"original colonial town" a Graaff-Reinet Travel Page by Kanjoo

i call it hidden jewel becuz its not on the main route (joburg-cape town-durbun), its in the middle of the semi desert called 'karoo' the town is still standing in its orginal form as it was made more than a century ago by mostly Dutch settlers (or Boer/Afrikaaners). i spent a night last year on my way to garden route

Graaff Reniet is a Jewel in Southern Africa... its not becuz it has beautiful historical buildings and churches and streets.. but it has got one of the worlds most scenic places within walking distance and one of them is valley of desolation, and view from top of the vast plain of Karoo's heartland and worlds most unique plants like kokerboem and others and strange reptiles in that national park...

less than 2 km from the city centre lies one of the most beautiful lake of central South Africa, which not only fulfills the thirst of Graaf Reniet, but provide the most spectecular views and picnic points for visitors...