Where to Stay in the Eastern Cape for an Unforgettable Vacation
Visit the many restaurants to experience true Karoo food and hospitality, hike at the Camdeboo National Park, spend a day at the Nqweba Dam or take a casual stroll through the museums of Graaff-Reinet during a weekend or holiday in the Eastern Cape.
Are you planning a Karoo vacation and you do not know where to stay? Graaff-Reinet is the answer. Indeed, you will find that KarooRus in Graaff-Reinet offers all the luxuries you need for a comfortable stay and with our central location, you will be within walking distance of many of the attractions.
Graaff-Reinet Museum
The museum opened its doors for public visits in 1956 and has been one of the main attractions in town ever since. Consisting of five historical buildings, the museum complex offers military displays, rare books, and extensive art collections. Rock fossils, antique historical furniture, some of the best artworks in South Africa, and displays depicting the cultural heritage of the Karoo people make for an interesting visit. Considered one of the main international tourist attractions in the Karoo, this museum is a must-see, whether you stay over or simply pass through Graaff-Reinet.
John Rupert Theatre
Graaff-Reinet is a town offering many cultural activities and the best place to visit if you want to experience theatre, films and musical performances is the John Rupert Theatre. Originally the Congregational Mission Church, the building was restored by Dr Anton Rupert. The theatre was named in honour of his father with its inauguration more than three decades ago.
If you stay in Graaff-Reinet on the first Wednesday of the month, you will be able to watch a film screened by volunteers in the theatre; as an alternative, consider visiting the town on the third Saturday of the month to enjoy watching a film in a historical setting. The theatre regularly hosts theatre productions, dance performances, and even comedy shows.
Hester Rupert Art Museum
If you are looking for arts and culture enrichment, you know where to stay by now. Graaff-Reinet boasts the Hester Rupert Art Museum in a historical old church building, which served as the Dutch Reformed Mission Church almost 200 years ago. As one of the oldest church buildings in the country, just visiting the Museum to admire the architecture is already a recommended activity.
The Rembrandt Group bought the building during the ‘60s and Dr Anton Rupert, as Chairman of the Group, took the lead in the restoration of the building, converting it into an art museum. It was later named in honour of his mother, Hester Rupert. Consisting of an exhibition from more than 105 South African artists and well over 100 artworks, the museum provides an accurate glimpse of the country’s art talent.
Even if you just want to know where to stay in Graaff-Reinet for a daytrip or for just passing through, then KarooRus should be at the top of the list. However, considering all the museums and natural attractions that the town offers, you most probably will want to stay a bit longer than just a day.
