Grahamstown now Makhanda is of great historical significance in the modern history of South Africa, named after Colonel Graham a famous and controversial soldier who was part of the immigration of mainly British “Settlers” from the 1820s. Hence it is also known as the Settler City as well as the City of Saints for its large number of places of worship of many denominations.

Grahamstown had a name change in 2018 to Makhanda. The new Name is derived from the  Chief Makhanda, he  was a Xhosa leader and warrior-prophet who lived in the early nineteenth century and led a massive attack on the British in Grahamstown in 1819. His clarity of thinking and personal charisma propelled him into the position of leading spiritual adviser to the powerful Chief Ndlambe of the Rharhabe.

The following are some of the things potential visitors can view along with experiencing this lovely accommodation I am offering and the reason why I have renovated Lanherne Guest House in the old English colonial style to share part of this beautiful historic town. Grahamstown is the home of the oldest post box in South Africa, which is on the corner of Worcester St.

Known also as a centre of educational excellence there are many wonderful schools, St Andrew’s College and Prep, Diocesan School for Girls, Kingswood College as well as Graeme College, and Victoria Girls High School.

At the heart of the town is Rhodes University and the Eastern Cape High Court as well as South African Library for the Blind.

Whilst in Grahamstown why don’t you visit or check out some of the following:

• Observatory
• Albany Museum, second oldest museum in South Africa.
• The Coffee shop at the Monument for a stunning view of Grahamstown and surrounds.
• A trip up Mountain Drive & view the surrounding countryside from the Top scope. For the walker there are many marked hiking trails.
• For the runner there are quite a few trails, especially through the Botanical Gardens.
• Belmont Golf Course – 10 km from Grahamstown.
• Musical instrument workshop.

The annual National Arts Festival held annually attracts many Local artists and visitors to the city. This takes place end of June running into early July. It is a truly remarkable event consisting of live theatre, dance, music, comedy, a jazz festival, arts and crafts.

Grahamstown/Makhanda also hosts the South African Sci-fest which is a feast of science presentations and workshops aimed at children and scholars (and adults) of all ages.

Grahamstown/Makhanda is surrounded by Malaria Free Private Game Parks and hunting concessions and is about 100kms from Addo Elephant National Park – home of the Big Seven.

Frasers Camp Adventures offers Zipline tours just 38km from GT.

Some suggestions for private game reserves to visit very close to Grahamstown Kichaka, Lalibela, Pumba which offers day safaris, Amakhala,  Kwandwe and many more.

Other large-scale attractions in the vicinity include the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve, the ultimate in eco-tourism and adventure tours, outdoor recreation and a unique wilderness experience.

We are 60kms from the sunshine coast. Port Alfred and Kenton-upon-Sea. Both consist of kilometres of unspoiled sandy beaches including Blue Flag status beaches and stunning sand dunes. Ride on the Kenton beach with Beachcomber Horse Trails.  A few kms along the coast one can take kite surfing lessons at Cannon Rocks, which is increasingly popular for kite surging as it is now known worldwide as one of the best destinations in the world for the sport.

On the way to Port Alfred from Grahamstown/Makhanda you will find Bathurst which is an arty village, full of local creative talent and several fine eateries and the Famous Pig and Whistle pub.

For a slightly different rural experience take a trip to Riebeek East.