Makana Tourism

01/08/2025

31/07/2025

THE PLOT TWISTS IN MAKHANDA! ✨📚

You won’t be-leaf what we spotted at Checkers Mall on High Street in Makhanda this week! 👀 A wild (and wonderful) Amazwi South African Museum of Literature team appeared — not to shop, but to drop some serious knowledge! 😄

They were out there chatting with parents about the magic of reading with their kids, and reminding us that literacy doesn’t stop at school… or at the library door.

But wait, here’s the plot twist! 📖
Amazwi isn’t just a building full of Literature.
It’s a living, breathing story machine with:

🎤 Open mic sessions
✍️ Creative writing workshops
📖 Book launches
🎓 Education programmes
🕵️ Research help
🎉 You can even book it for your birthday or grad party!

From tours to poetry slams, Amazwi’s got something for everyone — whether you're a bookworm or just looking to revive your creative side

So don’t just drive past it on Worcester Street — pop in! Or better yet, book your next adventure there.

📞 Contact Amazwi: 046 622 7042
📍 Visit: 25A Worcester Street, Makhanda
🌐 Website: www.amazwi.museum

Tag someone who needs a literary field trip ASAP! 😎📚

25/07/2025

🌍 MAKHANDA'S HEARTBEAT: WOMEN, COMMUNITY & LOCAL MAGIC

From the voices that echo through the streets to the hands that craft every guest experience — Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) is powered by women, stories, and spirit.

Our latest Community Tourism Newsletter is a vibrant celebration of:
✨ Women transforming tourism
🎤 Local legends like Linda Ngxande, the voice behind “Umbhona Umbhona!”
🛏️ Hosts turning homes into havens
♻️ Creatives like Ntuthu making beauty from waste
🎉 Events to fill your weekend with music, meaning, and laughter

Ready to explore the soul of Makhanda? Dive into the stories, people, and places that make this town unforgettable.

👉 Read the newsletter now: https://bit.ly/4o4DvZR

25/07/2025

🎯 Makhanda Weekend Cheat Sheet | 25–27 July
End July on a high note! Here's your no-fuss roundup of what to check out this weekend in and around town:

FRIDAY | 25 JULY

🪩 Yano Night Explosion @ Cool Spot
Kick off your weekend with amapiano beats, dancing, and a vibrant atmosphere. Let the music lead the way into Friday night fun!

🎨 Sip & Paint @ Stones Hill (16A Port Alfred Road)
Unleash your creativity at this relaxed painting session. No experience needed—just come ready to sip, paint, and enjoy.

⛳ McCallum Brokers Golf Day
Network, play, and enjoy a social day at Belmont Golf Club. Ideal for golfers of all levels looking for a mix of sport and leisure.

🍹 Half-Price Cocktails @ Pothole & Donkey
From 4pm–8pm, enjoy selected cocktails at half the price. The perfect pre-dinner treat or post-event cool down.

SATURDAY | 26 JULY

🎂 Dondo’s Birthday Celebration Finale @ Mandisa’s Place
Celebrate life, community, and Dondo’s big day with music, food, and festive vibes. All are welcome!

🛍️ Christ Church Winter Stoep Sale
Pick up winter bargains, delicious eats, and handmade crafts at this much-loved community market, happening outside Hoof &Hound.

🧠 Mental Health Awareness Hike
Walk and talk in support of mental wellness. A safe space to share stories and break the stigma—because your mental health matters.

🎹 The Fifth Evangelist – Organ Recital @ Commemoration Methodist Church
Commemorate 275 years of J.S. Bach with a free organ recital by two masters: Cameron Luke & Christopher Cockburn.

🎭 Friends Comedy Show @ SSS Top Bar
Get your laugh fix with this fun night of stand-up and improv featuring top local talent.

🎶 Back 2 WO Saturday @ Endaweni Lounge
Let loose with good music and even better company at one of Makhanda’s favourite nightlife spots.

🎧 Goldmax Live @ The Bridge Sports Bar
Dance the night away with Goldmax! Beats, vibes, and a buzzing crowd await.

🏃‍♀️ BONUS: Saturday Parkrun
Start your weekend off fresh with a scenic 5 km run or walk through Makana Botanical Gardens.
🕗 08:00 | 📍 Botanical Gardens, Rhodes University | 🎟️ Free & Family-Friendly

🗺️ More Local Gems & Events
Check out more happenings and highlights around town at grahamstown.co.za/events

💌 Know of an upcoming event?
Send details to us at [email protected] and we’ll include it in our next round-up!


