. Dit sluit geregte in van wildsvleis en bobotie tot skaapbredie. Jy kan ook tuisgemaakte konfyt en verwante lekkernye by die bakkery en deli koop. Vir ‘n ligte middagete of smullekker ontbyt loer in by die The Blue Magnolia Coffee Shop wat in ‘n kwekery geleë is.
Noudat jy weet waar om te eet, maak seker jy het bekostigbare luukse verblyf in Graaff-Reinet. Bespreek nou jou akkommodasie by KarooRus.
