Eastern Cape Provincial Article - South African Vacations

Index 

CLIMATE...................................................................................................- 9 - 

ROUTES..................................................................................................- 10 - 

REGIONS ................................................................................................- 17 - 

NELSON MANDELA METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY - 18 - 

CACADU (WESTERN/TSITSIKAMMA) REGION.....................................- 19 - 

PORT ELIZABETH - 21 - 

ABERDEEN - 34 - 

ADDO - 36 - 

ALEXANDRIA - 38 - 

BATHURST - 40 - 

COOKHOUSE - 41 - 

GRAAFF-REINET - 42 - 

GRAHAMSTOWN - 48 - 

HANKEY - 53 - 

HUMANSDORP - 54 - 

JEFFREY’S BAY - 55 - 

JOUBERTINA - 58 - 

KAREEDOUW - 58 - 

KENTON ON SEA - 59 - 

KIRKWOOD - 60 - 

NIEU-BETHESDA - 60 - 

PATENSIE - 63 - 

PEARSTON - 63 - 

PORT ALFRED - 64 - 

SALEM - 66 - 

SOMERSET EAST - 66 - 

ST FRANCIS BAY - 69 - 

STEYTLERVILLE - 70 - 

UITENHAGE - 71 - 

WILLOWMORE - 73 - 

UKHAHLAMBA (NORTHERN) REGION ................................................- 74 - 

ALIWAL NORTH - 75 - 

BARKLY EAST - 77 - 

BURGERSDORP - 79 - 

CACADU (LADY FRERE) - 81 - 

CRADOCK - 82 - 

DORDRECHT - 85 - 

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ELLIOT - 86 - 

HOFMEYR - 87 - 

INDWE - 88 - 

JAMESTOWN - 88 - 

LADY GREY - 89 - 

MACLEAR (including Ugie) - 91 - 

MIDDELBURG - 93 - 

MOLTENO - 95 - 

MOUNT FLETCHER - 96 - 

QUEENSTOWN - 96 - 

RHODES - 97 - 

STERKSPRUIT (including Herschel) - 99 - 

STERKSTROOM - 99 - 

STEYNSBURG - 100 - 

TARKASTAD - 101 - 

VENTERSTAD - 102 - 

WHITTLESEA - 104 - 

AMATOLE (CENTRAL) REGION ..........................................................- 105 - 

ADELAIDE - 106 - 

ALICE - 106 - 

BALFOUR - 107 - 

BEDFORD - 108 - 

BISHO - 109 - 

BUTTERWORTH/GCUWA - 109 - 

CATHCART - 109 - 

CINTSA - 111 - 

EAST LONDON (including Gonubie and Mdantsane) - 113 - 

FORT BEAUFORT (including Hertzog and the rural area of Mpofu) - 119 - 

HAGA-HAGA - 121 - 

HAMBURG - 123 - 

HOGSBACK - 124 - 

IDUTYWA (including Willowvale) - 128 - 

KEI MOUTH - 128 - 

KEISKAMMAHOEK - 129 - 

KING WILLIAM’S TOWN - 130 - 

MORGAN’S BAY - 132 - 

PEDDIE - 133 - 

SEYMOUR - 133 - 

STUTTERHEIM - 134 - 

- 2 -

WILD COAST REGION ..........................................................................- 136 - 

COFFEE BAY - 137 - 

ELLIOTDALE - 140 - 

FLAGSTAFF - 140 - 

HLULEKA AND MPANDE - 141 - 

KENTANI (including Qolora Mouth) - 142 - 

LIBODE - 143 - 

LUSIKISIKI - 143 - 

MATATIELE - 145 - 

MAZEPPA BAY - 145 - 

MOUNT AYLIFF - 146 - 

MOUNT FRERE (KWABHACA) - 146 - 

PORT GROSVENOR - 147 - 

PORT ST JOHNS - 147 - 

UMTATA - 150 - 

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Overview 

Eastern Cape Tourism Board 

Street address: c/o Longfellow & Aquarium Rd, Quigney, East London, 5211 

Postal address: PO Box 18373, Quigney, East London, 5211 

Tel: +27 (0) 43 701 9600 

Fax: +27 (0) 43 701 9649 

E-mail: info@ectourism.co.za 

Website: www.ectourism.co.za 

Snow-covered mountain peaks, sun-drenched beaches, lush forests, 

stretched-out deserts – all this and much, much more, you will find in the 

Eastern Cape – the province where sea and land, mountains and valleys, 

deserts and forest all come together. 

