Makhanda, South Africa Travel Guide

City City in South Africa known for its universities

Home to Rhodes University and an old frontier town feel, Makhanda fills with students and theatre during the National Arts Festival; visitors arrive for performances, sandstone architecture, nearby mountain hikes and cafés that keep late hours.

Costs

Typical daily budget: $45-80

Guesthouses and student-friendly cafes keep costs moderate; festival periods push prices up.

Safety

Moderate risk; be cautious after dark

Reasonably safe by South African standards but expect petty crime; avoid isolated areas at night.

Best Time

Best time: July (Arts Festival); Sep-Nov

June/July for the Arts Festival; spring (Sept-Nov) is pleasant for hikes and campus walks.

In This Guide

Why Visit Makhanda, South Africa?
Top Things to Do
Plan Your Visit
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Time

—

Weather

—

Population

91,548

Infrastructure & Convenience

Good university-town amenities, English signage, guesthouses and restaurants; limited late-night transport.

Popularity

Seasonally popular during the Arts Festival; otherwise a quiet university and heritage town.

Known For

National Arts Festival, Rhodes University, 19th-century architecture, theaters, galleries, frontier history, student town atmosphere, hiking trails, cultural events

Makhanda hosts South Africa's large National Arts Festival each June/July, transforming the small university town into an arts hub.

Why Visit Makhanda, South Africa? #

Home to Rhodes University and the long-running National Arts Festival, Makhanda is a magnet for culture lovers and students. The festival, local galleries and historic sites such as the 1820 Settlers Monument create a packed arts calendar, while Xhosa cultural events and nearby Karoo landscapes add regional depth. Travelers arrive for theater, music, university-town energy and a chance to explore Eastern Cape history beyond South Africa’s major coastal cities.

Top Things to Do in Makhanda, South Africa

Don't Miss

Rhodes University - Historic university with scenic campus, museum exhibits and notable Victorian architecture.
Albany Museum - Natural history and cultural collections focusing on Eastern Cape heritage and local fossils.
National Arts Festival - Annual arts festival filling the town with theatre, music, galleries and street performances.

Hidden Gems

Grahamstown Cathedral (St Michael and St George) - Anglican cathedral featuring Victorian stained glass, impressive interiors and occasional guided tours.
Fort Selwyn - Small hilltop fort showcasing colonial-era history and pleasant panoramic viewpoints over town.
Makana Market - Weekend market offering local crafts, artisanal foods and lively community atmosphere.

Day Trips

Addo Elephant Park (longer day) - Drive to Addo for large mammal viewing and accessible safari experiences near Gqeberha.
Baviaanskloof (extended trip) - Longer scenic drive through mountain passes, fynbos and dramatic Eastern Cape valleys.

Best Time to Visit Makhanda, South Africa #

Makhanda (Grahamstown) is nicest from late spring through early autumn when the weather is warm and festival-friendly. Winters are cool and wetter-better for indoor activities than camping.

Summer

November - February · 18-30°C (64-86°F)

Warm days, possible afternoon thunderstorms; perfect for outdoor events and visiting nearby game reserves, but pack a light rain jacket for sudden showers.

Winter

June - August · 2-15°C (36-59°F)

Chilly mornings and cool days; fewer tourists and lower prices, but early evenings are cold and some outdoor attractions close during wet weather.

Spring/Autumn

September - October & March - April · 12-25°C (54-77°F)

Best balance of comfortable temperatures and fewer storms; wildflowers bloom in spring, and autumn brings pleasant light for photography and walking the city.

Best Time to Visit Makhanda, South Africa #

Climate

Makhanda, South Africa's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with warm summers (peaking in February) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 7°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (670 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit

AprilJanuaryFebruary

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

42°

Warmest Month

3°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

21°

Feels Like Mild

21°C

Temperature

15° – 27°

72%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

63 mm

Rainfall

3.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.7

UV Index

Extreme

13.9h daylight

February

February is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

81 Excellent

Comfort

21°

Feels Like Mild

21°C

Temperature

15° – 27°

73%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

76 mm

Rainfall

2.9 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.3

UV Index

Extreme

13.2h daylight

March

March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

81 Excellent

Comfort

20°

Feels Like Mild

20°C

Temperature

14° – 26°

73%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

73 mm

Rainfall

2.8 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.8

UV Index

Very High

12.2h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

83 Excellent

Comfort

18°

Feels Like Cool

18°C

Temperature

12° – 24°

72%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

45 mm

Rainfall

2.7 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.1

UV Index

High

11.1h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).

