If you love Instagram as much as I do, then you have to go to the first South African National Instameet. It’s happening in Graaff-Reinet from 24 – 27 September 2015 and everyone is invited!
Here’s your chance to explore the little town in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa with fellow Instagrammers from around the country, and perhaps a few international Instagrammers too.
The event is being organised by the @southafrica Instagram account, in partnership with South African Tourism and Cerebra. It’s simple, just visit the website (link at the bottom of the post) and fill in your details to register for free. You’ll also find more information there about how to get there and where to stay. There’ll be sunrise walks, hikes, rides, bonfires to keep warm beside at night and to recount the day’s adventures, as well as other cool activities and darn good company too.
A little more about Graaff-Reinet
The town of Graaff-Reinet is peacefully cradled in the valley between the hills of Camdeboo National Park – which means ‘Green Valley’ – in the Great Karoo. It’s hard to say what the town and region are best known for: the fact that it’s the fourth oldest town in South Africa; its Dutch Reformed Church, which is a national monument; the Valley of Desolation; the mohair farms or the annual Karoo-lus Festival.
Either way this is big sky, small town country and certainly worth a road trip, especially if you haven’t already been.
The Valley of Desolation, found within Camdeboo National Park, has to be one of the most picturesque parts of the country. From the rocky look out point you can see jointed dolerite pillars, some of which are 120 metres high. This is the best place for sunrise and sunset shots. And if you’re attentive you may even see eagles circling overhead. From there you can see that the town’s circular shape has been carved out by the Sunday’s River, which runs through the province for 250 kilometers.
And to your left is Nqweba Dam – a popular fishing destination where you may hook Mullet, Carp, Round Herrin or African Catfish. There’s also the opportunity to take to the water for a bit of canoeing, windsurfing or boating. Those wanting to reconnect with nature can go on a game drive with the hopes of spotting various kinds of antelope, Cape Buffalo, Wildebeest and the Cape Mountain Zebra.
But before you leave, make sure you buy a mohair jersey, beanie or mittens. After all, there are close to 1 000 mohair farmers in the region, who supply around half of the world’s mohair. Want to know more? Read my previous posts and see more photographs from Graaff-Reinet.
The First South African National Instameet
When? 24-27 September 2015 (over the long weekend)
Where? Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
Why? Because Instagram and South Africa are epic
Register: www.instameet.co.za (for free)
Follow: @southafrica and me, @igamotylska, on Instagram for more updates
Remember: use the hashtag #meetsouthafrica to share photos of your experience and this beautiful country of ours
More info: www.graaffreinet.co.za
