Articles
Obesa Cactus and Succulent Collection
The Obesa Collection has the largest collection of cacti and succulents in Africa, as well as in the Southern Hemisphere. The collection has over 4000 different species - The cacti garden is open to visitors & is situated in Murray Street.
Nqweba Dam
Covering a total surface area of about 1,000 hectares when at its full capacity, bird lovers will love to spend time picking out the large variety of water bird species found in the wetlands surrounding the dam.
The Nqweba Dam, formerly known as the Van Ryneveld's Dam, was constructed in 1921 and completed in 1925. It cost in the region of £450,000. The dam wall is 350m wide and 42m high.
The dam is fed by the Sundays River and Gatsrivier and forms the Lower Sundays River, which runs around the town‘s historic centre.
It overflowed in 1974 causing devastating floods in the town of Graaff-Reinet and lower down the Sunday’s river. In 2008 it overflowed with no damage and in 2011 the dam overflowed continuously for 10 weeks after considerable rain in the catchment area. 2012 was one of the best years in the history of Graaff-Reinet with the dam overflowing for nearly 6 months.
This monument is situated about 4km outside of Graaff-Reinet on the Middleburg road. Andries Pretorius was one of the pivotal leaders of the Voortrekkers during the start of the Great Trek.
Gideon Scheepers Monument
Gideon Scheepers was well known for his leadership skills during the Anglo Boer War. At the age of 23, his commando consisted of 150 young men who fought the British during the war.
Museum Visits:
Four old buildings, built in the first part of the 1800s, house a vast collection of Graaff-Reinet’s rich cultural and natural heritage, which includes a fossil and rock art collection, period furniture and contemporary history exhibitions. The buildings are unique cultural gems and an integral part of the town, making Graaff-Reinet one of the most historically significant sites in the country.
- The Military History Museum - an overview of the military history of Graaff-Reinet from the 1800s until 30 June 2007
- Reinet House – This building is a must see for all visitors and was formerly a Dutch Reformed Church parsonage which was built at the expense of the Government in 1812
- Old Library – Fossils and the Robert Sobukwe exhibition
- Urquhart House - Collection of Victorian furniture
- The former Residency- A well-preserved example of the early 19th Century Cape Dutch H-shaped house
