Explore Graaff-Reinet and the Karoo from a Luxury Guest House
Despite the world-class shopping experience to be enjoyed in the modern malls that typify the upmarket suburbs of Johannesburg; the lure of the beaches that attract so many to Durban’s surrounds; or the magnificent views from Table Mountain whose slopes dominate the mother city, it is a quaint little settlement in the midst of the Great Karoo that has earned the accolade of best town in South Africa.
The title is well-deserved. In addition to this latter-day celebrity status, Graaff-Reinet holds the further distinction of being the country’s fourth oldest town, predated only by Cape Town, Stellenbosch, and Swellendam. Established initially as a defensive outpost, in common with its predecessors, its ownership was constantly in contention alternating between the Dutch and British settlers and later between the British and the Boers, sometimes through conflict and sometimes by contract.
The result is that this Eastern Cape Midlands town has a packed and colourful history. The evidence of this is everywhere and can be seen in its museums and well-preserved buildings with their characteristic architecture. In practice, the town itself acts as a living museum, its faithfully restored structures reflecting the lives of those who established and fought over the Cape Colony.
Today, the many guest houses now scattered through the streets of Graaff-Reinet are the evidence of a unique tourist experience that has proved fascinating to visitors from all over the world as well as from all corners of South Africa and breathed new life into the town.
It is, however, not just its history and architecture that draws so many to the town. Its location in the heart of the 15 000-ha Karoo Nature reserve, with its diverse flora and wildlife creatures that include the Cape mountain zebra, provides an additional attraction. Nearby, hiking trails lead to viewpoints from which to overlook the Camdeboo plains and the town below, or the other-worldly spectacle of the twisted columns and impossible rock piles that litter the aptly-named Valley of Desolation.
When a busy day of taking in the Karoo scenery, visiting the town’s historic monuments and its fascinating museums have left you hot and hungry, your first need will probably be to pop back to your room to take a shower. For those with a taste for luxury and who want to be close to the action, Graaff-Reinet offers the perfect solution in the form of the luxury guest house named KarooRus.
The ultimate in self-catering accommodation, KarooRus consists of a beautifully restored building in the traditional Cape Dutch style and divided into seven self-contained units including a flatlet for 4 as well as units to sleep 2, 4, and 6 guests, each with its own private entrance. Secure parking, stylish décor, top-quality fitments and furnishings, a modern kitchenette with all essential appliances, and DStv make KarooRus an exceptional hostelry while its affordable rates make it the ideal family choice.
For those occasions when one may not feel like cooking, the accommodation is just a short stroll from some of the finest restaurants in the country and a unique chance to sample the superb cuisine of the Karoo prepared in the kitchens of award-winning chefs. For the best possible Graaff-Reinet experience, be sure to make KarooRus your guest house of choice.
