25 properties found · Showing 1–20
Grahamstown features a collection of historical buildings and museums that draw those interested in South Africa's colonial past. The town is home to Rhodes University, which adds an academic atmosphere and hosts various cultural events. Visitors can explore these aspects while enjoying the area's educational offerings.
Classic early 1900s home in Grahamstown offering four-star accommodation with seven rooms, including private en-suites and self-catering units with garden access.
Amazing Grace is a much-loved family home that oozes old charm, with original floors, high ceilings, sash windows and full of vintage treasures. This home away from home decorated with warmth comfort and style is a treat for the whole family. The home can comfortably sleep up to 8 people and has 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and scullery, and a dining and living area. The first and second bedrooms each contain a king-size bed and an en-suite bathroom. The third bedroom contains a king-size bed and the fourth bedroom contains two single beds. These two rooms share a bathroom. All linen and bath towels are provided. Hot water bottles and gas heaters help with the cold Grahamstown winters. The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering with a washing machine, dishwasher, fridge, electric oven and gas hob, kettle and toaster. The lounge with comfy couches and a TV is just what you need to relax and curl up. Outside, there is a beautiful deck area with a stunning solar-heated plunge pool, a gas braai and an outside table for dining alfresco. The secure house is walled in with Hi-Tech security with an electric fence, and beams. It has ample on-site parking. We have an inverter that backs up the Wi-Fi, TV and alarm system for all the load-shedding moments you get in Grahamstown.
AppleBee cottages are spacious, spotlessly clean and a comfortable 'home away from home' environment to relax or conduct your business in the student city of Grahamstown/Makhanda, situated in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Whether you're visiting for relaxation or to attend to business matters, you'll find a peaceful and well-equipped space to unwind and focus. The location itself is ideal for those who are looking to explore the city's rich cultural heritage, attend events at the nearby university, or enjoy the local attractions. The emphasis at AppleBee Guest Cottages is on providing exceptional service, ensuring that guests feel well taken care of throughout their stay. From personalised hospitality, to attention to detail in the accommodation's setup, the team at AppleBee Guest Cottages go the extra mile to make sure every guest has a comfortable and memorable experience. There are three spacious, self-catering private cottages with their own entrances and an en-suite studio which can sleep a total of 15 guests sharing. Cottage descriptions: AppleBee Guest Cottage I - has its own private garden. The accommodation offers a separate main bedroom with a queen bed and 2nd bedroom with twin/king beds. There is a full bathroom with shower and bath. The three-quarter sleeper couch in the lounge enables a total of 5 guests sharing. It is fully self-catering. The dining table doubles up as a table to work at. It offers a 4-plate gas/electric stove, full size fridge/freezer, microwave, plenty of crockery & cutlery, etc. AppleBee Guest Cottage II - is bright and airy. It has a large bedroom with plenty of cupboard space. It is airconditioned and has a king/twin beds and a bathroom with shower. It is recently renovated, and is fully self-catering with a well-equipped kitchenette with gas hob with pots and pans, air fryer, full fridge, microwave, kettle, toaster, electric frying pan, etc. It has a dining area which doubles up as a desk in the lounge open area, with comfy lounge seating and a single bed. This units comfortably sleeps 3 guests. However, we can add an extra bed to accommodate 4 guests. AppleBee III - is a lovely sunny space full of windows. It consists of a large bedroom with garden and pool view, a king/twin beds and a full bathroom with large shower and bath. There is a single bed in the lounge open area. Please note, the lounge guest needs to pass through the main bedroom to access the en-suite bathroom. This cottage is on the front side of the main house, with its own entrance. It is fully self-catering, has a dining table, full fridge, microwave, toaster, kettle, air fryer, 2 plate gas hob with pots and pans, plenty of crockery and cutlery. This units comfortably sleeps 3 guests. However, we can add an extra bed to accommodate 4 guests. The AppleBee Annex - is a renovated room in the main house with a private entrance. This smaller room would suit the more budget friendly guest. Even though it has a queen bed in the bedroom, it is usually only available for single occupation. There is a wet-room en-suite bathroom. It has a desk, office chair, is set up for semi-self-catering with a microwave, toaster, kettle, bar fridge and air fryer. We provide teas, filter coffee, milk, rusks, a choice of cereals and a complimentary fruit bowl. If you prefer, we can supply a lovely hot breakfast in your cottage, on request.
