Having recently celebrated Heritage Day on 24 September 2024, we’ve come to recognise that there’s no better place to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of our country’s history than Graaff-Reinet.

Nestled in the heart of the Karoo, this old frontier settlement, once on the edge of the former Cape Colony, is a living museum that offers a captivating glimpse into the diverse cultures and stories that have shaped our country and contributed to our collective identity as South Africans.

What better way to explore this heritage than by staying at the Drostdy Hotel, where luxury Karoo accommodation meets a deep connection to the past?

Keep reading as we delve into the various parts of our beloved town’s heritage together, touching on relevant places to visit during your stay.

The First Peoples

Graaff-Reinet’s story begins long before European settlers arrived. The region was originally inhabited by the Khoisan people, whose deep connection to the land is evident in the ancient rock paintings found throughout the Karoo and cultural practices that persist in the area to this day.

To learn more about the culture of our country’s first peoples, we would highly recommend taking a day trip to Nieu Bethesda (52 kms away) to visit the Bushman Heritage Museum.

This art centre, gallery and restaurant was established to reconnect the |Xam people with their ancestral identity. Visitors to the museum can marvel at the beautiful quilted and painted artworks that depict vivid scenes from |Xam creation mythology and take a guided tour by one of the | Xam narrators – storytellers who have been charged with carrying forward the oral history of their people.

Overall, it is a profoundly moving experience.

The Cape Colony Era

In 1786, Graaff-Reinet was founded as part of the Cape Colony, a significant chapter in South Africa’s colonial history. The town quickly became a vital trading post, and its strategic location contributed to its growth and development.

The architecture from this period reflects the blend of Dutch and British influences in South Africa at the time and can be seen on almost every street corner. Today, Graaff-Reinet has over 200 buildings with National Monument status.

Wandering through the streets of Graaff-Reinet, you’ll notice beautiful examples of buildings from the 19th century. So much has been preserved that some would say on early mornings, before the streets get busy, walking outside and looking at the nearby Sneeuberg Mountain, you could almost imagine you were in a different time altogether!

The Graaff-Reinet Museum (1812) or “Reinet House”, housed in what was formerly a Dutch Reformed Church parsonage, offers an insightful look into the early days of Graaff-Reinet and the broader Cape Colony. It’s a perfect starting point for understanding how our charming town evolved over the centuries.

Struggle Figures

Many prominent historical figures have ties to Graaff-Reinet, including Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, a prominent anti-apartheid leader and founder of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC).

Born in 1924 and educated at a local mission school, Sobukwe went on to study at Fort Hare University. His Africanist views diverged from those of the ANC, which ultimately led to his founding of the PAC in 1958.

In 1960, after the Sharpeville Massacre, Sobukwe was arrested and spent 9 years in prison; 6 of which were in solitary confinement on Robben Island.

After his release, in 1969, Sobukwe was sent to Kimberley to carry out a further sentence of house arrest. When he died in 1978, from lung complications, his body was brought back to and buried in Graaff-Reinet.

Sobukwe was a man of courage and conviction and remains a celebrated figure in South Africa’s fight for democracy.

Architectural Wonders

Graaff-Reinet is renowned for its exceptional architecture, a fusion of historical styles that create a distinctive atmosphere.

The Drostdy Hotel itself is a shining example of the town’s architectural heritage. Originally built in 1804, our hotel has served as an official residence for figures like Lord Charles Somerset and as a home to the local magistrate before its most recent restoration in 1975 by Historical Homes of South Africa.

While modernised on the inside, the Drostdy Hotel’s exterior design reflects the traditional Karoo style, characterised by its elegant Cape Dutch architecture, including whitewashed walls and a thatched roof.

Staying with us provides not just a comfortable retreat, but also a tangible connection to the past, allowing you to experience the history of the Karoo firsthand.

If you’d like to learn more, feel free to dive into our extended history here.

Art and Culture

Graaff-Reinet is also a hub of artistic expression, reflecting its diverse cultural heritage. Our town is home to several art galleries and craft shops where you can explore works by local artists and artisans. (Simply ask our reception desk for recommendations.)

Otherwise, the Drostdy Hotel also showcases local art at our on-site Imibala Art Gallery adjacent to the De Camdeboo Wjinkamer.

They say that art imitates life, and if this is true – as we believe it to be – there can be no better place to soak up the heritage and tenor of a community’s spirit than by taking in some local art. Here you will gain a glimpse into the conversations and topics that most touch our townspeople today, with explorations of identity, nature and indeed, heritage, via a multitude of mediums.

Sip on local wines while you take in the work of some of Graaff-Reinet’s most celebrated creatives!

A Taste of the Karoo

No exploration of Graaff-Reinet’s heritage would be complete without savouring the local cuisine.

The Karoo is renowned for its rich culinary tradition and warm hospitality. Many traditional Karoo dishes contain ingredients that could be kept in the pantry before refrigeration – bottled quinces, pickled onions, jams, biltong, chutneys, biscuits, root vegetables and rusks. These are staples of every Karoo pantry to this day.

At the Drostdy Hotel’s De Camdeboo Restaurant, you can indulge in authentic Karoo fare, from succulent lamb dishes to hearty stews and freshly baked farm bread.

Many of the hotel’s dishes are inspired by traditional recipes, giving you a true taste of the region’s culinary heritage.

Stay With Us

In the wake of Heritage Month, Graaff-Reinet stands as a testament to South Africa’s rich and varied history. From the ancient Khoisan legacy to the colonial architecture and the thriving local food and art scene, our town offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of our shared heritage.

Staying at the Drostdy Hotel provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience luxury Karoo accommodation while immersing yourself in this captivating history.

In light of this, we’ve even put together a Heritage and Horizons Package that includes museum entrance for two, entry to the Valley of Desolation, a picnic and a wine-tasting experience at our very own Wjinkamer. For more details, click here.

Get in touch with our reception desk at reservations@drostdy.co.za or fill out our online enquiry form to secure your dates.

We look forward to welcoming you to Graaff-Reinet!