The Eastern Cape is a wonder world where all seven of South Africa’s 

ecological vegetation types (biomes) are found. It is also the only place in the 

world that has a wildlife reserve where the “Big Seven” – elephant, lion, 

buffalo, rhino, leopard, southern right whale and great white shark, can be 

seen. 

It is South Africa’s second largest province (having approximately the same 

size as that of Austria, Switzerland and Denmark combined) and its coast lies 

ensconced between subtropical KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape with its 

Mediterranean climate. The Great Escarpment divides the interior into the 

southern region, with its many rivers and wetlands and the northern, more arid 

regions. Its almost 1 000-km coastline stretches from the Tsitsikamma 

National Park in the west, past St Francis Bay and Algoa Bay and up to Port 

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Edward in the east. Most of the beaches of its popular coastal resort towns 

provide safe, warm bathing for the thousands of visitors who visit it annually, 

while the untamed Wild Coast offers unspoilt seclusion. 

The western region of the province extends from the forests of the 

Tsitsikamma National Park in the west to Algoa Bay in the east and from the 

Karoo plains and mountains in the north to the Indian Ocean coastline in the 

south, where the dusty plains are replaced by lush forest creepers and where 

the gurgling waters of its streams take over from creaking Karoo windmills. 

The natural beauty of the Eastern Cape is not confined to its land areas. 

Reefs of incomparable beauty and water that offers better colour at depth than 

anywhere else in the world are found just off the rugged coastlines of St 

Francis Bay and Algoa Bay. Divers are treated to views of colourful coral, 

delicate sea sponges, nearly transparent sea wasps, exotic sea anemones 

and shoals of tropical fish swimming among rocky pinnacles and the rusty 

remains of sunken ships. 

- 5 -

The attractions and activities offered by the province are rivalled only by the 

diversity of the types of landscape and vegetation. Hiking, biking, 

mountaineering, hang-gliding and paragliding are practised all over the 

province and two of the best-known hiking trails in the country, the Otter and 

the Tsitsikamma Hiking Trails, traverse the Eastern Cape. 

The magnificent underwater world of the Indian Ocean is a popular 

playground for scuba- and snorkel-divers. The coast is a surfer’s Mecca and 

some of the world’s most famous surfing competitions are held here. The 

“breaks” at Bruce’s were immortalised in the cult film, “Endless Summer”. 

The many lakes and strongly-flowing streams of the province offer a multitude 

of easily accessible fresh-water fishing sites and the Eastern Cape is 

particularly renowned for its trout-fishing. Rock-fishing and deep-sea angling 

are popular alternatives and huge shoals of shad and elf, cob, spotted grunter, 

“galjoen”, roman, bream, garrick, and rock cod are found in most parts of the 

Eastern Cape’s waters. 

And just when you thought you had the measure of the province, up crops 

another surprise - South Africa’s only ski lodge! During the winter months 

snow blankets the slopes of Ben MacDhui, the highest mountain peak in the 

north-eastern part of the province, and enthusiastic skiers from all over the 

country gather to enjoy the excellent skiing conditions. 

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However, the Eastern Cape is not just a popular holiday destination; it is also 

a major crop producer. It is the world’s second largest producer of chicory and 

is a premier producer of tomatoes, deciduous fruit and citrus. At least 70 per 

cent of South Africa’s pineapples and one third of its tea are grown in the 

Eastern Cape. 

The province is synonymous with the motor industry and the Eastern Cape 

provincial government has recently established two new industrial 

development zones (IDZs), one at East London (targeted at industries 

associated with the motor industry, textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and 

high technology, especially electronics) and the other at Koega, 20 km east of 

Port Elizabeth, where a new deep-water port will cater for the giant newgeneration 

container ships that will soon be visiting our shores. 