30 on Oatlands is self-catering guesthouse accommodation in the quiet, oak-lined Oatlands suburb of Makhanda (Grahamstown), suited to business travellers, families, and Rhodes University visitors.
Luxury self-catering accommodation block in central Grahamstown, within walking distance of restaurants, boutique cafes, and the National Arts Festival venue.
Milner Meander Your Home Away from Home in Makhanda. Relaxed Comfort and Spacious Living. Milner Meander offers inviting, self-catering accommodation in the heart of Makhanda. This well-appointed holiday home features three comfortable bedrooms, two modern bathrooms, a generously sized living area, family rooms, and a games roomperfect for families, groups, or extended stays. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, ensuring you stay connected during your visit. Unwind in the beautiful private garden or soak up the sunshine in the outdoor seating area. Enjoy leisurely meals in the picnic area or fire up the barbecue for al fresco dining. Free on-site private parking adds extra convenience. Milner Meander is pet-friendly and equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay, including air-conditioning, bathrobes, and streaming services. The fully equipped kitchen includes a dishwasher, microwave, oven, and washing machine, making it ideal for longer visits. Guests will also appreciate a dedicated work desk, dining area, and complimentary toiletries. Conveniently located just 2 km from the 1820 Settlers Monument and under 1 km from the Observatory Museum, Milner Meander places you near Makhandas most iconic sites. Also nearby are the St Michael and St George Cathedral, Thomas Baines Nature Reserve, and other cultural and natural attractions. The Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport is just 131 km away.
Historic accommodation dating to the 1800s in Makhanda, offering six self-catering rooms and flats with mountain views, modern amenities and secure grounds.
Luxury 4-star guesthouse accommodation in Grahamstown with 9 spacious en-suite rooms. Award-winning property catering to corporate guests and luxury travelers since 2009.
Fiddlewood Fields offers quiet guest house accommodation in lush gardens in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, with five cottages sleeping 2 to 5 guests each.
Located in Grahamstown, 1.9 km from 1820 Settlers Monument and 11.3 km from Thomas Baines Nature Reserve, Amabwe Guesthouse provides accommodations with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, a bar and a shared lounge. Each room features a private en-suite bathroom with shower or a shower and a bath, with free toiletries. The bed and breakfast offers a Full English/Irish or American breakfast. Popular points of interest near Amabwe Guesthouse include Observatory Museum Grahamstown, St Michael and St George Cathedral and Pepper Grove Mall.
Self-catering cottage accommodation: two units on a quiet street, 1km from Kingswood College and 2km from town centre.
Kaisers has 4 luxury rooms, each with a well-equipped kitchenette and en-suite full bathroom. Guests can park conveniently outside their rooms behind secure electronic gates and enjoy quality mattresses, crisp percale linen, flat-screen TVs with a selection of DStv channels, and comfortable sleeper couches, ideal for families, with special family rates available. Each room opens onto a private outdoor seating area overlooking the indigenous garden, perfect for enjoying the sunset. Guests are welcome to make use of the communal braai area and swimming pool on warm days. For Grahamstown's colder winters, all rooms are fitted with electric blankets and wall heaters. The property is child- and pet-friendly (at additional cost) For peace of mind, every room includes a panic button linked to a local security company, along with Wi-Fi and optional laundry services. Situated in a quiet, leafy suburb close to private schools, a shopping mall, and Grahamstown's main attractions, The Kaisers is also proudly eco-conscious, featuring energy-saving fittings, solar panels, heat pumps, and an emergency rainwater supply.
Worcester Manor is a picturesque guest house situated in the quiet Westhill suburb of Grahamstown, close to Rhodes University, St. Andrew's College and DSG Schools and a short walk to the centre of town. Accommodation is offered in king and queen en-suite rooms, and a garden cottage that has its own fully equipped kitchen, dining and living area. Each room has its own private entrance, and is fitted with a TV with DStv, a bar fridge, microwave, tea and coffee station and Wi-Fi internet access. A delicious breakfast can be enjoyed in the light and bright dining room. Guests can relax in the garden or take a dip in the inviting swimming pool. Secure off-street parking is available.
