Karoo Weather Guide: Best Time to Visit Graaff-Reinet
In Graaff-Reinet, the changing seasons shape life and leisure, offering visitors a unique way to experience the Karoo all year round. A Brief Overview of Karoo Weather: Summer (November – February): 13 °C – 36 °C (55 °F – 97 °F), hot days, dramatic skies, brief bursts of rain Autumn (March – May): 10 °C – 31 °C (50 °F – 88 °F), mild temperatures, golden light, ideal exploring weather Winter (June – August): 3 °C – 19 °C (37 °F – 66 °F), cold nights, clear days, fires and hearty food Spring (September – October): 7 °C – 28 °C (45 °F – 82 °F), fresh growth, blossoms, renewed energy Summer in Graaff-Reinet November to February The Karoo is a semi-arid region, which means that summer is hot, with daytime temperatures often climbing into the mid to high 30s (°C). Many are therefore surprised when the occasional afternoon thunderstorm rolls through town, clearing the air and reinvigorating the land. This rare spectacle is a real treat and is the basis of what people are talking about when they say you can “smell” the rain in the Karoo. It is also the time of year when birdlife is at its most active, so if you’re a twitcher, look forward to some great sightings in the nearby Camdeboo National Park, or even in the hotel’s garden! Drostdy Hotel is well set up for summer living. Three swimming pools offer welcome relief during the heat of the day, while shaded courtyards and alfresco dining spaces invite slower afternoons. Lunches under the pergola at De Camdeboo Restaurant are unhurried, while cocktails come into their own as the sun begins to set, whether ordered from the ladies bar or enjoyed throughout the day from the poolside menu, beside the water. All of our rooms and suites are air-conditioned, providing a cool, quiet retreat after time spent exploring the town or surrounding nature reserves. Packing List: Lightweight, breathable clothing A wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen Comfortable walking shoes Binoculars for birdwatching A good book for poolside afternoons Autumn in Graaff-Reinet March to May Autumn in Graaff-Reinet is the season locals quietly wait for. Days hold their warmth, and evenings begin to cool as the glare of midsummer softens, making time outdoors feel easy again. It’s an ideal moment to enjoy Drostdy Hotel’s courtyards and gardens in comfort, lingering a little longer without retreating from the sun. Meals at De Camdeboo Restaurant can be taken inside or outside, depending on the weather, and in many respects you get the best of both worlds: Summer and winter, without the restrictions of each. What do we mean? Well, our historic streets invite unhurried walks, the short trip to the Valley of Desolation feels comfortable at any time of day, and evenings naturally draw you back to fires, generous plates, and a considered bottle from the wine shop. This gentle balance is why many think autumn is the Karoo at its most accommodating. Packing List: Light layers for changing temperatures Comfortable shoes A camera A notebook or journal Winter in Graaff-Reinet June to August Winter in the Karoo brings clear, crisp days, where direct sunlight feels pleasant enough, but you’ll never want to be far away from your jersey or jacket. Our advice? Layer up! It can be unpredictable out there. Mornings and evenings are cold, and temperatures can drop significantly overnight. So much so that windscreens frost over! Rain is uncommon during these months, leaving the landscape and many riverbeds completely dry. For visitors, winter offers a chance to experience the Karoo’s quiet, stark beauty and enjoy cosy indoor comforts after a day of exploring. (Not to mention the stargazing, which is spectacular on clear nights.) At Drostdy Hotel, winter is all about life’s little comforts; communal fireplaces in shared spaces, like De Camdeboo Restaurant, draw guests together. Hearty, Karoo-inspired dishes take centre stage, paired with South African wines and the chance to linger over a drink in our bar, lounge or library. This is also the perfect season for wine and art. Cue our on-site wine shop and Imibala Art Gallery. Inside your room, underfloor heating in the bathrooms, heated towel rails, bathrobes, and soft furnishings create a sense of warmth and retreat. Staying in is absolutely no hardship when you have room service and plush amenities at your fingertips! And, if you’re looking for a little extra indulgence, why not book a treatment at our onsite Africology Spa, where you can enjoy a complimentary Himalayan Salt Sauna before