Riebeek East, Frontier Country
The little village of Riebeek East, virtually lost in time such that, if it weren't for the growing interest in eco-tourism in this part of the country and it's proximity to both Grahamstown and the Addo Elephant National Park, it would remain in obscurity.
Riebeek East established itself on the farm Mooimeisiesfontein (pretty girls fountain) in 1830 when the need for a local church arose - farmers in the area had formerly trekked roughly 130 kilometres to Uitenhage for Nagmaal (communion services). Mooimeisiesfontein farmhouse was the home of Piet Retief, a Voortrekker leader of some distinction who graced school history books during the apartheid era due to his involvement in negotiating land deals in KwaZulu Natal for his people, until his unexpected assassination at the hands of Dingaan and his men.
Today Riebeek East, also known as Riebeeck East, is still largely a sheep and game farming community. This part of the country has a strong conservation ethic in an attempt to reverse the killing of much of the local wildlife of the area. This area is still the only place in Africa with malaria-free Big Five game viewing opportunities and a range of public and private nature reserves span the area, including Shamwari Game Reserve and the Addo Elephant Park.
Riebeek East lies in the vicinity of archaeological sites showing cultural activity that predates many claims world-wide, contributing to its status as the cradle of human culture. A number of ancient sites and rock art are found in the area and tours through this ‘valley of ancient voices' can be arranged. Grahamstown and its annual Arts Festival is not far from here, and the surrounding hills of Riebeek East offer a number of hiking trails.
Travellers' Reviews
3 Reviews from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
Beautiful quaint village, a bit of an oasis in the middle of typical karoo veld. Friendly folk doing all sorts of interesting things from homesteading to making local wine! great place for mountain biking, hiking, birds, wild flowers, game viewing and an overall a spectacular weekend away from any hustle and bustle :) We come back every year
Helene (Nottingham Road, KZN)
Verified review
Caught in a time warp this quaint village offers great game drives, wonderful starry nights, fresh clean air and above all 100% crime free. One of Eastern Cape's best kept secrets
Alf Levinthal (Port Elizabeth)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Kwandwe Ecca Lodge
Set in the heart of the Private Reserve in thick vegetation overlooking a dense valley, Ecca Lodge offers breathtaking views onto an escarpment o...
Kwantu Private Game Reserve
Naturally merged into the pristine landscape, each lodge exudes a traditional African charm with all the modern comforts and complete privacy, su...
Lanherne Guest House
Lanherne Guest House, in Grahamstown, is a classic early 1900s home located in the Westhill suburb. The Guest House provides easy access to all p...
Settle Inn
Settle Inn is nestled in the beautiful Sundays River Village of Colchester, 40km east of the city of Port Elizabeth and situated on the banks of ...
8A Grahamstown
8A Grahamstown is a luxurious and spacious guest house, ideally located in Grahamstown. 8A Grahamstown has been professionally designed and decor...
Shamwari Lobengula Lodge
Shamwari's Villa Lobengula is a beautiful and tranquil space tucked away in the depths of the valley bushveld. It is a place where your soul can ...
The Cock House
One of Grahamstown's best-loved landmarks, The Cock House offers self-catering rooms and is located in Makhanda (Grahamstown). The guest house is...
The Ranch House Guesthouse
The Ranch House Guesthouse in Grahamstown is situated 17km outside of town on a private game reserve, about one and a half hours by road from Por...
Somerset Lodge Grahamstown
Somerset Lodge provides accommodation in a standalone triple storey apartment block. The apartments have secure parking and are conveniently loca...
Noteworthy attractions
Addo Elephant Park
Situated in a malaria free area the magnificently diverse Addo Elephant Park offers a wide variety of game viewing, outdoor adventure, accommodat...
Amakhala Game Reserve
Steeped in history and beauty, this 6000-hectare game reserve creates an ideal environment for an unforgettable safari and an intimate experience...
Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve is the southernmost, Big Game, private reserve in Africa - Malaraia Free. This ultimate African adventure stretches along t...
Thomas Baines Nature Reserve
The Thomas Baines Nature Reserve is situated 12km from Grahamstown. The Thomas Baines Reserve is named after the famous 19th Century artist who l...
Bosberg Nature Reserve
Set on the southern slopes of the Bosberg Mountains, the Bosberg Nature Reserve is a thickly wooded nature reserve that looms over the town of So...
Great Fish River Reserve
The spectacularly beautiful Great Fish River Reserve lies in the valley of the Great Fish River, between the town of Grahamstown and Fort Beaufor...
Pumba Game Reserve
Lying in a particularly breathtaking setting that includes five of the world's seven biomes, Pumba Private Game Reserve has a couple of major adv...
Tsolwana Game Reserve
Nestled against the northern slopes of the Winterberg Mountain range at the edge of the Karoo, Tsolwana Game Reserve lies between Cradock and Que...
Bucklands Private Game Reserve
Bucklands Private Game Reserve is a Stewart Family conservation initiative which was launched in 2007 culminating from the families deep love of ...
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