How to Spend 48 Hours in Graaff-Reinet
If you’ve only got a limited amount of time in Graaff-Reinet, making every moment of your stay count is essential. With that, we don’t mean that you should rush from place to place, but rather, that a little planning goes a long way! Below you’ll find our suggested itinerary of things to do in Graaff-Reinet if you only have 48 hours to work with, from discovering the sites to enjoying plenty of down time, Karoo-style. Your 2-Day Plan: Things To Do In Graaff-Reinet Arrival Day 2PM: Check-In & Settle You’ve long been anticipating a relaxing getaway to the Karoo, where life’s gentle pace acts as a tonic to the city’s buzz, and the day has finally arrived. When driving into Graaff-Reinet, take note of the historic Dutch Reformed Church – you can’t miss it – the crowning jewel of the 220 listed heritage sites in our town. One of these sites is The Drostdy Hotel & Spa itself – your destination. The original structure was built in 1804, which means that you will be staying in a little piece of this region’s living history. After checking in, you will be shown your room, or, as we like to think of it, your home away from home for the next two nights. Here you will discover that your every need and comfort is catered to, from king-sized beds and coffee machines to television and complimentary WiFi. All of our stay options are luxurious, spacious and tastefully decorated with nods to our Cape Dutch heritage and Karoo setting. Settle into your room and make the space your own! Once settled, it’s time for refreshments. Walk over to our on-site restaurant, De Camdeboo, and sit down to a cup of coffee on the shady verandah overlooking the lawns. (If it’s winter, you might prefer to sit inside by the fire.) Afternoon: Sightseeing & Lunch Before dinner, we’d recommend some sightseeing to work up an appetite. Having recently arrived, your first day is a great time to orientate yourself in town and the best way to do this is on foot. Graaff-Reinet is infinitely walkable and there are plenty of sights to see, like those heritage sites we mentioned above! For ideas on places to visit, read our blog post titled 10 Unique Activities in Graaff-Reinet. When you start to feel peckish, there are plenty of coffee shops and delis to eat at. Two of our favourites include Hello You and Our Yard. Evening: Stoepsit & Dinner After a busy afternoon of sightseeing and exploring the quaint streets of Graaff-Reinet, it’s time to engage in the age-old Karoo tradition of stoep-sitting (sitting on your porch). Select a bottle of wine and enjoy a glass on the patio outside your bedroom as dusk falls. This is your chance to read, catch up with your travelling party or simply enjoy watching the world go by. When you’re ready, join us at De Camdeboo for a delicious Karoo-inspired feast with all the traditional favourites you’ve come to expect, like lamb and malva pudding, along with a few contemporary dishes – all cooked to perfection! The candle-lit ambience and hearty meal will set you up for a night of deep sleep in the quiet heart of the Karoo, ready to tackle the next morning feeling utterly rejuvenated. Second Day Morning: Sunrise With A View Early mornings might not usually be your scene, especially when on holiday, but if you only have 48 hours in Graaff-Reinet, you cannot let the opportunity to witness the sun rise over the Valley of Desolation pass you by. After drinking your morning coffee, head for Camdeboo National Park’s main gate, about 5 km away from the hotel. After entering, make your way to the highest hill (simply ask the guard for directions) and walk the short distance to the viewpoint. From here, the towering dolerite cliffs (120 m) are spectacular to behold as the sun illuminates them in vivid morning light. (It’s more than enough to justify the early wake-up!) Note: If you’d prefer to visit this viewing point at sunset (an equally beautiful option), feel free to ask our front office to request that a picnic basket be made up for you, filled with delicious pre-dinner snacks and your choice of wine from the wine shop. Mid-Morning: Explore Some More After a wholesome breakfast at the hotel, the day is yours! If you feel like seeing more of the Karoo, why not take a short trip (+- 50km) to the neighbouring town of Nieu-Bethesda for a few hours? Here you’ll find the famous Owl House and Kitching Fossil Exploration Centre. You can also take a donkey car ride and shop for Karoo wares at local shops. Alternatively, should you wish to stay in Graaff-Reinet, the rest of the morning could be spent trawling delis for items to fill up your pantry shelves at home. There are many homemade baked goods, preserves, rusks and even liqueurs to sample. Stop by the Afrikanis Rum Tasting Room to purchase a special spirit for your next big occasion. Afternoon: R&R It’s your final afternoon at The Drostdy Hotel & Spa and you’ll likely want to rest up before returning to the “real world” in the morning. We’d recommend doing this by booking a treatment at the Africology Spa, where our extensive menu, incorporating natural and eco-friendly products that originate on the African continent, is certain to have a treatment – grounded in the Karoo’s ancient healing spirit – that will leave you feeling pampered and refreshed. To get the most out of your spa treatment, arrive 30 minutes early for a complimentary session in our Himalayan Salt Sauna. Afterwards, you’ll likely want to return to your room for a nap. Evening: Art & Wine End your Karoo getaway with a wonderful night of art and wine! In the afternoon, we’d highly recommend spending some time at De Camdeboo Wjinkamer, our very own wine shop where we stock some of the finest South African wines. We
Tranquility & Wildlife: A Classic Karoo Package
The Karoo is calling you… Be among the first to book the brand new Classic Karoo Package, an exclusive collaboration where guests are invited to experience the best of our country’s timeless heartland – from the old-world elegance of Drostdy Hotel in Graaff-Reinet to the untamed wilderness of Samara Karoo Reserve in the Great Karoo. Whether you’re drawn in by history, captivated by wildlife, or are simply seeking serenity, this offering promises an array of enriching experiences to fill your cup. Let’s take a closer look at the details together. What does this package entail? By purchasing this package, you will save 20% on 5 nights’ accommodation in the Karoo; 2 nights at Drostdy Hotel and 3 nights at Samara Karoo Reserve. Samara Karoo Reserve: 3 nights’ accommodation in a Karoo Suite at Karoo Lodge Private Samara signature wilderness picnic On-foot cheetah tracking Spekboom planting experience Drostdy Hotel: 2 nights’ accommodation in an Executive Room or higher room category Dinner for 2 on one of the evenings at De Camdeboo Restaurant Wine tasting for 2 at De Camdeboo Wijnkamer Couples’ massage at Africology Spa, plus use of the Himalayan Salt Sauna Note: South African Resident Rates are available. A road transfer between the two properties can also be arranged at an additional fee. (The driving time is approximately 45 minutes.) T’s and C’s apply. Unveiling Graaff-Reinet: The Jewel of the Karoo Graaff-Reinet is South Africa’s fourth-oldest town and is characterised by picturesque streets and warm-hearted locals. Dating back to 1804, Drostdy Hotel stands as a testament to Graaff-Reinet’s rich history and offers 48 impeccably furnished rooms, each a blend of comfort and classic elegance. Make the most of your stay by enjoying our region’s famous hearty cuisine at De Camdeboo Restaurant or by booking a rejuvenating treatment at the Africology Spa. You’ll also find that our hotel is perfectly located for exploring Graaff-Reinet on foot. Visit the town’s myriad museums, quaint shops, charming eateries, art galleries and historical sites – each offering a glimpse into the hospitality and heritage of the Karoo. Into the Wilderness: Samara Karoo Reserve After two nights of indulgence at Drostdy Hotel, your journey continues into the rugged beauty of the hinterland at Samara Karoo Reserve, a mere 45-minute drive away. Here you will experience the open country of the Karoo stretching towards the horizon in uninterrupted plains broken up by rocky outcrops and ancient camel thorn trees. Samara Karoo Reserve is not just a destination; it’s a conservation success story with incredible heart. Established in 1997, Samara has led efforts to reintroduce wildlife to this semi-arid but incredibly diverse landscape. Today, over 60 mammal species reside on the reserve, including lions, cheetahs, elephants and giraffes. Just imagine – an effort that has reintroduced the Big Five to the Karoo! At Samara your days will be filled with exhilarating game drives, guided bush walks and immersive conservation activities like spekboom-planting. The overall experience offers guests a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between man and nature. Book Your Journey Today Whether you seek a romantic getaway, a family adventure or a solo retreat, the Classic Karoo Package promises an unforgettable experience designed to showcase the very best of what our region has to offer. From the quaint streets of Graaff-Reinet and the historic atmosphere of our ‘Grande Dame’, to the vast open spaces of the veld and the extraordinary wildlife experiences cultivated by Samara Karoo Reserve, we hope you’ll agree that this package is unique among hospitality offerings in South Africa. To learn more, or to book your escape, simply email our friendly team at reservations@drostdy.co.za. Alternatively, fill out our online enquiry form and get ready for an authentic, Karoo-inspired vacation to cherish forever. We can’t wait to share in this experience with you!