Must-Visit Destinations in Makhanda for Nature Enthusiasts and Adventure Seekers

Makhanda (formerly known as Grahamstown) in South Africa, is an area rich in wildlife, outdoor adventures, and cultural history, offering something for all kinds of travellers.

Let’s help you plan your trip! This personalized travel guide highlights wildlife safaris, outdoor activities, cultural experiences, accommodation options, and much more.

These destinations offer a mix of history, culture, and nature, making for memorable day trips or weekend escapes from Makhanda and surrounds.

🌿 Nature & Outdoor Adventures:

Makana Botanical Gardens: Stroll, fish for tadpoles, or enjoy tea and scones. 📞 Denese 073 022 9182
Mountain Drive: Visit the toposcope showing distances to other places. Astronomical toposcope on Gunfire Hill.
Swim in a dam - Cool off or pack a picnic at Grey Dam
Have a braai - The Settlers’ Dam recreation site is a favourite for swimming, picnics and braais.
Go hiking or mountain biking -There are many trails through indigenous bush, kloofs and grassland in the area. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3vDc9Pp
Play golf—Take your clubs and have a round at our local golf club. Costs are reasonable. 📞 082 924 4797
Thomas Baines Nature Reserve: 15 km from Makhanda. Cape buffalo, kudu, and antelope species.
Horse Riding and pony parties: Contact David for riding lessons with Grahamstown Riding Club. 📞 0825647076
Get married - Contact the Belmont Golf Club for a wedding with a difference. 📞 Deon 082 924 4797.
See crocodiles at Reed Valley Crocodile Farm. 📞 042 235
Oldenburgia Hiking Club: Guided hikes in the region. 📧 oldenburgiahikingclub@gmail.com

Top Wildlife Getaways and Nature Escapes Near Makhanda

Assegaai Trails: Ideal for day hiking, camping, and birdwatching enthusiasts. For more details, call 📞 082 445 1042.
Umbono Game Reserve: A tranquil getaway featuring abundant wildlife and scenic hiking trails. Reach them at 📞 046 880 0109.
Pumba Game Reserve: Home to majestic white lions and offering luxury safari experiences. For bookings, call 📞 046 603 2000.
African Safari Lodge: Situated near the water's edge, offering fishing, kayaking, and afternoon views of antelope and warthog. Call 📞 071 603 0507
Temba Lodge: Enjoy close encounters with wildlife while staying in luxurious en-suite rooms, with conference facilities and a main entertainment area featuring a bar and lapa. Contact 📞 046 622 2239.
Tuskers Lodge: A classic African thatched hunting lodge, meticulously decorated to international standards, just 12 km from Grahamstown's CBD. Contact 📞 076 783 6384.
Glen Boyd Game Reserve: Nestled in the picturesque Fish River Valley, this reserve offers affordable yet superb accommodations surrounded by stunning hills. Contact 📞 +27 63 297 2774 for more information.

🏛️ Cultural & Historical Attractions:

Museums: https://bit.ly/3z5lIxk Highlights below:
- Natural Sciences Museum for dinosaurs, freshwater fishes, a plant herbarium and more.
- History Museum for Settler/Xhosa history including the Makhanda Exhibition.
- Observatory Museum with a magical Camera Obscura. 📞 046 622 2312
- Discover the rich architectural and cultural history of Makhanda with this walking tour: bit.ly/3ZjZl1O
- Pipe Organs of Makhanda: A Musical Heritage
  - Cathedral of St Michael and St George: Located on Church Square, this cathedral houses the only pipe organ in Makhanda suitable for concert performances. Built by Bevington of London in 1860, it has also been used by Rhodes University to train its organ scholars.
  - Methodist Cathedral (Commemoration Church): Installed in 1875, this church is home to the third-largest pipe organ in South Africa.
  - Wesley Methodist Church: Situated at the corner of Market and York Streets, it boasts South Africa’s only pipe organ to be declared a National Monument. Ordered in the mid-1830s by Lt Colonel Henry Somerset for his home in Grahamstown, this organ is still in regular use.
- Egazini Memorial: Fingo Village tribute to those who fought in the Battle of Grahamstown.
- 1820 Settlers’ National Monument: Admire artwork and incredible views of Makhanda.
- Rhodes University: Enjoy a walk through the beautiful campus.
- Coelacanth Exhibit: View it at SA Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity. 📞 046 603 5800
- African Musical Instruments Exhibit: Explore traditional African musical instruments. 📞 046 622 6252
- Historic Churches: Visit Sidbury and Salem for their historic churches and cricket pitch.
- Mooi-meisiesfontein Farmhouse: Riebeeck East, once home to voortrekker Piet Retief.

🎨 Arts, Craft & Workshops:

Craft Monday at Red Café: Free entry, bring your crafts for a creative afternoon.

📅 Every Monday, ⏰ 15:00 - 16:00

Poetry Readings: Amazwi Museum of Literature hosts regular events. Check their Facebook for dates.
Ten CROSS Shoppe - Local & Lekker: Local food, crafts, and a tea garden. 📞 Chantelle 084 405 1102
Rock Climbing: Rhodes University Rock Climbing Club. 📞 046 603 7372
End of month Markets: Coming up on 26 October 2024 is the Enchanting Nights & Spooky Days market. Join us for a community event bringing all local businesses together in Makhanda! Learn more: https://bit.ly/4eEDYgu
Arts Festivals: The Arts Affair Bathurst: 2-3 November 2024. 📞 +27 82 571 6194
Stay tuned to the Makana Tourism events listing for more information.

