‘Let’s take a flight to Graaff Reinet’ –– not something you hear everyday, right? Usually, a beautiful yet dreaded 6+ hours long drive from Cape Town will have you arriving in one of South Africa’s oldest towns.
But, thanks to Air du Cap, you can skip the long drive and fly private. It is not just a fragment of your luxury travel dreams.
With an unwavering commitment to personalised and exclusive experiences, Air du Cap is a private charter operator that holds an aviation speciality for when you are embarking on your next business trip, romantic getaway, family vacation or friendship adventure, in style, to ensure your journey is as memorable as your destination.
As the demand for smaller plane travels increases, Air du Cap boasts an impressive fleet of aircrafts that came about from first hiring aircrafts to owning a Beechcraft Baron and Cessna 182 available for charter, each chosen for its reliability, comfort, and efficiency.
This experience is like no other. Unlike commercial airlines, Air du Cap caters to your schedule, not the other way around. Forget layovers, delays and traditional checkins. The trip begins from the moment you step foot on board.
If you wondered, as we did whether the flight would be bumpy in a small plan, the answer is no – not at all with the experienced pilots.
So, you are free to enjoy a WI-FI zoned, well air-conditioned aircraft with a luxury interior that will have you focused on the vast sky that surrounds you, just as we did as we made our way from the Cape Winelands Airport, outside of Stellenbosch, to Graaff-Reinet.
Preserved history
The fourth oldest town in South Africa, Graaff-Reinet is a town overflowing with natural beauty and a rich history dating back to the Dutch East Indian Company’s movements throughout the country. In 1786, they established the town, named after then Dutch governor, Cornelis Jacob van de Graaf, as a trading post and military outpost.
Today, Graaff-Reinet preserves its colonial architecture and historical charm, offering a window into South Africa’s complex past.
Along with the Dutch Reformed Church (Groot Kerk), one of the largest and most beautiful churches in South Africa, The Drostdy Hotel is an iconic attraction of the small town. Back dating to 1804, it was acquired by the SA College of Tourism (SACT) and refurbished into the 5-star establishment that it is today.
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Karoo oasis
Upon arrival, lush green trees from the courtyard and friendly staff welcomed us to the historical hotel. From the receptionists and porters to restaurant waitrons, all once a student or an in training student from SACT. The relationship between SACT and the Drostdy is a special one as is takes responsibility for moulding the college’s students by offering them the opportunity to use their training from theory and put it to practical use – allowing them to keep learning and potentially progress their careers in the hospitality industry.
Hotel General Manager, Tebello Polisane and SACT Executive Director, Marietta Ferreira sat down with us for lunch to chat about the hotel and the hospitality academy. The non-profit training facility is located in Graaff-Reinet and the students diligently stay on campus for the duration of the programme. It is truly phenomenal to see what SACT and the Drostdy Hotel is doing. Not only for job seekers after graduation but the empowerment of students who have gone through the programme that has many projects planned for the next few years that will prepare a new generation of tourism.
Relax and unwind
After a jam-packed morning, we got an opportunity to retreat to our rooms in the luxurious hotel that oozes historical charm. The hotel boasts 48 rooms, and four different room categories, each one featuring décor that perfectly captures the beauty of the Karoo.
The hotel allows you to experience a moment of rejuvenation with their Africology spa – where rest and relaxation is guarenteed. After selecting and receiving your treatment, you can complete your spa experience in a Himalayan Salt sauna, enjoy a moment of stillness on the garden terrace and finally a refreshing dip in one of their three swimming pools.
The hotel is open to hosting weddings, events and conferences throughout the year. You can visit the onsite Imibala art gallery and De Camdeboo wine shop that house renowned wines including special wines by the Rupert family estate. The art gallery holds work by local South African artists including magnificent sculptures by Dylan Lewis.
Having worked up an appetite from the adventure of Graaff-Reinet, treat your tastebuds to an unforgettable culinary experience at the hotel. Their indoor-outdoor dining encapsulates the heart of Karoo cuisine.
I left this trip with a new found respect and love for the Karoo and Graaff-Reinet and all its history.
As we bid farewell to the over arching Jacaranda trees, the beauty of this small town remains. Graaff-Reinet is more than just a town – it’s a journey through time and nature. Whether you’re exploring the dramatic landscapes, immersing yourself in its rich history or indulging in a moment of rest and relaxation, Graaff-Reinet will captivate your heart and soul.
David Livingstone called Graaf-Reinet the prettiest little town in all of Africa and although I haven’t seen all the town, I too believe him after spending this precious time in the small town.
This article was written by Amy-Lee Steenkamp for Getaway’s January 2025 print edition. Find us on shelves for more!
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