Grahamstown Information

A brief overview

Grahamstown is a pretty, historic town. It started as a garrison in 1812 on the old Eastern Frontier where the British Empire met the Xhosa people. Today, it is more or less equally divided among people of English, Afrikaans and Xhosa decent. English is the lingua franca for business and education in Grahamstown. The old town features around 52 churches, earning it the nickname, 'the City of Saints'. The most notable of these is the beautiful Anglican cathedral, found on the High Street, facing the university. The abundance of old buildings and historic monuments maintain the Georgian architectural feel that the town had over a hundred years ago. Grahamstown is a major educational and legal centre, with both the High Court for the region and several of the more prestigious schools of South Africa based here. It hosts the two premier South African Festivals: the Grahamstown National Arts Festival (in June and July each year) and the annual Sasol Science Festival (in April).

Grahamstown is found in the middle of the Eastern Cape. To the east lie the former homelands of the Ciskei and the Transkei; to the west, the once affluent farming areas of the Karoo. Grahamstown is situated 130km from Port Elizabeth and 180km from East London, the province's two major ports and economic powerhouses. Like all South African towns, the layout of Grahamstown reflects the racial divisions of put in place by Apartheid: the eastern parts remain impoverished while the western parts are still affluent. Rhodes University Campus occupies the very western-most corner of Grahamstown, with a clear view of the whole town. Grahamstown thus acts as a microcosm of the disparity between rich and poor in South Africa. Rhodes University is committed to redressing the imbalances that exist in the town, and while you study at Rhodes, you will get the opportunity to engage in meaningful community projects.

Grahamstown and the Environment

The Eastern Cape plays host to a wide variety of biodomes. As Grahamstown is in the middle of the Eastern Cape, it is never more than 2 hours' drive from any one of these biodomes. Towards the South, there are the beautiful and lush beaches of the Woody Cape where thick milkwood forest meets vast stretches of dune fields. To the North, there are stunning mountain ranges which are often snow capped in winter. To the West, one finds the alien beauty of the Karoo, with it ostrich and sheep farms, and crystal clear night skies. To the East, the landscape become more and more subtropical as one travels up the coast.

Grahamstown is surrounded by several game reserves and wildlife rehabilitation centres. The renowned Addo Elephant Park is about 90km for Grahamstown. It is not unusual to see big game along the sides of the main roads, but luckily all are kept safely behind strong game fences.

Because Grahamstown sits on the confluence of several different ecological areas, the weather is often very unpredictable. The town has been known to experience days of up to 40 degrees centigrade and it often gets cold enough for it to snow on the hills around town. However, the temperature normally tends to be cool to mildly warm. Students in Grahamstown are advised to bring clothing for all seasons, even if they are only visiting for a few months or weeks, as it is not unusual to find swelteringly hot days in the middle of winter, or wet and windy days in the middle of summer.

What YOU need to know about living in Grahamstown:

Despite its small-size and historic feel, Grahamstown offers its inhabitants all the amenities that are necessary for a modern life. There are two big supermarkets (Pick'n Pay and Checkers) and a 24-hour convience store (Kwik Spar). The restaurants and take-away shops are geared towards a student market. Other shops, such as the stationers, the butcheries and the clothing outlets, offer student discounts for Rhodes students. The nightlife is vibrant and Rhodes students are renowned for their ability to make the most of a night.

As with the rest of South Africa, the crime rate in Grahamstown is relatively high by global standards. Fortunately, crime in Grahamstown is mostly non-violent, being motivated by economic necessity. However, Rhodes University has put in several measures to ensure the safety of it students both on campus and in town. With a little awareness and prudence, most students can avoid having to deal with the crime aspect of Grahamstown altogether. South Africans tend to know the do's and don'ts of avoiding crime, and visitors should follow the examples set bytheir fellow South African students.

Grahamstown is also fully equipped with a state hospital and several doctors, dentists and other medical specialists. International students should check with their medical aid which of these professionals are included in their medical plans. If you are in any doubt, please feel welcome to come and ask the International Office for assistance.

There are several hotels, Bed and Breakfasts and a backpackers in Grahamstown. These are usually booked out well in advance for major events such as the Arts Festival and Graduation. If you want to find a comprehensive list of accommodation in Grahamstown, please click here.

For a full list of businesses in Grahamstown, please see this link.

For general information on Grahamstown, please see the following links:

Grahamstown Handbook

Grahamstown Maps

Map Ght Central (Map courtesy RU Investec Business School)

Satelite Map of Rhodes and Grahamstown

Makana Tourism

Once you are in Grahamstown, you can visit the Makana Tourism Information Office. They have maps, visitor's guides and brochures on all sorts of information, including information on accommodation, restaurants, transport, tours, museums, outdoor adventure and leisure, and entertainment.

63 High Street, Grahamstown, 6139

Their contact details: