Nestled in the heart of the Karoo, the Drostdy Hotel in Graaff-Reinet is a luxury 5-star boutique hotel along South Africa’s well-travelled road trip routes.
Located in the Eastern Cape, our historic town – South Africa’s fourth-oldest – lies conveniently along the N9, making it a perfect stopover for those journeying between Cape Town, Johannesburg, or the Garden Route.
Having said that, Graaff-Reinet is more than a pit stop, it’s a destination in its own right, boasting charming Cape Dutch architecture, fascinating history and the breathtaking landscapes of Camdeboo National Park.
Below we’ll explore some of the most popular road trips that incorporate Graaff-Reinet, and mention a few of our favourite stops along the way. Shall we begin?
Popular South African Road Trips
The Camdeboo Route
The Camdeboo Route follows the N9 from George to Graaff-Reinet.
It winds through picturesque towns like Uniondale, Willowmore and Aberdeen, offering travellers sweeping mountain passes, semi-arid landscapes and historical charm.
On this drive you will get a true sense of the Karoo’s vastness. The landscape will change drastically between the lush Outeniqua Pass, just outside George, and the Plains of Camdeboo, as you approach Graaff-Reinet, giving you a true sense of our country’s natural diversity!
Look Out For:
Outeniqua Pass Viewpoints (Near George): Before leaving the coast, stop at one of the viewpoints along the Outeniqua Pass to take in breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and lush Garden Route forests.
Smitswinkel Farm Stall (Oudtshoorn): A must-visit for fresh farm produce, homemade pies and local treats. This is the perfect place to stock up on padkos (road trip snacks) before heading deeper into the Karoo.
Sophie’s Choice (Willowmore): This quirky antique shop and restaurant in Willowmore is a delightful stop for a meal and a treasure hunt. You never know what you might uncover!
Route 62
Route 62 is fast becoming known as a choice South African wine route, stretching from Cape Town to Oudtshoorn before linking to Graaff-Reinet via the N9. It winds through charming towns like Worcester, Robertson, Montagu, Barrydale and Calitzdorp and offers expansive mountain passes, vineyard views and quirky roadside stops. If you have a little extra time on your hands, this route is a scenic alternative to the N1.
Additionally, the beauty of this route is that after a relaxing few days with us in Graaff-Reinet, you are perfectly located to move on to other destinations like East London, Bloemfontein or Cape Town – depending on where you’re coming from.
Look Out For:
Peregrine Farm Stall (Near Grabouw): A legendary road trip stop, Peregrine Farm Stall offers freshly baked pies (with a renowned reputation), artisanal bread and local farm produce. It’s almost compulsory to pull in here.
Ronnie’s Sex Shop (Barrydale): An iconic and offbeat Route 62 attraction, this roadside bar has become a cult favourite among travellers. Covered in memorabilia from visitors worldwide over the years, it’s a must-stop for a cold drink and a photo.
Cango Caves (Near Oudtshoorn): One of South Africa’s most famous natural wonders, the Cango Caves are a vast network of limestone caverns nestled in the Swartberg Mountains, about 30 minutes from Oudtshoorn. The caves feature awe-inspiring stalactites, stalagmites and ancient rock formations, some over a million years old. There are various tour options available.
Trans-Karoo: Make Us Your Stop Over On Long Drives
Situated at the crossroads of major South African road trip routes, Graaff-Reinet is the perfect halfway mark for travellers journeying between Cape Town and Johannesburg (via the N1 and N9), Durban and the Garden Route (via the N3 and R56), or Bloemfontein and Gqeberha (previously known as Port Elizabeth) (via the N9 and N10). After hours on the road, this historic Karoo town offers a welcome retreat – not just a pit stop.
A stay at Drostdy Hotel is the ultimate reward; a luxurious oasis where weary travellers can unwind in beautifully appointed rooms, book a Traveller’s Scalp & Leg Massage at the Africology Spa or indulge in Karoo cuisine at our cosy De Camdeboo Restaurant.
During your stay, we invite you to explore the Valley of Desolation, stroll past Cape Dutch architecture, visit museums and galleries showcasing our town’s rich history or simply to bask in the Karoo’s clean air, open spaces and warm hospitality.
Here are some useful distances to consider when planning your trip.
Graaff-Reinet is:
141 km from Cradock
263 km from Gqeberha
380 km from East London
434 km from Bloemfontein
665 km from Cape Town
821 km from Johannesburg
969 km from Durban
Interesting Attractions Near Graaff-Reinet
During your stay with us, we highly recommend that you consider adding a few of these sites and activities to your must-see list.
Karoo Origins: The Fossil Centre (Graaff-Reinet): This newly-opened, interactive museum showcases the renowned Rubidge Fossil Collection dating back 250 million years. Just across the street from us, it’s a must-visit for all ages, offering a fascinating glimpse into the ancient ancestors of dinosaurs, tortoises, and mammals!
The Valley of Desolation (15 km): Towering dolerite rock formations and sweeping Karoo views make this Camdeboo National Park landmark unforgettable – especially at sunrise and sunset.
Obesa Nursery (Graaff-Reinet): One of the largest private cacti collections in the Southern Hemisphere, perfect for plant lovers and photographers. Call ahead on 082 464 8202 to make sure they’re open.
McNaughton’s Bookshop (Graaff-Reinet): A charming indie bookshop packed with second-hand treasures, rare finds and Karoo-inspired reads.
The Owl House (60 km, Nieu-Bethesda): Helen Martins’ eccentric, sculpture-filled home is a hauntingly beautiful outsider-art masterpiece.
Ganora Fossil & Bushman Paintings Tour (65 km, Nieu-Bethesda): Explore ancient fossils, Bushman rock art and Karoo farm life on this fascinating private tour.
Stay With Us
Planning a road trip can be lots of fun, especially when your destination is as beautiful and relaxing as the Drostdy Hotel.
We look forward to being your respite at the end of the day and base for further Karoo explorations.
Browse our beautiful suites here and get in touch with our reservations team at reservations@drostdy.co.za to book your stay.
Alternatively, make use of our online booking platform to secure your own dates.
Safe travels!