or after your massage? Packing List: Warm layers, coat, and scarf Warm pyjamas and sheepies (slippers) Closed shoes Your current read Spring in Graaff-Reinet September to October Spring brings warmer days and cool evenings to Graaff-Reinet and is often considered one of the most comfortable times of year to visit. In the veld, new growth appears, with spring flowers dotting the landscape and migratory birds beginning to arrive. Spring suits guests who enjoy being out and about and, as a special treat – you will find Graaff-Reinet’s famous Jacaranda trees in full flower! Outdoor dining returns to focus, walking and sightseeing feel effortless, and Drostdy Hotel’s layout allows for easy movement between quiet interiors and open-air spaces. It’s also just before the busy festive period, which means there are plenty of specials and packages to be capitalised on. Packing List: Light layers Walking shoes Binoculars A camera Stay With Us There is no single best season to visit our beautiful town, only one that suits how you like to travel. Plan your visit by browsing our rooms and suites, and contact our friendly reservations team at reservations@drostdy.co.za to secure your preferred dates. You can also book instantly using our online reservation system for added convenience. We look forward to welcoming you to Graaff-Reinet and helping you enjoy the Karoo at your own pace.
Planning a Romantic Getaway to Graaff-Reinet
Discover romance in the heart of the Karoo. Among Karoo hotels, Drostdy Hotel stands apart with luxury suites, courtyard pools, spa rituals, fine dining, and strolls through historic Graaff-Reinet, made for couples seeking a timeless escape. There is a certain romance to the Karoo that is hard to pin down. Perhaps it’s the stillness of the wide landscapes, where your thoughts can once again come into focus, the vast, uninterrupted skyline or the slow rhythm of life in Graaff-Reinet. Whatever this ancient landscape’s secret, couples who come here find space to reconnect, and at the heart of it all lies the Drostdy Hotel, a heritage building reimagined for times worth celebrating, where history, luxury, and intimacy meet. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway to share with your other half – be your relationship new or established – keep reading! Rooms Made for Romance At Drostdy Hotel, our rooms are as much a part of the experience as the landscapes beyond. As you’ll know, where you rest your head really does impact the tone for the rest of your stay; down to the smallest detail! Our Suites, in particular, are perfect for a romantic escape. Generously sized at 46m², they offer quiet corners to linger in: A writing desk, a cosy lounge, and a king-size bed dressed in soft cotton linen. Bathrooms feature both bath and shower, with underfloor heating and heated towel rails for cooler Karoo evenings. Step outside, and the pace slows even further. Courtyards dotted with turquoise pools and loungers provide a private haven, a place to read side by side, sip something cold, or simply enjoy the hush of an afternoon. Whether you choose a Suite or one of the characterful Executive or Standard Rooms, every detail has been considered to make your stay both comfortable and memorable, with a touch of that old-world feeling that inspires the romantic in all of us. As the finishing touch to your love-filled escape, we offer romantic turn-downs for couples – the perfect ending to a perfect day. A Spa Experience for Two Romance often begins in the small rituals of care, and our Africology Spa has been designed with this in mind. You may have ‘His’ and ‘Hers’ sinks at home, but how often do we really take the time to enjoy the ritual of self-care together with our partner? Our spa uses natural, eco-friendly products inspired by African heritage, and the atmosphere is intimate and soothing. Couples can book side-by-side therapies, enjoying the calm of the Himalayan Salt Sauna or unwind together on the garden terrace between sessions. For something truly special, we’re currently promoting the Karoo Revival treatment, a special that offers 90 minutes of relaxation, including a back exfoliation, massage, and classic Africology facial. Afterwards, take time to linger, refreshments from the restaurant can be served on the terrace, extending your spa time into an afternoon of indulgence. Dining at De Camdeboo Restaurant Food has its own way of bringing people together, and at De Camdeboo Restaurant, the flavours of the Karoo are served with warmth and style. Lunches spill out onto the lawns from the