🍽️ Food & Drink Experiences:

Kingston Farm: Enjoy teas, lunches, and suppers in an Edwardian farmhouse. 📞 Carla 046 625 0129
Ten CROSS Shoppe - Local & Lekker: Local food, crafts, and a tea garden. 📞 Chantelle 084 405 1102
Pothole and Donkey Cocktail Special: Half price cocktails on Fridays. ⏰ 16:00-20:00
Wine Special: Every Sunday at The Rustic Route.
Potjiekos Sunday: Every Sunday at The Rustic Route.

🎉 Weekly Events & Fun:

Mogodu Monday: Venue: Rustic Route
Self-defence classes (Boxing & Karate for Women): 📅 Every Wednesday ⏰ 17:30 - 18:30 at St. Mary's DCC.
Zumba & Nia Dance Classes: Wednesday & Friday at Grahamstown Bowling Club Hall. 📞 Liz Campbell 074 315 4232
Friday Phoenix Ultimate Frisbee: Every Friday at Rhodes Great Field, ⏰ 17:30 - 19:00.
Saturday Parkrun: Free event, walk or run at Bot Gardens, ⏰ 07:45 for 08:00.
For more events, check out: www.grahamstown.co.za/events

🏨 Relaxation & Wellness:

Halyards Hotel & Spa: Spa treatments, affordable accommodation, and scenic views. 📞 046 604 3355
Mansfield Private Reserve: River boat rides, walks, and camping. 📞 079 968 0222
Temba Private Game Reserve: Culinary experience and bushveld relaxation. 📞 046 622 2239
Pumba Private Game Reserve: Awaken your soul and escape to the wild and magical African safari destination. 📞 046 603 2000
African Safari Lodge: Nestled by the water's edge, this tranquil lodge offers couples the perfect romantic escape. Enjoy peaceful afternoons watching antelope and warthog at the water's edge or engage in activities like fishing and kayaking. For a more intimate experience, private massages can be arranged. 📞 071 603 0507
Assegaai Trails: A serene, multi-faceted nature reserve with over 100 beds across various accommodation options. Perfect for nature lovers seeking relaxation, the reserve offers peaceful day hiking, birdwatching, and camping experiences amidst beautiful natural surroundings. Recharge and reconnect with nature in a tranquil setting. 📞 082 445 1042
Umbono Private Game Lodge: Luxury accommodation paired with an abundance of wildlife, offering a peaceful and secluded escape. 📞 046 880 0109
Tuskers Lodge: A classic African thatched hunting lodge decorated to international standards, located just 12 km from Makhanda's CBD. 📞 076 783 6384

🏠 Shopping & Local Finds:

Ten CROSS Shoppe - Local & Lekker: Local food, crafts, and a tea garden. 📞 Chantelle 084 405 1102
The Knock Shop: Antiques on 2a Cawood Street. 📞 076 312 3514
End of Month Local Markets: www.grahamstown/events

🚗 Excursions & Day Trips:

Alicedale: Located 25 km from Makhanda, near Shamwari Game Reserve, this small railway town offers a peaceful atmosphere and affordable property opportunities.
Fort Brown: Once a major frontier fort, it is now a national monument. The gun tower and surrounding walls remain in good condition, with a small adjacent cemetery that includes military graves.
Riebeek East: About 40 km northwest of Makhanda, this small, tranquil village offers spectacular vistas and historical charm, originally established in 1842.
Salem: Just outside Makhanda, Salem offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern innovation. Explore its historical churches and graves, or experience life as an aquaponics farmer at the Home-Grown Practical Aquaponics Training Centre. Here, learners from across South Africa and abroad attend comprehensive courses, learning sustainable farming techniques.
Seven Fountains: A historical stopover for ox-wagons in the 18th century, it now features a Methodist church, shops, a clinic, and a sports club serving the local farming community. While visiting Seven Fountains, check out Seven Fountains Farm, offering elegant rooms, self-catering cottages, a pool, and an on-site walking trail. The farm also features a restaurant serving locally sourced dishes. 📞 076 175 1589. For a cultural experience, visit Ntomb'OmXhosa Lounge to enjoy traditional Xhosa cuisine, live sports, and entertainment like traditional or gumboot dancing. 📞 078 984 0391
Sidbury: Nestled in 'Frontier Country,' this small town is a gateway to vast game conservation areas and historical sites. Modeled on an English village in the 1830s, it boasts beautiful churches and war memorials near Pumba Private Game Reserve.
Bathurst: Visit the world's biggest pineapple and the historic Pig & Whistle pub, one of the oldest in South Africa.
Port Alfred: Located just 45 minutes from Makhanda, Port Alfred offers stunning beaches and a scenic marina, making it a perfect coastal escape. Enjoy a relaxing Halyards Boat Cruise on the Kowie River for only R100 per person. This one-hour guided cruise promises unforgettable views and memories. Bookings are essential—contact 📞 046 604 3355 or email halyards@riverhotels.com. For more details, visit riverhotels.com.
Bedford Garden Festival: Take a scenic drive to Bedford in October/November for their vibrant garden festival.
Alexandria: A charming town ideal for day-tripping with scenic views and historical landmarks. Escape into nature at Umbono Private Game Lodge, with stunning vistas and abundant wildlife. 📞 046 880 0109