All the information you need
Coloniesplaats is Justin's family farm situated near the city of Graaff-Reinet — the 4th oldest town in South Africa, recently renamed Robert Sobukwe in honour of the anti-apartheid politician born there.
There is no airport in Graaff-Reinet, so you will need to hire a car to travel to the venue. During the wedding weekend, shuttle services will collect you from the Drostdy Hotel and return you after all events on Saturday and Sunday on the farm.
Graaff-Reinet, South Africa
The farm is situated just outside Graaff-Reinet. There is no airport in Graaff-Reinet — you will need to hire a car. Choose your gateway city and plan your drive through the Karoo.
- Fly Into
Cape Town
9 hr drive via the Garden Route (Route 62) or N2. A scenic option if you want extra time to explore.
- Fly Into
Johannesburg
9 hr drive south on route N1. Straight through the Free State.
- Fly Into
Port Elizabeth or George
Internal flight from Cape Town or Johannesburg, then approx. 3 hr drive to the farm.
Itinerary Examples
Most guests will be visiting South Africa for the first time but you all have diiferent dates, budget, desires et requirements. Below are three suggested itineraries, pick the one that suits your travel style, or mix and match. Help yourself with our interactive map!
Our recommendation for first-time visitors: Cape Town → Stellenbosch → Garden Route → Graaff-Reinet → Addo Safari.
Option A — Fly into Cape Town
- +/- 3 days
Arrive in Cape Town
Spend 2–4 days exploring the city, mountain and beaches
- +/- 2 days
Stellenbosch
Spend 2 days in Stellenbosch exploring surrounding wine farms, including visiting Franschoek and their famous Wine Tram.
- +/- 1 day
Garden Route to Graaff-Reinet
Collect a rental car and make your way east. The drive can be done in a day, but we recommend taking several. Suggested stops: Hermanus, Mossel Bay, Wilderness, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park.
- Wedding
Arrive in Graaff-Reinet
Join us for the weekend celebrations.
- +/- 3 days
Safari & coast
Visit Addo Elephant National Park for a safari (before or after the wedding), then continue to Knysna. Return to Cape Town via garden route, or drop your car in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) or George airport and fly back to Cape Town.
- Extension
Optional: Kruger National Park
Fly from Gqeberha, George, or Cape Town to Johannesburg and spend a few days in Kruger.
Option B — Fly into Johannesburg
- +/- 4 days
Arrive in Johannesburg
Book a fully guided Kruger National Park safari package, including airport transfers and transport within the park. We suggest flying into the park through XXXX airport. You can also rent a car an drive from Johannesburg allowing you to roam freely in the Kruger park.
- +/- 1 day
Fly & Reach Graaff-Reinet
Return to Johannesburg Airport, fly to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), and reserve a seat on our wedding shuttle. The Monday shuttle will bring you back after the weekend. Or self-drive from Johannesburg Drive through the Free State Province. We recommend saving sightseeing stops for after Bloemfontein, where the scenery picks up.
- Wedding
Arrive in Graaff-Reinet
Join us for the weekend celebrations.
- +/- 1 day
Return to Johannesburg or continue to Cape Town
Drive or fly back to Johannesburg for your international connection, or head west via the Garden Route to Cape Town. You can also drop your rental car in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) or George and take a domestic flight onward.
Option C - Fly into PE
- Before
Fly to Gqeberha
Fly from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). You able to rent a car from PE, or have the option to reserve a seat on our wedding shuttle to Graaff-Reinet. The Monday shuttle brings you back after the weekend.
Book a spot on the bus - Wedding
Arrive in Graaff-Reinet
Join us for the weekend celebrations.
- After
Return home or visit Cape Town
Fly from Gqeberha to Johannesburg or Cape Town and connect with your international flight
Accommodation in Graaff-Reinet
The Drostdy Hotel is the location for the Friday evening drinks. We've booked out all 50 rooms within the hotel for our guests, along with additional accommodation within the town to ensure all guests have accommodation. If you'd like for us to help place you within accommodation please complete the forms below.
The Drostdy Hotel
50 rooms reserved from Friday afternoon to Monday morning. Shuttle to and from all farm events is included.
~£ 100 / nightConfirm your nights directly with us and we’ll handle the rest.
Reserve a roomOther options
We have secured several accommodation options in Graaff-Reinet for more flexible nightly rate.
Reach out and we’ll share the specific listings.
ReserveAlong the way
For stops along your drive, use Booking.com or Airbnb. Look for places with secure, gated parking for your hire car overnight.
Gated parking is worth prioritising wherever you stay.
Driving in South Africa
A few things to know before you set off. South Africa is straightforward to drive — just a handful of local rules to keep in mind.
Drive on the Left
Traffic travels on the left-hand side. Take extra care at roundabouts and right-hand turns. Your French licence allows car hire.
