Overview
Makhanda — officially renamed from Grahamstown in 2018, though the older name remains in wide informal use — is a small city in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, situated in the Makana Local Municipality. It sits in a transitional zone between the dry Karoo interior and the wetter coastal regions, giving it a distinctive landscape of rolling hills and scrubby vegetation.
The city carries a layered history. It was founded as a British military post in the early nineteenth century and became a centre of settler culture and missionary activity. At the same time, it was a flashpoint of the Frontier Wars between the British colonial forces and the amaRharhabe Xhosa, including a famous 1819 assault led by the Xhosa prophet Makhanda (also spelled Makana), after whom the city is now named.
Today Makhanda is best known for two things: Rhodes University, one of South Africa's most respected research universities, which gives the city a cosmopolitan, intellectual atmosphere, and the National Arts Festival, one of the largest arts festivals on the African continent. Outside festival season it is a quiet, walkable city with a genuine community feel.
Before You Go
Visas
South Africa has a varied visa regime depending on your nationality. Do not rely on generalised summaries. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section for your passport and verify requirements directly with the South African Department of Home Affairs or your nearest South African embassy or consulate before booking.
Health
No specific vaccinations are legally required to enter South Africa from most countries, but recommended precautions vary. The Eastern Cape does not carry the same malaria risk as Limpopo or KwaZulu-Natal, but consult a travel health professional before departure. Carry any prescription medication in original labelled packaging.
What to pack
- Layered clothing: mornings and evenings can be chilly even in summer
- Comfortable walking shoes for the hilly city centre
- Rain gear, particularly from October to March when afternoon thunderstorms are common
- Sun protection; the Eastern Cape sun is intense
Connectivity
Most major South African mobile networks (Vodacom, MTN, Cell C) provide coverage in Makhanda. A local prepaid SIM is the most cost-effective option for data; verify availability of roaming with your home provider before travel.
Getting There
By Air
Makhanda does not have a commercial airport. The nearest airports with regular scheduled services are Port Elizabeth International Airport (now officially Gqeberha Airport, IATA: PLZ), roughly 130 km to the south, and East London Airport (ELS), roughly 180 km to the east. Both connect to Johannesburg and Cape Town. Verify current routes and schedules on the airline or airport websites, as services change.
By Road
The N2 highway connects Makhanda to Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha in the west and East London in the east. The drive from Gqeberha takes approximately 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. Intercape and other long-distance bus operators serve the Eastern Cape corridor; verify current stops and timetables on their official websites. Shared minibus taxis also connect Makhanda to regional towns, though routes and schedules are informal.
By Car Hire
Hiring a car at Gqeberha or East London airport gives the most flexibility for reaching Makhanda and exploring the surrounding region. Roads are generally in reasonable condition but verify locally for any seasonal closures or construction.
Getting Around
Makhanda's compact city centre is largely walkable, and most attractions, restaurants, and accommodation options are within a manageable distance of each other. The hilly terrain can make some routes tiring on foot.
Local minibus taxis operate within the town and connect the historically separate areas of the city, including Joza township. Negotiate or confirm fares before boarding. There is no formal metered-taxi rank in the conventional sense; arrange taxis through accommodation providers or local contacts.
Having a private vehicle or hiring one is the most practical option if you plan to visit surrounding nature reserves or travel between towns.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in Makhanda ranges from guesthouses and B&Bs to self-catering units. The city does not have large international hotel chains; the offering is predominantly locally owned and operated. Quality and pricing vary; read recent reviews on booking platforms before committing.
During the National Arts Festival, accommodation across the city — including private homes rented out by residents — fills completely. Book as early as possible if you plan to attend; some visitors choose to base themselves in Gqeberha or on the Garden Route and day-trip, though this involves significant driving.
Outside festival season, availability is generally not a problem, and rates are more moderate. Verify current prices directly with properties or on established booking platforms, as rates fluctuate.
Things to See & Do
National Arts Festival
Held annually in late June and early July, this is one of Africa's largest and most celebrated arts gatherings, attracting theatre, dance, music, visual art, and film from across the continent and beyond. Accommodation books out months in advance during festival period; plan well ahead. Check the official National Arts Festival website for dates and programme details.