terrace, where leafy pergolas and umbrellas cast shade and the air hums with the beginning of spring. Evenings bring a shift in mood: Indoors, soft lighting and a refined yet relaxed atmosphere set the stage for a memorable dinner. Wine-lovers will definitely find plenty to enjoy! Our hotel’s collection, curated with care and featuring gems from the Rupert family’s estates, can be sampled during a wine tasting in the Wijnkamer. It’s the perfect way to start an evening together, swirling and sipping your way through some of South Africa’s celebrated wine regions. Strolling Through Graaff-Reinet Drostdy Hotel’s location makes it easy to step out hand-in-hand and explore. Graaff-Reinet is one of South Africa’s most walkable towns, its streets lined with museums, art galleries, delis, and antique shops. Wander between them at an unhurried pace, pausing for coffee or discovering something unexpected. For a playful twist, try a tasting at Afrikanis Rum, a uniquely local experience that adds a touch of fun to your day. When the mood calls for nature, the Valley of Desolation is a short drive away. Watching the sun drop behind its towering dolerite cliffs, the plains stretching endlessly beyond, is a moment made for two. Add to the magic by requesting a picnic basket be made up for you at reception, adding your own choice of wine! And, after dark, the Karoo sky becomes an endless display of scattered stars, a reminder of just how far you’ve escaped from the ordinary. Why not take a blanket out onto your balcony and savour the view together? Couples’ Retreat Special To make the most of your stay, the hotel’s Couples’ Retreat Package weaves together the best of Drostdy Hotel’s romantic offerings. This package includes: A 60-minute Couples Hot Stone Massage at Africology Spa A wine tasting experience A romantic turndown service Bed and breakfast in one of the luxury rooms It’s the ideal way to celebrate an anniversary, a honeymoon, or simply the luxury of time together. Why Drostdy Hotel Stands Apart Among Karoo Hotels Blending heritage with contemporary comfort Elegant Cape Dutch architecture paired with modern interiors Courtyards with shimmering private pools and loungers De Camdeboo Restaurant serving Karoo-inspired cuisine Africology Spa offering eco-friendly treatments and a Himalayan Salt Sauna Central location in Graaff-Reinet, ideal for exploring on foot Easy access to the Valley of Desolation and the surrounding Karoo landscapes Book Your Romantic Escape Romance in the Karoo is not complicated. It’s in the long walks, the unhurried meals, the pools tucked into whitewashed courtyards, and the comfort of a beautiful room at the end of the day. If you’ve been searching for a romantic getaway that feels both luxurious and rooted in place, this is it. Among Karoo hotels, Drostdy Hotel is ready to welcome you to Graaff-Reinet, a town where time slows, and romance lingers! Explore our accommodation options and make your
A Journey Through Time: The History Behind The Drostdy Hotel
Tucked away in the heart of the Karoo, Graaff-Reinet offers more than just scenic charm and open skies; it offers stories in a countryside where memories are like currency. At the centre of Graaff-Reinet’s historic quarter stands the Drostdy Hotel, a luxury Karoo retreat that is as much a time capsule as it is a sanctuary for your Karoo holiday! With its rich past and considered modern comforts, our hotel invites guests to explore the deeper narrative of our town through the lens of a cosy getaway. Here, the history of Graaff-Reinet and the history of the Drostdy are inseparable, each shaping and reflecting the other over more than two centuries. During your stay, we invite you to walk in the footsteps of those who came before us, while enjoying the best of the present with our Heritage & Horizons Package – a thoughtfully curated escape designed to honour the history and natural beauty of Graaff-Reinet. Exploring Our Town’s Many Layers To fully appreciate Graaff-Reinet’s history, one must step beyond the hotel’s elegant walls into the streets of South Africa’s fourth-oldest town, home to more than 200 heritage sites. A morning stroll reveals beautifully preserved Cape Dutch and Victorian architecture, with Reinet House (1812) offering insight into early colonial life. Yet, our town’s roots run far deeper than the 1700s. Long before European settlers arrived, the region was home to the Khoisan people, South Africa’s First Peoples. Their traditions, beliefs, and artistry are woven into the land itself, visible in ancient rock paintings