Safaris • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Top Things to Do in Grahamstown
Things to Do in Grahamstown
Book these experiences for a closer look at the region.
Monuments & Statues • Educational sites
Observatories & Planetariums • History Museums
What travellers are saying
- chelsealwright191 contributionBrothers Safari goes above and beyond in everything they do to make your trip memorable and the best if could possibly be. Dr. Brothers puts all of your needs well above his own, he makes you feel safe while you are traveling abroad and makes you feel like a member of his family. He is extremely knowledgeable about African wildlife, travel and veterinary medicine. He chooses the guides and activities based on those he has worked with before and trusts whole heartedly. If I ever get the opportunity to travel to South Africa again, I will 100% book again through Brothers Safari as the entrie trip is planned to a T and catered to the things you are interested in.Written 27 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dennis HRevelstoke, Canada10 contributionsGrahamstown see,s to be 'out of the way.' However, i thin the town is seriously under-estimated. People are friendly, the historic sites are interesting, a wide range of shops and the pubs were very entertaining. We also attended a performance by a choral choir - they were extremely good. We had previously seen the Sweto choir and this was as good. We were volunteers at Shamwari (another very good experience) and visited Grahamstown three times. We would say 'not to be missed.'Written 17 November 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- FantajanPretoria, South Africa325 contributionsMany of the museums in Makhanda are poorly maintained and/or are frequently or permanently closed. The National English Literacy Museum, which now goes by the more appropriate/descriptive title of the Amazwi South African Museum of Literature, is, by comparison, a real gem. It is in a beautiful, modern building and it is free to enter. It is a heavenly experience for people with an interest in history and literature as the exhibit walks through time, placing authors and their work within the broader context of culture and history. It also makes an effort to grapple with issues around voice and inclusion and whose story gets told in South Africa, the impact of colonial writing on history, the impact of literature in the anti-Apartheid movement, etc. It's also a great place to go for inspiration when thinking through a South African reading list. I'm in a book club and came away from the experience with a very long list of suggestions, including numerous authors I was unaware of. There are some exhibits/areas that are oriented towards children but admit that my ten-year old wasn't as interested in the museum as I was. The museum is also an archive with staff that are working very hard to preserve South African literary history.Written 11 April 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Daphne WEast London, South Africa30 contributionsClose to the N2 (the national road), the Monument was one of many venues that hosted the National Arts Festival.The building has many venues within its walls. Facilities were adequate (clean bathrooms, restaurants, parking). The history of the settlers is also well-maintained...cannons and the old building as it overlooks the city.Written 8 July 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Susan PrellerPort Elizabeth, South Africa2 contributionsWe enjoyed our stay at Kwantu in January 2020. The game drive was very enjoyable and informative. I also loved listening to the lions roaring at night. Unfortunately they do not offer Elephant experiences any more.Written 20 January 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sean HGrahamstown, South Africa18 contributionsan interesting place to visit the very old way of life...the house filled with antiques...
a tiger skin carpet in the lounge, the oldest of furniture, bicycles, clothing, science equipment, everything...really interesting...and then the views of our city by rooftop magnification...who would have thought...it is quiet an experience...unfortunately along with all our Museums...closed on weekends, when most visitors visit...???Written 22 September 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - dik-mad-dogWorksop, UK1 316 contributionsThis building is one of the many architectural gems to be found in Grahamstown.
Colonial influence is everywhere in this town which would never have been built on the edge of the frontier without the colonists and their faith.
When some say somethings good came out of colonialism you may point out buildings such as these to the naysayers.Written 23 July 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - pcaige910267Grahamstown, South Africa32 contributionsOne of the oldest buildings from another time and period. The design was used for the prisons throughout the British empire including Australia. The cafe has great coffee. The apple pie was disappointing - like an apple strudle with plain pastry strips on top. The menu is mainly beverages with lots of different tees and vegetarian snacks . They do have a chicken dish. A number of items were crossed off on the menu. Worth a visit or two or three !Written 14 December 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Heike GPontefract, UK97 contributionsOnce we heard about this, we headed for town to buy some postcards and stamps. I very nearly walked out of the postoffice as it took over 20 mins to get served but I persevered. We posted our cards on our way out of Grahamstown.Written 16 March 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- James NelJohannesburg, South Africa365 contributionsA quite place to spend a few days. Easy walks up the mountain and surrounding areas. Rooms are simple (it is after all a monastery) and comfortable. Neat and clean.Written 3 July 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jill dPort Elizabeth, South Africa2 551 contributionsThere is a highly ornate street facade to this church, yet the other 3 exterior walls remain unadorned, but the exposed stone work is beautiful.
What immediately struck me on entering the church is that the original family pews have been retained, each with its own separate gate! So every family had their own designated place to sit - no doubt a bit problematic for an outsider who wanted to attend a service. Nowadays, folk can sit in any of the pews.
The seating in the gallery, used by generations of schoolchildren, is probably the same as it was a hundred years ago, only with an increased inscription of more names on both seats and backrests of the pews.
This church has been lovingly cared for andhopefully will continue to meet the spiritual needs of the community it serves.Written 26 June 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Philip MGrahamstown, South Africa56 contributionsA short trip out of Makhanda (Grahamstown), Featherstone is in a tranquil setting. The owners with one or two assistants tend to your needs for a very friendly, personal service. The bar is small but with plenty of outdoor space.
Aside from their own range of ales, they sell craft gin.
You can also buy their beer to take home.
Light bar snacks are on offer and you can bring your own food.Written 1 April 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Lu-Gerda dMossel Bay, South Africa245 contributionsInteresting monument but was vandalized with graffiti when we were there.
It was built in memory of the pioneer woman in the Battle of Grahamstown. In 1819 Xhosa’s attacked the settlement with about 6 000 men. Many of the warriors died during the battle but only 2 British. According to legend Elizabeth salt carried a keg of gunpowder through the Xhosa warriors to the men by wrapping it in a baby blanket. This story is shown on the plaque on the monument.
The monument also marks the spot where, under a tree, Lieutenant Colonel Graham and Captian Stockenstrom decided on the site for Grahamstown. They camped on the land where the cathedral stands today. The town was proclaimed in August 1811 and was named after Colonel John Graham.Written 6 September 2012This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - learnfoodEngland, UK46 contributionsWent there at night and it was a beautiful view of Grahamstown. I would suggest to go a bit earlier. This is located at the top of the hill with old cannons and can get windy. I hope the sunrise or sunset view will be amazing. One could do with a better camera for the photos.Written 15 August 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JamesFoucheWritesGeorge, South Africa49 contributionsSadly, the Botanical Gardens have been neglected a bit. There was quite a bit of rubbish about and it somehow didn't feel like the safest spot. I enjoy sitting in parks and reading, but this is not one of those spots.Written 10 February 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Grahamstown
- The top attractions to visit in Grahamstown are:
- Cathedral of St Michael and St George
- Kwantu Elephant Sanctuary
- 1820 Settlers National Monument
- St Patrick's Catholic Church
- Amazwi South African Museum of Literature
- The best outdoor activities in Grahamstown according to Tripadvisor travellers are: See all outdoor activities in Grahamstown on Tripadvisor
Grahamstown Attractions Information
Attractions | 28 |
|---|---|
Attraction Reviews | 400 |
Attraction Photos | 317 |
Local Time | Monday 04:10 |