*Villa Palesa is an elegantly furnished guesthouse in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown), Eastern Cape. It boasts a beautiful spa and gym, as well as luxuriously furnished bedrooms with modern bathrooms. The guesthouse is suitable for business travellers, tourists and people visiting family in the area Particular care has been taken to ensure the safety of guests. The guesthouse is equipped with an electric fence, an eight-camera CCTV monitoring system as well as safe parking. It is also linked to a 24-hour rapid response security company.
This accommodation comprises four separate guesthouse buildings in Grahamstown with 19 rooms offering bed and breakfast or self-catering options, combining historical charm with modern comforts.
137 High Street Guest House provides fully renovated historic accommodation in Grahamstown on the Frontier Country route with eight rooms and a self-catering flat.
Bartholomew's Loft offers four accommodation options in Grahamstown, with self-catering units and guest rooms. Ranked #5 of 46 specialty lodging on TripAdvisor with 84 reviews.
Family-friendly bed and breakfast accommodation in Grahamstown offering free high-speed Wi-Fi, included breakfast, and personalized service with competitive rates.
St Aidan's Manor offers family-friendly accommodation in Grahamstown's heart. This restored historical property from the mid-1800s includes complimentary Wi-Fi and breakfast.
Tygerfontein Safari Tents is an intimate luxury camping camp offering accommodation in spacious safari tents with private verandas in the East Cape Valley Bushveld.
25 properties found · Showing 1–20
Grahamstown features a collection of historical buildings and museums that draw those interested in South Africa's colonial past. The town is home to Rhodes University, which adds an academic atmosphere and hosts various cultural events. Visitors can explore these aspects while enjoying the area's educational offerings.
The accommodation offering in Grahamstown is compact: two properties are currently available, with nightly rates sitting between R1,495 and R1,650, averaging R1,573. Both are guest houses, a format that suits the town's scale well. These are typically owner-operated properties in older homes near the town center, offering a more personal alternative to chain hotels.
The guest house experience here leans toward the informal and attentive. Owners are often long-term locals who can offer practical recommendations: where to eat, which routes work best for day trips, and what to factor in when exploring the surrounding countryside. Rooms are generally en-suite with secure parking available. Breakfast is usually included or priced at a small supplement, and Wi-Fi is standard across both properties.
Both listings place guests within easy walking distance of the main museums, restaurants, and shops. The town center is compact enough to cover on foot for most of the day, which reduces reliance on a car once you have settled in.
For visitors using Grahamstown as a base for multi-night stays, the guest house format works well for couples, solo travelers, and small groups. Hosts are generally flexible with check-in times for guests arriving by long-distance transport. Booking ahead is advisable during peak winter periods, when the town draws visitors from across the country and availability across the limited number of properties tightens considerably.
The 1820 Settlers National Monument stands on Gunfire Hill above the town. Completed in 1974, it was built to commemorate the British settlers who came to this part of the Eastern Cape in the early 19th century. The building offers views across the town and includes exhibition space covering settler history. It is among the more visited sites in the Eastern Cape interior.
The Albany Museum complex, a short walk from the main street, covers natural history and regional anthropology across several interconnected buildings. The History Museum and Natural Sciences Museum both hold substantial collections. Separately, the Observatory Museum on Bathurst Street contains a working camera obscura, one of a small number still functioning globally, housed in a building dating to the 1820s. Both are accessible on foot and can be covered in a half-day.
Golfers will find Grahamstown a practical base. The local course is accessible from the center, and the broader Eastern Cape region has additional courses within easy driving distance for those combining golf with sightseeing.
Outdoor options extend beyond the town. Hiking in the Howieson's Poort area is accessible from the town's edge. The Great Fish River, roughly an hour's drive away, draws birders and those interested in riverine bush walks. Several private game reserves operate within day-trip range, with guided drives covering plains game and, at some properties, the Big Five.
A walking tour of the High Street and Cathedral Street rewards those interested in the built environment. Both streets retain preserved Victorian and Edwardian facades, reflecting the town's development as a settlement and, later, a university town.
Grahamstown has a temperate inland climate with four reasonably distinct seasons. Summer, from November through February, brings warm to hot days and regular afternoon thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall during this period can affect gravel road conditions and makes some hiking tracks difficult, but vegetation is at its densest and bird activity is high, which suits naturalists and birders.