and echoed in oral histories. A visit to the Bushman Heritage Museum in nearby Nieu Bethesda offers a moving introduction to the |Xam storytellers who tell the histories and legends of their people with passion and pride. Graaff-Reinet also occupies a proud place in our country’s political history. It is the birthplace of Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, founder of the Pan Africanist Congress and a key figure in the anti-apartheid struggle. His life and work serve as a reminder that history is not just about buildings and dates, but mostly about the people whose courage shapes our present-day lives. WHAT’S IN A NAME? Graaff-Reinet, founded in 1786, takes its name from Cornelis Jacob van de Graaff, then Governor of the Cape Colony, and his wife, Cornelia Reinet. The combination honoured both the colonial administrator and his spouse, reflecting a common practice of the era to link place names with prominent figures. Art, Cuisine & Culture Graaff-Reinet may be steeped in history, but it is also alive with creativity. The Drostdy Hotel’s own Imibala Gallery showcases thought-provoking works by local artists, while galleries across town draw inspiration from the Karoo’s textured landscapes and stories. No visit would be complete without a taste of the region’s culinary heritage. At our hotel’s De Camdeboo Restaurant, guests can savour traditional Karoo flavours like slow-cooked lamb, braised springbok shanks, root vegetables, and baked treats fresh from the oven. These tried and true recipes embody the region’s ethos surrounding food: Simple, honest and deeply nourishing. (In our case, we like to add, ‘Prepared with love.’) Behind The Drostdy Hotel Zooming into our beautiful hotel’s own story, it begins more than 200 years ago in 1804, when the original Drostdy building, designed by renowned architect Louis Thibault, was built as the official residence of the town’s local magistrate. It stood at the heart of Graaff-Reinet, already an important frontier settlement of the Cape Colony. Between 1819 and 1847, the Drostdy served as the magistrate’s residence. Within its walls, notable figures like Lord Charles Somerset and Sir Rufane Donkin discussed matters and made decisions that rippled across the countryside. As Graaff-Reinet expanded with churches, schools, and market squares, the Drostdy evolved alongside it, mirroring the town’s shifting fortunes. In 1878, the building took on a new role as Kromm’s Drostdy Hotel, welcoming travellers who arrived by ox-wagon, carriage, and, later, railway. Around the turn of the century, it embraced an architectural transformation, adopting the elegant Victorian façade visitors see today. Through droughts, celebrations, and times of change, the hotel remained a fixture in the life of the Graaff-Reinet community; a gathering place where locals and visitors shared news, meals and moments of frivolity. By 1975, our hotel’s historical significance was formally recognised when Historical Homes of South Africa undertook a careful restoration of the building, safeguarding both its beauty and its place in Graaff-Reinet’s history. In 2012, a new chapter began under the ownership of the South African College for Tourism (SACT), whose learnership programme empowers young women from rural communities with world-class hospitality training. That brings us to today, where the Drostdy Hotel stands as a beacon of history, opportunity, and timeless Karoo charm, on top of its 5-star luxury status. What You Can Expect From The Heritage & Horizons Package The Drostdy Hotel’s Heritage & Horizons Package offers guests a way to connect with both our hotel and Graaff-Reinet’s history, all while enjoying the comfort of a luxury stay. It includes: Entrance for 2 into Graaff-Reinet’s historic museum Access to the Valley of Desolation in Camdeboo National Park A specially curated picnic box and a bottle of wine Wine tasting for 2 in the Wjinkamer Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature-lover, or simply someone seeking serene surroundings, this experience blends culture, cuisine, and the Karoo’s vast natural beauty into an unforgettable journey. Stay With Us The Drostdy Hotel is more than luxury Karoo accommodation, it is a living link between past and present; a place where the story of Graaff-Reinet continues to unfold. In this season of renewal, allow its walls, walkways, and warm hospitality to carry you through time. To book the Heritage & Horizons Package, contact our reception desk at reservations@drostdy.co.za or fill out our online enquiry form.