Things to do
Things to do!
Museums
Learn some Makhana history to tell your friends and family back home
Nature & Outdoors
Get some exercise in, go for a trail run, or a picnic!
Drinks in New Street
Pubs, Bars, Clubs and where the best places to go are
Museums
Learn while you have fun
Makhanda has a very rich history and it’s all still available in the streets. The town main town itself is a museum all on its own. If you like history, or just want to know a little more about the town you’re living in, visit some museums.
The Albany Museum Complex has five museums and exhibits all forms of history, art, literature and more. It’s made up of the Natural Science Museum, the History Museum, the Observatory Museum, the Provost Prison and Fort Selwyn.
The Observatory museum: If you’re not into history, but want to say you visited s museum, your best bet is the Observatory Museum. It’s super unique and tells the history of the diamond industry.
Provost: This was built in 1838 as a military prison in the Drostdy grounds when Sir Benjamin d’Urban, who was Governor of the Cape Colony, instructed the royal engineers to plan a “fortified barrack establishment”. The prison was designed on Jeremy Bentham’s panopticon prison system of the 18th century. This design allowed constant surveillance of the prisoners from the guards through the windows of the tower. The outer circle of the building housed the cells and exercise yard and this surrounded the two-storey guard house. But if old buildings aren’t your thing, it’s always a nice place to meet up with a friend for some coffee.
The International Library of African Music
The library mainly functions as an independent research centre, home to more than 200 traditional African musical instruments, many of which are still used today. The International Library of African Music is all about promoting the research, publishing and teaching of African music.
NATIONAL ENGLISH LITERARY MUSEUM
The National English Literary Museum gives us the opportunity to promote reading and encourage appreciated of all forms of creative South African literature that is written in English. The museum began in 1972 as a collection of documents and has grown over the years, with thanks to funding from government.
The artefacts housed here are literary and of imaginative and creative writings in English of Southern African writers, regardless of their mother tongue. The museum endeavours to keep unpublished manuscripts and drafts as well as diaries, private correspondence and proofs. A collection of all genres including short stories, memoirs, journals, books for children, plays, novels and poetry is kept at the museum.
These collections are physically present for anyone to consult. Entrance to the museum is free of charge however donations are always welcome. Tours are arranged for small groups, by prior arrangement only.
This blog is designed to show you the dark side of Islam that the West does not want you to see creating a healthy interfaith dialogue through the spirit of sisterhood.
Drinks in New Street
Bars, pubs, and clubs
After a morning of trail running, an afternoon of learning Makhanda history and an evening of eating the best nachos in town, maybe you and your friends want to head out on the town. But where do you go? Places to party in Grahamstown come and go faster than undergraduates graduate, so you never know what’s the best place in town this week. But if you’re not sure, you can always check out:
The Rat & Parrott
Old reliable Rat & Parrott will usually have good music and great beer
Olde’s (Olde 65)
Olde’s is a vibe. Grab a drink at the bar and follow the music through the intimate pub. Depending on the night expect some house or old school hip-hop
Slipstream (SSS Sports Bar)
If you’re into rock & indie music, karaoke and playing pool this is where you should head to.
The Rustic Route
Although not always open- when it is, it’s hard to miss the music that fills the street
37 on New
Depending on the night, this club offers bonfires, deep house DJs and trance dance parties.
Friars (Friar Tucks)
This place has 3 levels, drink specials, a pool table in the bottom bar and a dance floor. Plays mainstream club music.
And if you don’t like a place, head to the next, because they’re all in the same street; NEW STEET is Makhanda’s night life
Nature & Outdoors
Runs, Braais, Biking & Picnics
The Manley Flats Community trails
13 km trail, part of which trail passes by a few community houses, and if you are interested, the community will gladly show you around their farm. The trail entrance is clearly marked (look out for the yellow bicycle atop a trail sign; you can’t miss it) from the road, and there is an area where you can safely park cars.
The Botanical gardens:
A favorite among students for its multi-purpose nature. Go for a walk, run, cycle, a picnic, need to be alone and write? Need inspiration for music? Just go to the Bot gardens.
Monument trail run:
If you didn’t do it in first year, you should do it now. Hike up the hill to monument for a spectacular view.
Toposcope:
Have a long walk, hike, run or get a lift with a friend for the best sunsets in Makhanda.
Grey & Settler’s dams:
Don’t disturb the rowing team, but head down to the dam for a braai, a picnic and some time with nature.