Autumn and spring, roughly March to May and September to October, offer the most settled conditions. Temperatures are moderate, rainfall is lower, and the countryside is easier to navigate on foot and by car. These months work well for day trips and longer drives through the interior.
Winter runs from June to August, with mild days, clear air, and low humidity. It is the most comfortable time for walking and sightseeing. July is the peak month: the National Arts Festival runs for two weeks, drawing theatre, music, dance, and visual arts productions from across South Africa and internationally. The festival generates significant visitor numbers and noticeably affects accommodation availability and the character of the town. Planning travel around the festival requires booking well in advance.
For those who prefer a quieter visit, May and August offer similar weather to July with considerably less competition for accommodation and restaurants.
The closest major airport is Port Elizabeth International (officially King Phalo Airport), roughly 130 kilometers southwest. From there, the N2 heads east before the route turns north toward Grahamstown, a drive of around 90 minutes under normal conditions.
From Johannesburg, the standard route follows the N1 south to Colesberg, then east via the N9 through the Karoo toward Graaff-Reinet and down through the Eastern Cape. The total distance is approximately 1,000 kilometers. Two days is a reasonable approach, with a night in Colesberg or the Karoo midway.
Cape Town travelers typically use the N2 east through George and Knysna before reaching Port Elizabeth and heading inland. The distance runs to around 800 kilometers and can be spread over two or three days for those stopping along the Garden Route.
Within Grahamstown, minibus taxis cover the main routes between the townships and the town center. Car hire from Port Elizabeth is the most flexible option for anyone intending to explore the wider region independently. Intercity bus services connect Grahamstown to Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg through operators including Intercape and Translux, with designated stops in the center.
Makhanda, listed at one kilometer from the center, is the official municipal name for Grahamstown itself. The city was formally renamed in 2018 to honor the Xhosa military leader Makhanda, and both names remain in everyday use. Visitors arriving in Grahamstown are already in Makhanda, so no separate journey is involved.
Assegaairivier, 23 kilometers east, is a small farming settlement in the valley of the Assegai River. There are no significant tourist facilities here, but the river corridor offers useful birding and a genuine sense of the agricultural Eastern Cape landscape away from the main roads.
Greenlands, 33 kilometers out, is a farming district with little visitor infrastructure. The drive through the area passes through characteristic valley bushveld and Eastern Cape scrub, making it more of a scenic route than a destination in its own right.
Bathurst, 35 kilometers south, is one of the more satisfying day trips from Grahamstown. Established in the early 19th century as a settler outpost, the town retains a number of original buildings, among them the Pig & Whistle Inn, said to be one of the oldest continuously licensed premises in South Africa. The Summerhill Farm pineapple plantation just outside town is a regional landmark. A half-day excursion covers the main points comfortably.
Riebeek-oos, 37 kilometers northwest, is a small valley settlement with limited facilities but scenic surroundings. It suits those exploring the quieter interior roads rather than the main tourist routes.
Port Alfred, 46 kilometers southeast, provides a complete contrast to Grahamstown. The town sits around the Kowie River estuary, with a working marina, East Beach for surfing, and waterfront restaurants. River cruises on the Kowie are a popular draw, and the coastal bush and dune walking tracks offer accessible short hikes. A full day out and back is straightforward from Grahamstown.
With two properties available, options are limited and it is worth booking as soon as travel dates are confirmed. Availability can fall quickly during busy periods, and last-minute alternatives in the immediate area are scarce.
When comparing the two properties, check whether breakfast is included in the rate or charged separately, since this affects effective daily costs. Confirm parking arrangements before arriving, as some older town-center buildings have restricted off-street space. Ask about Wi-Fi reliability if connectivity matters for work or ongoing travel planning.
Grahamstown is a functioning university town. Alongside the larger annual visitor events, there are periodic smaller influxes during graduation ceremonies, academic conferences, and cultural programming throughout the year. These create short-notice availability pressures that are less predictable than the main seasonal calendar.
For guests planning day trips through the surrounding area, ask your host for current information on road conditions, particularly on gravel routes after wet weather. Local hosts carry reliable, up-to-date knowledge on what is open, what requires advance booking, and how long different routes realistically take. Confirm check-in and check-out times clearly when booking, since many smaller properties do not staff a front desk around the clock.