Today, almost seven million people, including our former President, Nelson 

Mandela, “Madiba”, call this province “home”. Madiba recently retired to the 

small village of Qunu, where he spent the happiest part of his childhood. 

The San tribes were the first indigenous people to occupy the caves, gorges 

and inland valleys of the province, while nomadic herders, the Khoi-Khoi 

people, settled along the banks of the Gamtoos River and occupied the 

coastal areas. The rock art and the melodious names of some of the rivers 

and mountains attest to their occupancy. 

- 7 -

The Xhosa people, a mixture of North-East African Hamitic pastoralists and 

agriculturalists from West Africa, later migrated to the same area. From these 

migrants the great Xhosa nation, made up of a diversity of tribes of Nguni 

stock, developed and their men soon became known as bold and brave 

fighters. At the time when clashes between these tribes and the white 

frontiersmen took place they were ruled by two major chiefs, Ngqika (Gaika) 

the rightful heir, and his uncle Ndlambe who, loath to give up his regency, later 

settled west of the Great Fish River with his followers. Today, although each 

group of the Xhosa-speaking tribes has its own distinctive costumes and 

colours, they are bound together by the customs and traditions of their 

ancestors. 

The first European spark of interest in the area was ignited when the 

Portuguese navigator, Bartolomeu Diaz, landed on the coast in the late 1400s. 

Vasco da Gama was the next well-known European seafarer to arrive. Algoa 

Bay, as it is now called, is derived from the Portuguese term, Bahia de Lagoa 

(Lagoon Bay). At first these early Europeans merely used the bay to land their 

ships and to get fresh water. However, Cape Dutch “Voortrekkers”, trying to 

escape the yoke of British colonial rule soon arrived and established farms in 

the area. In 1820 they were joined by the British Settlers, who settled in an 

area extending from Algoa Bay in the west to the mouth of the Great Fish 

River in the east and inland for 300 km. This was the old frontier, an area of 

bitter contention between the white settlers and the indigenous Xhosa tribes. 

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CLIMATE 

- 9 - 

The migration of different groups of 

people to this beautiful part of Africa 

has resulted in a fascinating mix of 

cultures and in the tangible 

architectural, historical and cultural 

evidence left behind in the form of 

San rock art, the remains of Xhosa 

villages and other artefacts, British, 

Scottish and German Settler houses, 

churches and town names, as well 

as Anglo-Boer War sites and the 

distinctive culture and cuisine of the 

Indian, Malay, Greek and 

Portuguese settlers. 

The inconsistencies in the Eastern Cape’s topography are echoed by the 

variety of climatic conditions experienced in the province. However, the 

weather is generally kind to visitors and rarely reaches extremes except 

during the hot Karoo summers. As one travels north towards the Free State, 

the increase in altitude also means lower temperatures and conditions more 

favourable to skiing than to sunbathing. 

Although the towns in the heart of the Karoo experience long, hot summer 

months and moderate winters, the towns in the north-east, along the Wild 

Coast, experience moderate winters and long summers, with hot, balmy 

conditions and a high rainfall.

ROUTES 

In order to make the province and its attractions more accessible to visitors, 

the Eastern Cape Tourism Authority has mapped out various tourism routes 

throughout the province. These routes give prominence to the many and 

diverse attractions of the province and are clearly indicated on road signs and 

marketing material. The routes are named after the areas they run through. 

Each tourist route falls under the jurisdiction of one or more of the newly- 

formed District Municipalities. Some of the routes are colour-coded or marked 

with distinctive, individual symbols. Some of the marked routes are smaller 

and shorter and actually form part of larger routes. These are all indicated by 

the symbols for the larger routes. 

TSITSIKAMMA ADVENTURE ROUTE (SYMBOL: LOERIE BIRD) 

The Tsitsikamma Adventure Route starts in Port Elizabeth and opens up the 

wondrous world of the indigenous forests of the Garden Route that lie 

between the Bloukrans River and Eerste River. Adrenaline addicts may 

demonstrate their courage by doing some black-water tubing down the Storms 

River or bungee-jumping from the Blaauwkranz Bridge (the world’s highest 

bungee jump). Other interesting activities include a trailer ride through the 

indigenous forest or, for something completely different: being suspended 25m 

above the forest floor in a full body harness on a steel-pulley system. 

