Milner Meander

Milner Meander – Your Home Away from Home in Makhanda. Relaxed Comfort and Spacious Living. Milner Meander offers inviting, self-catering accommodation in the heart of Makhanda. This well-appointed holiday home features three comfortable bedrooms, two modern bathrooms, a generously sized living area, family rooms, and a games room—perfect for families, groups, or extended stays. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, ensuring you stay connected during your visit. Unwind in the beautiful private garden or soak up the sunshine in the outdoor seating area. Enjoy leisurely meals in the picnic area or fire up the barbecue for al fresco dining. Free on-site private parking adds extra convenience. Milner Meander is pet-friendly and equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay, including air-conditioning, bathrobes, and streaming services. The fully equipped kitchen includes a dishwasher, microwave, oven, and washing machine, making it ideal for longer visits. Guests will also appreciate a dedicated work desk, dining area, and complimentary toiletries. Conveniently located just 2 km from the 1820 Settlers Monument and under 1 km from the Observatory Museum, Milner Meander places you near Makhanda’s most iconic sites. Also nearby are the St Michael and St George Cathedral, Thomas Baines Nature Reserve, and other cultural and natural attractions. The Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport is just 131 km away.

Area Info

Situated just off the N2 between Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and Port Alfred, Makhanda, formerly known as Grahamstown, is best known to many South Africans as the proud home of Rhodes University and the stage for the renowned National Arts Festival—one of the country’s longest-running and most influential cultural events.

As the heart of the Frontier Country tourism route, Makhanda is surrounded by charming historic towns such as Alicedale, Sidbury, Riebeeck East, Hogsback, and Alice. This region is celebrated for its ecological richness, with vast tracts of land dedicated to nature reserves and game conservation, alongside a deeply layered colonial and Xhosa history marked by frontier wars and cultural shifts.

The city itself sits uniquely at the meeting point of four distinct climate zones, making its weather famously unpredictable, especially during the National Arts Festival, held in the heart of winter. Despite the chill, thousands flock to Makhanda each year, bundled in coats and scarves, to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and diverse performances. The town’s wide, tree-lined avenues, historic architecture, museums, and numerous churches (which have earned it the nickname “City of Saints”) add to its old-world charm.

The National Arts Festival remains a platform for free artistic expression, known for its history of resistance and inclusion during apartheid. Its Fringe programme, open to all performers without the need for approval by a selection committee, continues to be a launchpad for emerging talent and a space for creative experimentation.

Makhanda is also known as an academic hub, boasting over 100 schools and a vibrant university community. Beyond culture and education, it’s a birdwatcher’s paradise, with nearby reserves like the Thomas Baines Nature Reserve and the Great Fish River Reserve offering rich avian diversity and breathtaking landscapes for nature lovers.