Albany Museum Complex
One of the oldest museum complexes in South Africa, it encompasses several distinct collections covering natural history, geology, Eastern Cape history, and Xhosa cultural heritage. The complex is spread across a few sites in the city centre. Verify opening hours and admission fees locally or on the museum's official channels.
1820 Settlers National Monument
This imposing structure on the hill overlooking the city serves as a multi-purpose arts and conference venue and a memorial to the British settlers who arrived in the Eastern Cape in 1820. The building itself is architecturally notable and offers views over the city. It is also the main venue hub during the National Arts Festival.
Outdoor and Nature
The Great Fish River area and surrounding game reserves, including Shamwari and Kwandwe (both roughly 50–80 km from the city), offer Big Five wildlife experiences. These are privately operated reserves; verify current rates, availability, and access on their respective websites. The Thomas Baines Nature Reserve is closer to town and suitable for day walks and birdwatching.
Rhodes University Campus
The campus is architecturally cohesive and pleasant to walk through. Rhodes hosts the International Library of African Music (ILAM), which maintains an extraordinary archive of African musical recordings; guided visits may be possible — verify availability directly with ILAM.
Food & Drink
Makhanda's food scene is modest but functional, with a mix of casual restaurants, coffee shops, and university-oriented eateries concentrated around the High Street area and near campus.
Expect to find South African staples alongside more globally influenced menus, reflecting the university population. Options include pizza and pasta restaurants, cafés serving decent coffee, and a handful of spots offering local dishes. The city is not a culinary destination in the manner of Cape Town or Johannesburg, but you will eat well enough.
The National Arts Festival period brings temporary food stalls and pop-up vendors that significantly expand options. Supermarkets including Checkers and Pick n Pay are present for self-catering supplies. Alcohol is widely available; South African wine and local craft beer are worth sampling.
Practical Information
Money
ATMs are available in the city centre, including at major banks. Credit and debit cards are accepted at most restaurants and larger shops, but carry cash for markets, taxis, and smaller vendors.
Emergency Numbers
In South Africa the general emergency number is 10111 (police) and 10177 (ambulance). Verify local hospital and clinic details on arrival through your accommodation provider.
Electricity
South Africa uses Type M (large round three-pin) sockets at 230V/50Hz. Bring an appropriate adapter. Load-shedding (scheduled power cuts) is a reality across South Africa; carry a power bank for devices and ask accommodation providers about backup power arrangements.
Water
Tap water quality in Makhanda has experienced periods of disruption due to municipal infrastructure challenges. Ask locally about current conditions and consider bottled or filtered water to be safe.
Shopping Hours
Most businesses operate Monday to Friday with reduced Saturday hours; Sunday trading is limited. Verify locally.
Safety
Makhanda is a relatively small city with a strong community character, but general urban precautions apply throughout South Africa. Petty theft and opportunistic crime can occur; keep valuables out of sight, avoid displaying expensive electronics or jewellery in public, and be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark.
Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. If you are driving, keep car doors locked and windows up at traffic stops. Consult your accommodation provider for current advice on specific areas of the city.
The festival period brings a significant influx of visitors and generally a heightened security presence; nonetheless, remain vigilant in crowds.
Register your travel with your country's embassy or consulate in South Africa if your government offers this service.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Makhanda occupies historically significant ground in the story of the Eastern Cape Frontier Wars. The city's dual naming — Grahamstown and Makhanda — reflects ongoing negotiations between colonial history and indigenous heritage that are part of South Africa's broader national conversation. Engaging respectfully with this complexity will enrich your visit.
IsiXhosa is the mother tongue of the majority of residents and a living cultural language; learning even a few basic greetings — 'Molo' (hello to one person), 'Molweni' (hello to a group) — is appreciated. English is widely spoken and is the language of the university and most commerce.
The arts festival has made Makhanda unusually culturally open and eclectic for a city of its size. Respect for local artists, performers, and vendors means paying fair prices and engaging genuinely rather than treating cultural expression as mere spectacle.