Three of the country’s most popular hiking routes, the Otter, Tsitsikamma and 

Dolphin Trails, are located on this route. 

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KOUGA ROUTE (SYMBOL: SHELL) 

The Kouga Route stretches from the Tsitsikamma River to the Van Stadens 

River and is situated between Port Elizabeth and the Garden Route. It 

incorporates the towns of Humansdorp, Patensie and Hankie in the Gamtoos 

Valley, the Langkloof Valley, the Baviaanskloof Wilderness area and the 

coastal towns of Cape St Francis, St Francis Bay and Jeffrey’s Bay. The 

Langkloof Valley offers spectacular scenic drives, especially during spring 

(August/October) when the apple, apricot, plum and peach orchards are in 

blossom. However, this route also offers access to an exceptional diversity of 

natural features, mountain-wilderness areas, clean, bilharzia-free rivers and a 

strip of coastline world-renowned for its excellent surfing. Human occupation 

in this area dates back to more than a million years ago and the world’s oldest 

cultural groups, the San and Khoi-Khoi (Khoisan), were responsible for the rock 

art that abounds. 

BAVIAANS ROUTE (SYMBOL: BABOON) 

This route takes you from Willowmore, closest town to the Baviaanskloof 

Wilderness area, on Road R329 to Steytlerville, nestled in the arms of the 

Winterhoek Mountains and to the tiny hamlet of Wolwefontein, with its 

interesting aloe and succulent garden on a farm nearby. Do not neglect to visit 

the giant fig tree and the Beervlei Flood Control Dam. Take a little extra time 

to make a detour to the magnificent 175 00-ha Baviaanskloof Wilderness 

area. 

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LANGKLOOF FRUIT ROUTE (SYMBOL: APPLES) 

The Langkloof Fruit Route starts west of Humansdorp and follows the R62. It 

explores Langkloof (“Long Valley”), which has also been described as “the 

valley of a thousand vistas”. This route takes visitors past a thousand different 

views from fruit orchards and protea (flower)-bedecked hills in the Kouga and 

Baviaanskloof Mountain catchment area to the small towns of Kareedouw and 

Joubertina. There are many hiking, mountaineering, mountain-biking and birdwatching 

trails in the area, as well as 4x4 routes There are also many other 

wildlife and leisure activities to choose from. 

SUNSHINE COAST AND COUNTRY ROUTE (SYMBOL: 

SUN AND WAVES) 

This route explores the spectacular strip of coastline between East London 

and Port Elizabeth from the Van Stadens River, via Alexandria and Port 

Alfred. Among the route’s many attractions are its magnificent coastline, rivers 

and resorts, its fine wildlife, opportunities for dolphin- and whale-viewing and 

the world’s first “Big Seven” reserve: the Greater Addo Elephant National Park 

in the Sundays River Valley. Adventurers and historians alike will never want 

for something new to capture their interest. Hiking, biking and 4x4 trails and 

many other adventure sport options abound along this route, and there are 

many monuments and places of historical interest, especially in the cities of 

Port Elizabeth and East London. 

SUNDAYS RIVER VALLEY ROUTE (SYMBOL: ELEPHANT AND ORANGE) 

- 12 -

The Sundays River Valley, home to the elephants of the Greater Addo 

Elephant National Park and also renowned for its citrus and roses, can be 

reached either from the interchange at St George’s Strand, east of Port 

Elizabeth, or from the Paterson intersection on National Road N10. Visit the 

old-world, small towns of Addo, site of the annual Rose Festival (billed as one 

of the best of its kind in the world) and Kirkwood where Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, 

the acclaimed author of "Jock of the Bushveld", lies buried. Explore the 

Zuurberg Mountains on foot, on horseback or with your 4x4 and visit the 

nearby Sundays River to fish or to enjoy other forms of water sport. 