Police Checkpoints
If asked to stop, do so calmly. Show your driving licence — they will note your number and wave you on your way.
Parking
Official marshals in uniform with a card machine handle paid parking. Unofficial helpers in high-vis jackets may approach — you are not obliged to pay them.
Speed Cameras
Fixed and mobile cameras similar to France. 120 km/h on highways, 60 km/h through towns. Stick to the limits.
Safety at Night
Always keep doors locked while driving. Lock with the key rather than the remote fob. Use Uber after dark rather than walking. At a red light in an unsafe area, it's acceptable to pass slowly after checking it's clear. When driving to and from Graaff-Reinet, be careful of animals on the side of the roads. Kudu (larger than a deer) graze on the side of the road at night, and can walk into the road.
Cash & Connectivity
Carry a little cash — 1€ ≈ 20 rand. Download an e-SIM before you leave (we recommend Airalo) for data throughout South Africa.
What car to hire
No need to overthink this. A standard small car handles the roads to Graaff-Reinet and the Karoo perfectly well — and works just fine for a safari too.
- Recommended
Small hatchback
Toyota Yaris, VW Polo, Renault Sandero
Ideal for this trip. Cheap to hire, easy to park in town, and more than capable on tarred roads through the Karoo. Perfectly fine for most game reserves too.
- Also fine
Mid-size sedan
Toyota Corolla, VW Jetta, Hyundai Elantra
Slightly more space for luggage if you’re a couple or have safari kit. No meaningful advantage over a small car for this itinerary.
- Only if needed
4x4 / SUV
Toyota Fortuner, Land Cruiser, Ford Ranger
Only worth the extra cost if you’re venturing onto serious dirt tracks in a remote reserve. For Kruger and most popular parks, not required at all.
“Do I need a roof tent or a 4x4 for safari?”
No — a roof tent is completely optional. Most game reserves, including Kruger, have proper accommodation ranging from simple rest camps to lodges. You drive through the park in whatever car you’ve hired, windows up, and watch wildlife from inside the vehicle. A Toyota Yaris has just as good a view as a Land Cruiser. Roof tents are a lifestyle choice for people who want a very remote, off-grid experience — not a requirement for an incredible safari.
Safari in South Africa
Known locally as a “game reserve” or “game drive”. South Africa has exceptional options — please see our personal map of recommendations below.
Choose your reserve carefully
Not all reserves have lions or rhino — research what wildlife is present before booking, and make sure it is a conservation reserve, not a hunting one.
Lodge or bush tent
Lodges offer full comfort and private bathrooms. Tented camps have real beds but provide a more immersive bush experience that many visitors find the most memorable.
Kruger National Park
The largest reserve with the best chance of seeing the Big Five. Private concessions within Kruger offer a quieter safari experience, with options ranging from self-drive holidays to luxury fly-in lodges.
What to pack
Bring a hat, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, a camera, light binoculars (×8 or ×10), and bird or mammal guidebooks. Carry plenty of drinking water, especially if you plan to hike.
Before you set off
Fill your vehicle with fuel before entering the reserve and carry enough food and water for the day. Pack warm clothing during winter and bring a torch or headlamp, as outdoor lighting around camps is often limited.
Park rules & facilities
Only leave your vehicle at designated rest camps, picnic sites and marked areas. Motorcycles and bicycles are generally not permitted. Medical services, pharmacies, vehicle repairs and police assistance are usually found in nearby towns rather than inside the reserve.
A card is all we ask
Instead of a gift, we'd love a card, filled with whatever feels right to you.
There'll be a box on both Friday & Saturday to allow you to drop your card.
Fill it with anything, the speech you wish you gave, a memory you have or one to be made in future. Travel plans or ideas of what to do next.
“We have everything we need — except the things that can't be bought.”
The wedding weekend
Three days on the farm and in Graaff-Reinet. Shuttle service will collect you from the Drostdy Hotel for all events on Saturday and Sunday.
Friday — Arrival
- Afternoon
Check in to the Drostdy Hotel
Rooms reserved from Friday afternoon
- Evening
Welcome gathering
Relax and meet fellow guests
Dress code: Chic Casual
Saturday — Wedding day
- Morning
Shuttle departs from Drostdy Hotel
To Coloniesplaats Farm
- Ceremony
Wedding ceremony & reception
On the farm
Formal - Evening
Shuttle returns to hotel
Sunday — Braai & Pool day
- Morning
Shuttle to Coloniesplaats Farm
- Daytime
Sunday gathering on the farm
Swimsuit welcome
FAQs
Yes, saturday and sunday we will have bilingual sitters.
Yes, as long as it’s in Graaff-Reinet.
Not needed for the farm area, they also provide a lot of secondary effect. Better to protect yourself with mosquito repulsion.