Photograph by Lara Aislinn Gordon Salomon

25/07/2025

𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧

Check out Makhanda through the fresh eyes of tourism student Sive Tyibilika!

Visit: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMSvRcRH5/

25/07/2025

𝗦𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 - 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁-𝗞𝗲𝗽𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮 - 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗙𝗲𝘄 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗢𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝗼

"Yo! I’m Sive Tyibilika — tourism student with curious feet, questionable balance, and a habit of ending up in weird places (on purpose). I’ve touched down in Makhanda for a few months, and instead of scrolling Google Maps from the couch, I’m walking the city the old-school way —cobblestones, detours, and all.

This town? Way cooler (and weirder) than I expected. So, here’s my totally unofficial, slightly chaotic guide to Makhanda — packed with the kind of stuff you won’t find on a brochure. Let’s walk: https://bit.ly/46xEls5"

25/07/2025

𝗡𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗵𝘂: 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲, 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆

In the heart of Makhanda, where art, community, and sustainability intersect, you'll find Ntuthu Mthwakazi Blow — a creative powerhouse who’s turning trash into treasure and sowing seeds of hope for a better tomorrow.

“I don’t believe in waste,” Ntuthu says with a laugh. “If I can turn it into something beautiful or useful, then why throw it away?”

Read more here: https://bit.ly/3H42KLg

25/07/2025

𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗮 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 — 𝗔 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴
What does it take to make a guest feel at home far from their own?

Boniselwa Tafane believes hospitality is about warmth — not just the temperature, but the spirit. “When someone walks into your home, they need to feel truly welcome. It’s more than just service; it’s about being present, showing kindness, and making sure they feel safe and valued.” She understands the power of a good reputation and is committed to earning it, one guest at a time. “Word of mouth is everything, which is why I treat every visitor like someone special." Read more about Boniselwa's journey: https://bit.ly/3UintOJ

25/07/2025

"𝗨𝗺𝗯𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗮 𝗨𝗺𝗯𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗮 𝗢𝘀𝗵𝘂𝘀𝗵𝘂": 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮

You may not know her name, but if you’ve walked the streets of Makhanda, you’ve heard her unmistakable call. That voice belongs to Linda Ngxande—whose steaming mealies and freshly made roosterkoeks have become a daily comfort for many. Her voice isn’t just selling food—it’s telling a story of resilience, community, and the warmth of home.

“I love selling in Makhanda because it’s my hometown. I grew up here. Most of my customers are people I know—some I even grew up with,” she shares proudly.

Linda isn’t just a vendor—she’s a storyteller, a tradition bearer, and a source of comfort.

Curious to know more about the woman behind the voice? Follow the sound, follow the story here: https://bit.ly/4nXjzrU

25/07/2025

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬

As we approach Women’s Month, we’re shining a light on the incredible women who are the heartbeat of our local tourism industry.

From running homestays and guesthouses to cooking up local flavours in kitchens, guiding visitors through our cultural and natural heritage, managing bookings, organising unforgettable events, crafting handmade souvenirs, or keeping operations running smoothly behind the scenes—women are making it all happen.

They’re often the first to welcome you, the last to wave goodbye, and the reason you’ll want to come back. Whether they’re business owners, frontline hosts, or part of hardworking teams, these women bring warmth, resilience, and heart to every part of the visitor experience.

Looking for a place to stay in Makhanda or want to support local women-led tourism?

📞 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘂𝘀: 046 622 3241
📧 𝗘𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹: [email protected]

24/07/2025

💃𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓'𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐒?!💃

𝐃𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐘 𝐅𝐈𝐗 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐔𝐍:

👉Mogodu Monday
Every Monday
📍: The Rustic Route, Makhanda

👉Music and Movement Groups for Children and Parents
Every Monday
📍: Grahamstown Bowling Club

👉Scottish Country Dancing
Every Monday
📍: Presbyterian Church, Hill Street
🕗: 19:00-21:00

👉Self-defense classes in Boxing and Karate for Women
Date: Every Wednesday
🕔: 17:30 - 18:30
📍: St. Mary's DCC

👉 Karaoke Night
Every Thursday
🕔: 20:00
📍: Champs Action Bar

👉Half Price Cocktail Special
Every Friday
📍: Pothole and Donkey, High Street
🕓: 16:00-20:00

👉Chillout Thursday
Every Thursday
🕖: 17:00
📍: Mandisa's Place

👉Friday Nia and Zumba Dance Classes
Classes: Every Wednesday
📍: Grahamstown Bowling Club, African Street
🕘: 09.45 to 10:20
Enquiries: [email protected] or 074 315 4232

👉Feel Good Fridays
Every Friday
🕕: 18:00
📍: The Bridge

👉Saturday Parkrun
📍: The Bot Gardens, Lucas Avenue
🕖: 07:45 for 08:00
Free Entry
Parkrun is a free community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate.