KAROO HEARTLAND ROUTE (SYMBOL: KAROO KOPPIE/HILLOCK) 

The Karoo Heartland Route starts at Port Elizabeth, traverses the vast central 

plateau of South Africa with its wide open spaces and picturesque small towns 

and villages and passes many interesting spots such as the house of Olive 

Schreiner, author of “The Story of an African Farm,” in Cradock, and the Owl 

House in the village of Nieu-Bethesda, to wonder at the exotic sculptures of 

artist Helen Martins. The Karoo Nature Reserve and Mountain Zebra National 

Park are also in this area. 

THE R63 BLUE CRANE ROUTE (SYMBOL: BLUE CRANE) 

This route stretches from Graaff-Reinet to the small town of Pearston and on 

to Somerset East, the picturesque town at the foot of the Bosberg Mountain 

Range, close to the Bosberg Mountain Reserve. 

THE MOUNTAIN ZEBRA/WAPADSBERG ROUTE 

From Graaff-Reinet the route winds through mountain scenery with sweeping 

views past the Mountain Zebra National Park to Cradock, 35 km further. 

THE MOHAIR ROUTE (SYMBOL: KAROO KOPPIE/HILLOCK) 

The R75 Mohair Route starts in historic Graaff-Reinet, centre for mohair 

(the silky fleece of the angora goat)-farming, crosses the Sundays River to 

Jansenville, the country’s third largest mohair-producing district and ends 

at Uitenhage, passing the Greater Addo Elephant National Park and the 

renowned Groendal Wilderness area. Sid Fourie House in Jansenville has 

interesting historical papers, books and pictures on view. Uitenhage, a major 

motor-manufacturing centre, boasts a display of all the old Volkswagen Beetle 

vehicles in its Drostdy Museum. Cuyler Manor Museum is the venue for the 

annual Prickly Pear Festival held in February each year and also gives live 

demonstrations of shearing and other old-time farming activities. 

- 13 -

THE OWL ROUTE (SYMBOL: OWL) 

The Owl Route starts 28 km outside Graaff-Reinet on the N9 to Middelburg 

and passes through the tiny hamlet of Nieu-Bethesda, famous for its intriguing 

Owl House and Camel Yard. 

THE MERINO ROUTE (SYMBOL: KAROO KOPPIE/HILLOCK) 

This route runs via Middelburg to Cradock, main centre of the Karoo Midlands 

and quite close to the Mountain Zebra National Park and on to Port Elizabeth, 

passing Cookhouse and the “Slagtersnek” Memorial, 8 km south of the town, 

and the historic hamlet of Middleton, just off the main road. Or travel to 

Bedford, situated at the foot of the lovely Kaga Mountains, and on to 

Grahamstown, Port Alfred and the Sunshine Coast. 

THE CAMDEBOO ROUTE (SYMBOL: KAROO KOPPIE/HILLOCK) 

This route starts at Willowmore and the Baviaanskloof Wilderness area, 

passes through the towns of Aberdeen (which has been declared an 

architectural conservation area) and Graaff-Reinet, “the Gem of the Karoo”, on 

through scenic mountain passes to Middelburg, a busy sheep and angora 

goat farming district. 

FRONTIER COUNTRY ROUTE (SYMBOL: ALOE) 

This route traverses the area that was the scene of nine Frontier Wars 

between the British and the Xhosa and the meeting place of five great 

cultures, San, Khoi-Khoi, Dutch, Xhosa and British. It is a prime gamewatching 

area with a wide selection of national, provincial, municipal and 

private game reserves to choose from - Double Drift, Koedoeskloof, Kwandwe 

and Mpofu, to name a few. Grahamstown is the main city in this area and is 

renowned for its beautiful churches, educational institutions and the National 

Art Festival, held here every year. Other towns en route include Alicedale, 

Salem, Fort Brown, Bedford, Adelaide and Fort Beaufort. 

THE N10 FROM NCANARA INTERCHANGE TO GRAHAMSTOWN 

This route traverses an area of rolling hills, farms and many malaria-free game 

reserves where the “Big Five” abound. Game reserves en route include the 

Amakhala Game Reserve, Scotia Safari Ranch and Shamwari Game 

Reserve. 

