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Wedding in Africa

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.

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Where We Are

Graaff-Reinet, South Africa

The farm is situated just outside Graaff-Reinet — the 4th oldest town in South Africa, nestled in the heart of the Karoo.

Getting there

Reaching 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 Karoo heartland.

  • Fly Into

    Port Elizabeth or George

    Internal flight from Cape Town or Johannesburg, then approx. 3 hr drive to the farm.

Prefer not to drive? We are organising a bus — Port Elizabeth ↔ Graaff-Reinet — departing Friday and returning Monday. Get in touch if you'd like a seat.

Where to stay

Accommodation in Graaff-Reinet

We have arranged options for every preference. Please let us know which nights you’d like at the Drostdy so we can coordinate with the hotel.

  • Wedding block

    The Drostdy Hotel

    50 rooms reserved from Friday afternoon to Monday morning. Shuttle to and from all farm events is included.

    ~€100 / night

    Confirm your nights directly with us and we’ll handle the rest.

  • Alternative

    Airbnb options

    We have secured several Airbnb properties in Graaff-Reinet for those who prefer a full self-catering stay or a more flexible nightly rate.

    Reach out and we’ll share the specific listings.

  • On the road

    Along 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.

On the Road

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.

  • Cash & Connectivity

    Carry a little cash — 1€ ≈ 20 rand. Download an e-SIM before you leave (we recommend Airalo) for data throughout South Africa.

Before or after the wedding

Safari in South Africa

Known locally as a “game reserve” or “game drive”. South Africa has exceptional options — we’ll share our personal map of recommended reserves, wine farms, and towns to stop in.

  • 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

    Lodge offers full comfort and a proper bathroom. Tented camps have a real bed but feel closer to the wild — many guests find this the more memorable experience.

  • Kruger National Park

    The largest reserve with the best chance of seeing the Big 5. Private concessions within Kruger give a quieter, more secluded experience. Options range from self-drive hire car to fly-in lodge packages.

  • What to pack

    Light, compact binoculars (×8 or ×10 zoom). Car window sunshade. Neutral clothing. Insect repellent. Enter the reserve with a full tank and enough food and water.

If you self-drive

Never exit your vehicle. Be ready to reverse calmly if an elephant signals discomfort. Do not interfere with wildlife in any way — without a ranger, you are at the bottom of the food chain. Before bed, secure all food and clothing that may carry the scent of meat.

The wedding weekend

What to expect

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

    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 — Farm day

  • Morning

    Shuttle to Coloniesplaats Farm

  • Daytime

    Sunday gathering on the farm

    Swimsuit welcome