The little town that nestles in a perfectly round loop of the Sundays River looks, from the craggy mountaintop that hovers like protective mother, like a protégée shielded from the almost surreal barrenness beyond. The town, so perfectly spruced and renovated, looks almost too perfect, like film set. But it is not a façade, it is a reflection of the passion and the pride the inhabitants have for their little town.

This town and area has so much to offer.  There’s the textured history, proud architecture and extraordinary flora and fauna.  There’s a night sky so dark the Milky Way seems (as quoted from the Graaff-Reinet web site) like a city of stars. There’s the setting in the centre of the hauntingly beautiful Karoo.

The Valley of Desolation in the Karoo Nature reserve is a geological masterpiece and a must-see, along with the game viewing.

Agave Distillers is, according to the managing directory Roy McLachlan, the only place in the world outside of Mexico that produces what you and I know as tequila.  Since the spirit can only be called tequila if it’s produced in Mexico, the local product, distilled from the agave americana plant (as opposed to the agave chilliana in Mexico) is naturally called Agave.  The product is available locally and they also export to a number of foreign countries (including the USA). Do a tour of the distillery with a tasting at the end.

Graaff-Reinet is home to more national monuments than any other local town or city in South Africa.  There’s the seat of the former Dutch authority of the Cape (now the Drostdy Hotel). Facing it is the erstwhile ecclesiastical power now known as Reinet House museum.  The old vine (planted in 1870) and water shed are both worth seeing.

The imposing stone structure of the Grootkerk (big church) at the northern end of Church Street has a wonderful collection of silver. On Somerset Street, St. James’ Church is the oldest local church still in use.  The Graaff-Reinet pharmacy on Caledon Street is a living Victorian chemist shop.

After all this walking, at least a bit of thirst-quenching will be essential so pop into Vic Schaffer’s No. 8 pub and restaurant on Church Square.  The menu offers great comfort food as well as pub lunches in the pub and a private- and outside dining areas.

The Coral Tree in the old men’s club, also on Church Square, is a delightfully fresh restaurant that serves light meals like delicious, herby salads and also more serious food like the delicious crumbed fillet of venison.

The Drostdy Hotel on Church Street was built in 1806 and was the seat of local government for 40 years.  It is not only comfortable but also fascinating – it’s like being in a museum, with antique pieces for seating and artefacts on display.  Constant streams of well-fed diners attest to the superb food to be had here!