I visited Graaff-Reinet as a part of 21 days South Africa, Lesotho and eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) overland tour in a purpose built 4×4 truck, visiting one national park to another, covering eight major national parks. After exploring Lesotho for few nights, we arrived in Graaff-Reinet, one of the oldest town in the South Africa.
Graaff-Reinet, the 4th oldest town in South Africa, was established in 1786. It is the oldest town in the Eastern Cape Province. The town is renowned for its architectural heritage and its 220 sites. It has more national monuments than any other town in South Africa.
After entering into South Africa after visiting Lesotho for few days, first thing we did, is found a shade and prepared Lunch. The town center of Graaff-Reinet.Dutch Reformed Church, designed to resemble the neo-gothic lines of England’s Salisbury Cathedral, this is considered to be the finest church of its kind in South Africa.The Dutch Reformed Church of Graaff-Reinet.The ducks are trying stay coolApartheid was a system of institutionalised racial segregation that existed in South Africa. You can see the town of Graaff-Reinet had there distinct neighborhoods, one each for Whites, Colored and Blacks.
While in Graaff-Reinet, we visited the Camdeboo National Park, located in the Karoo and almost completely surrounds the town of Graaff-Reinet. Many antelopes and ostriches call this park a home though there is none of African Big-5 in this park.
Welcome to the Camdeboo National Park!The park is safe for bicycling and hiking.Many antelopes call this park home.A pair of Greater kudus, they adorn the logo of the national parks.Many Ostriches also call this park their home.A shell of an Ostrich’s egg, it’s huge!Ostriches and antelopes, two main residents of this park.Our guide caught a little snake.Valley of Desolation, a National Heritage Site, lies within the Camdeboo National Park. The Valley was formed millions of years ago by weathering erosion, creating a type of oasis in the midst of the aridness of the Karoo.Valley of Desolation
After a night in the historic town, we drove towards Addo National Park, a home to more than 600 elephants.
In May 2017, 23 days before I was going to complete 50 years, grabbed an opportunity and took an early retirement.. Picked up a backpack and traveling ever since.. Love to travel around the world, experience different culture, local cuisine & drinks .. and take pictures.. so far been to 108 countries and still counting...
Window on the World 