80 Excellent

Comfort

16°

Feels Like Cool

16°C

Temperature

10° – 22°

68%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

33 mm

Rainfall

3.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.7

UV Index

Moderate

10.3h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 27 mm.

80 Excellent

Comfort

14°

Feels Like Cool

14°C

Temperature

8° – 20°

65%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

27 mm

Rainfall

3.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.5

UV Index

Low

9.8h daylight

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).

78 Very Good

Comfort

13°

Feels Like Cool

13°C

Temperature

7° – 20°

64%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

30 mm

Rainfall

3.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.5

UV Index

Moderate

10.0h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).

76 Very Good

Comfort

14°

Feels Like Cool

14°C

Temperature

8° – 20°

68%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

45 mm

Rainfall

3.1 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.8

UV Index

Moderate

10.8h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).

76 Very Good

Comfort

15°

Feels Like Cool

15°C

Temperature

9° – 21°

70%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

45 mm

Rainfall

3.5 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.2

UV Index

High

11.8h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

16°

Feels Like Cool

16°C

Temperature

10° – 22°

71%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

76 mm

Rainfall

3.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.7

UV Index

Very High

12.8h daylight

November

November is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 79 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

18°

Feels Like Cool

18°C

Temperature

12° – 24°

71%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

79 mm

Rainfall

3.8 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.3

UV Index

Extreme

13.7h daylight

December

December is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

20°

Feels Like Mild

20°C

Temperature

14° – 25°

71%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

78 mm

Rainfall

3.5 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.6

UV Index

Extreme

14.2h daylight

How to Get to Makhanda, South Africa

Makhanda (Grahamstown) is most practically reached by road transfers from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) or East London; there is no regular passenger rail service into the town. Car hire or airport shuttles are the usual choices for the final leg.

By Air

Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) - Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport (PLZ): The nearest major airport to Makhanda (Grahamstown) is in Gqeberha; driving time is about 1.5-2 hours by car. Airport shuttles, car hire and taxis are available in Gqeberha for the onward leg.

East London Airport (ELS): East London is farther (roughly 2.5-3 hours’ drive) but sometimes useful depending on flight options. Road transfers from East London to Makhanda are by taxi or private car hire.

By Train & Bus

Train: There is no direct passenger rail service into Makhanda; South African long-distance passenger trains do not serve the town regularly.

Bus/Coach & Road: Intercity bus services (e.g., Intercape and regional operators) run between major Eastern Cape towns and may stop at or near Makhanda. Driving by rental car or private transfer from Gqeberha is the most common practical option for visitors.

How to Get Around Makhanda, South Africa #

Makhanda (Grahamstown) is very walkable around the university and town centre, with many attractions close together. Minibus taxis (and metered taxis outside peak times) provide local transport; Uber service can be limited, so plan ahead for late-night trips. A car is useful for exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby nature reserves.

Where to Stay in Makhanda, South Africa #

Budget

Mid-Range

Luxury

Where to Eat in Makhanda, South Africa #

Local Food

Eastern Cape cuisine blends hearty stews, bread and local produce. Small bistros and cafés around the town cater to students and visitors seeking homestyle meals.

Cafés & Bistros

Campus-area cafés and small bistros offer breakfasts, light lunches and cakes. These relaxed spots are popular with students, artists and visitors exploring local culture.

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Makhanda, South Africa's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Burger

Chicken

Asian

Pizza

School

Italian

Mexican

Barbecue

Breakfast

Steak House

International

Fish & Chips

Nightlife in Makhanda, South Africa #

Makhanda’s nightlife is shaped by the university calendar: student pubs, live-music venues and intimate bars are most active during term and especially during the National Arts Festival. Outside those peaks the town is quieter at night. Public events and university gigs are the best bet for lively evenings.

National Arts Festival - Major annual arts festival with evening performances and student-driven night events.

Shopping in Makhanda, South Africa #

Shopping is centred on independent bookshops, craft galleries and smaller boutiques, with a particular buzz during the National Arts Festival when pop-up stalls and artisans sell work. You’ll also find practical shops serving student needs. If you’re after antiques or local crafts, time visits for festival periods when more vendors appear.