On a 20 minute drive from Seven Fountains Farm, you will find the nice town Grahamstown. Grahamstown, also known as Makhanda, is a historic city in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. When staying with us on the Farm, Grahamstown is the closest city. It is easy to hop in your car and drive over to this nice little, cultural town.
Grahamstown is known for its beautiful colonial architecture and historical buildings. The most striking building is the Anglican Cathedral of St. Michael and St. George, which was built in 1824. This impressive building is one of the oldest Anglican cathedrals in South Africa and is a must-visit destination.
The city is also known for its annual National Arts Festival, one of the largest art festivals in the world. Held every year at the end of June. The festival attracts thousands of artists and tourists from all over the world. The festival is a celebration of art, music, theater, dance, and comedy. With a lot of nice pop up stands with food and drinks, the festival makes the perfect activity.
The city is vibrant and full of all different kind of people. Grahamstown is teeming with (international) students, due to Rhodes university, which keeps the town energized. Especially all the different coffee places are a must go stop, here the locals mix effortlessly and African music blares from the speakers. I park my car outside, and let one of the locals look after it. When I get back, I thank them with a few Rand.
My favorite food spots
The city has numerous restaurants, cafes, and pubs serving delicious food and drink. There are many local dishes to try and enjoy, such as biltong, bobotie, and bunny chow. I always drop by at Major Fraziers, they have good coffee here, but also a great wine and cocktail list. Super tasty are the smaller snacks, such as butternut chicken wings but also their pizzas are in my top 10. The place is a little hidden, but when I step through their entrance, I step into their lovely courtyard, with nice seating places in and out of the sun. I order myself a nice glass of the Diemersdal Sauvignon Blanc and enjoy the sun. An other nice spot in town is Nic’s Nest, a coffee café where they also serve breakfast and lunch, their poached eggs are amazing! Paired with a fresh cup of coffee, is a perfect start of the day for me. When you are there, say hi to their kind barista Sissa. Our favorite dinner place is Pothole and Donkey, named after two famous concepts in Grahamstown. This restaurant has a big menu with all different types of dishes, from pizza to burgers, from steaks to fresh fish, pair it with a nice wine or beer and you have yourself a lovely evening. I love the pleasant and casual atmosphere. The restaurant is especially popular with teenagers, due to the many delicious burgers on the menu. After dinner is it time to go to the pub: Red and Parrot. I come here for a drink, a cocktail or to have a nice snack, I usually go there with my family and friends to watch a rugby game. The place gets packed and the vibe is great!
Overall, Grahamstown is a fascinating city that offers history, culture, and entertainment. It is a must-visit destination for lovers of history, art, and culture, and offers an unforgettable experience that you won’t find anywhere else in South Africa. Whether you look for a supermarket, a hairdresser or are looking for a nice restaurant. Grahamstown has it all.
Marjanne Riemens