👉Oldies Weekly Food Special
Every Day
📍: Oldies Bar and Restaurant, 65 on New Street

👉Oldies Weekend Specials
Every Friday to Saturday
📍: Oldies Bar and Restaurant, 65 on New Street

👉Oldies Weekly Special Unlocked
Every Sunday to Thursday
📍: Oldies Bar and Restaurant, 65 on New Street

👉Poetic Tuesdays
Every Tuesday
📍: Duna Library, Joza Location

👉Bring Your Craft to Red Café
Every Tuesday
📍: Albany Club, High Street

👉Sunday Chillas
Every Sunday
📍: Cool Spot, Joza Location, Makhanda

𝐉𝐔𝐋𝐘 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒:

👉Friday's Reddits Poetry
Thursday, 24th July 2025
📍: Amazwi Museum, Makhanda
🕖: 17:30

👉McCallum Brokers Golf Day
Friday, 25th July 2025
📍: The Belmont Golf Club, Makhanda
🕖: 11:30

👉Sip & Paint
Friday, 25th July 2025
📍: 16A Port Alfred Road, Stones Hill
🕖: 18:30

👉Yano Night Exploxion
Friday, 25th July 2025
📍: Cool Spot, Joza Location, Makhanda
🕖: 18:00

👉A Concert of Organ Music
Saturday, 26th July 2025
📍: Commemoration Methodist Church, Makhanda
🕖: 16:00

👉Friends Comedy Show
Saturday, 26th July 2025
📍: Slipstream Sportsbar (SSS), New Street, Makhanda
🕖: 19:00

👉Dondo's Birthday Celebration Finale
Saturday, 26th July 2025
📍: Mandisa's Place, Makhanda
🕖: 17:00

👉Winter Stoep Sale
Saturday, 26th July 2025
📍: Outside Hoof n Hound
🕖: 09:00

👉Mental Health Awareness Hike
Saturday, 26th July 2025
📍: Rhodes Drostdy Arch
🕖: 08:00

👉Back 2 WO Saturday
Saturday, 26th July 2025
📍: Endaweni Lounge
🕖: 17:00

👉The Bridge Sports Bar: Goldmax
Saturday, 26th July 2025
📍: The Bridge Sports Bar
🕖: 17:00

𝗨𝗣𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦

👉Fun Walk
Saturday, 2nd August 2025
📍: Botanical Gardens Entrance
🕖: 11:30

👉Carinus Art Centre: Children's Art Classes
Monday, 4th August 2025
Duration: 8 weeks
When: Every Monday
📍: Carinus Art Centre
🕖: 14:30

👉Carinus Art Centre: Adult Pottery Course
Thursday, 7th August 2025
Duration: 5 weeks
When: Every Thursday
📍: Carinus Art Centre
🕖: 17:00

👉Sacred Womb Space: Healing Meditation Circle
Saturday, 9th August 2025
📍: Botanical Gardens, Rhodes University
🕖: 10:00

👉Fiddlers Green Fan Park: Springbok VS Wallabies
Saturday, 16th August 2025
📍: Fiddlers Green Field, Makhanda
🕖: 17:10

For more details on these events, please visit grahamstown.co.za/events

20/07/2025

♟️ World Chess Day | July 20 🌍

Chess is king in Makhanda from Makhanda Chess Club to Sewelo Community Chess Academy – and it's only getting stronger! From ancient origins to modern classrooms, chess continues to inspire minds and build bridges across cultures. In Makhanda, the game of kings (and queens!) is more than just a pastime — it's a growing movement of strategy, focus, and community. Let’s celebrate the players, coaches, and clubs who make Makhanda a true chess hub! 🧠💫

♟️

📸: The Andrew Martin Annual Christmas Chess Tournament held at the Lalibela Recreation Centre in Seven Fountains last year – a celebration of strategy, community, and festive spirit through the game of chess.