• Graaff-Reinet

    Graaff-Reinet lies between Cape Town and Jo’burg and is 300km from Port Elizabeth. The jewel of the Karoo, it’s an oasis of gracious old charm in the heat of its dusty surroundings.
  • Nieu Bethesda

    This tiny archetypal Karoo village is tucked into a valley in the shadow of the Kompasberg Mountain, part of the Sneeuberg range. It’s best known as the home of the Owl House.
  • Somerset East

    Walter Battis, the eccentric artist lived here, old fashioned roses flourish and the odd historic monument decorates the tree-lined back streets.
  • Addo Elephant Park

    Addo has three backpackers. It is the best place in South Africa to see elephants close up.
  • Shamwari

    A malaria free wilderness area where the Big Five roam.
  • Hogsback

    Hogsback is one of those soft places that somehow speeds up the passing of time. Dominated by the impressive Amatola mountain range, she has a charm and mystique all of her own. She's whimsical, teasing, enchanting and downright wicked.
  • Cathcart

    Located on the N6, this is a good overnight stop between Jo'burg and the Wild coast or the Garden Route.
  • Stutterheim

    Close to the Amatola Mountains and off the beaten track, this town offers yet another opportunity to discover South African via the back roads.
  • Bedford

    Situated on the N10 between Port Elizabeth and Cradock, this is a real country town stopover.

You are here: | All regions | Eastern Cape Inland and the Karoo | Grahamstown

Grahamstown

Seeped in Settler history, Grahamstown is a real student town and when Rhodes University shuts for the holiday the town closes and goes home. Joke. But close enough. Truth is, when you put enough students together, something fun always happens - so keep an ear open for what's on when you're there.

A thumb nail sketch
Grahamstown is home to Rhodes University, a few thousand students and a lot of churches. Renowned for its diverse festivals and wild parties, the most important annual event is the National Arts Festival in July. It’s a short trip from here to the coast, the Great Fish River Reserve and the Addo Elephant Park.
The City of Saints
Referred to as the City of Saints, you can overdose on churches if that’s your thing. Don’t miss the Cathedral of St. Michael that took over 128 years to build.
How to find it
 Grahamstown is situated about 125km inland from PE, and 180km from East London.

Places to Stay

  • Whethu Backpackers

    An African themed Backpackers close to all the action in Grahamstown and its environs

What to do

 Feeling lucky?
(randomly selected service providers from all regions)

Sheri's Backpacker Lodge
Join hot Rod - for the ride of your life!
(Graskop,Mpumalanga)

Apex Shark Expeditions
See the 'flying' Great White Sharks above and below water.
(Simon's Town,Cape Town)

Avoca River Cabins
This backpackers in Addo is on a working citrus farm which is on the banks of the Sundays River.
(Addo Elephant Park,Eastern Cape Inland and the Karoo)

Auckland Park Manor
Centrally situated in Johannesburg and close to WITS - a perfect venue for Profs and Researchers - kids are welcome too
(Johannesburg,Johannesburg)

Buccaneers Adventure Company
Buccanner backpackers offer surf lessons, day trips and much more.
(Chintsa-East,Wild Coast)

Vilanculos Backpackers
A backpackers, club and restaurant all rolled into one.
(Inhambane and Tofo,Mozambique)

Zululand Backpackers
Situated in a wing of the George Hotel, Zululand Backpackers offers comfortable good value for money accommodation.
(Eshowe,Zululand)

HotSpots2C
The perfect backpcker adventure in Cape Town....
(Cape Town City Bowl,Cape Town)

House on the Hill
House on the Hill offers luxurious accommodation at backpacker rates.
(Green Point,Cape Town)

Backpackers on Castle
They are close to Tourist Information and in the centre of town.
(Cape Town City Centre,Cape Town)