THE R67 ROUTE FROM GRAHAMSTOWN TO BATHURST 

This route goes south, crosses the Bloukrans River, passes the Bloukrans 

Nature Reserve on the way and ends at the historic little town of Bathurst. 

THE ROUTE FROM GRAHAMSTOWN TO THE FISH RIVER BRIDGE (N2) 

Going north from Grahamstown, this route takes visitors to the Fish River past 

a series of forts, posts and signal stations, as well as several British and 

Xhosa battlefields. 

- 14 -

- 15 - 

THE ROUTE FROM 

GRAHAMSTOWN TO 

BEDFORD (R35) 

This route passes through typical 

Settler country, with the small 

town of Bedford as a perfect 

example. The 1820 Settler, 

Scottish poet and writer, Thomas 

Pringle, settled here. 


GRAHAMSTOWN TO FORT 

BEAUFORT 

Take the N2 turn-off to the R67 

to reach the Kwandwe Private 

Game Reserve, the Fort Brown 

National Monument and the 

43 000-ha Great Fish Reserve 

Complex. 


GRAHAMSTOWN TO KENTON 

ON SEA (N2 AND R343 

JUNCTION) 

Follow this route to the lovely 

Thomas Baines Nature Reserve 

and the Settlers’ Dam picnic site 

before you reach the village of 

Salem, with its historic buildings 

and village green. There are 

turn-offs to the Kariega and Emlangeni Game Reserves on the way. 

AMATOLA MOUNTAIN ESCAPE ROUTE 

This route stretches from Adelaide in the west to Stutterheim in the east, with 

the majestic Amatola Mountains standing as a clear beacon on the horizon. 

Visit an area steeped in Xhosa culture and Settler history. From East London 

drive to King William’s Town where Black Consciousness leader, Steve Biko, 

is buried and on to Alice and the picturesque little town of Hogsback, 

inspiration for Tolkien’s book, “The Hobbit”. Other interesting places that 

warrant a stop-over are the towns of Fort Beaufort with its excellent museum, 

Keiskammahoek, where a great battle was waged between the Xhosa chief 

Ngqika and his uncle Ndlambe, and Seymour in the Kat River Valley, where 

one of the earliest published works in Afrikaans, the language that evolved 

with the Cape Dutch frontiersmen and -women, was written.

WILD COAST ROUTE 

As its name suggests this route takes you on a journey through an area of 

unspoilt natural beauty and kilometre upon kilometre of rugged and really 

“wild” coastline marked by shipwrecks and strandloper (“beachcomber”) 

caves. A host of horse-riding and hiking trails traverse the beach and inland 

area, a Xhosa stronghold and birthplace of Nelson Mandela. The route 

meanders through five municipal districts: Amatola, Ukhahlamba, Chris Hani, 

Alfred Nzo and Oliver Tambo. It includes towns such as Butterworth, Idutywa, 

Umtata, Lusikisiki and Mount Ayliff and the coastal towns and resorts 

stretching from Haga-Haga to Mazeppa Bay, Coffee Bay, Port St Johns and 

Port Edward on the KwaZulu-Natal border. 

THE FRIENDLY ROUTE (N6) 

The N6 motorway links Bloemfontein, capital of the Free State, with 

East London. It passes through open, rural countryside where sheep, cattle 

and goats graze, as well as past Anglo-Boer War battlefields and many small 

villages and towns. Motorists have dubbed this motorway “The Friendly Way” 

because of the hospitality of the people of these small, mostly farming, 

communities. 

- 16 -

REGIONS 

The Eastern Cape area was previously divided into four tourism regions, 

namely the Western/Tsitsikamma Region, the Northern Region, the 

Central/Amatola Region and the Wild Coast Region. In 2000, however, the 

Eastern Cape Province was restructured into two major metropolitan areas: 

the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality and the Buffalo City area, as 

well as several municipal districts under the jurisdiction of six District 

Municipalities: 

Cacadu District Municipality (Western/Tsitsikamma region) 

Ukhahlamba District Municipality (Northern region) 

Chris Hani District Municipality (Northern region: Stormberg, Cradock to 

Queenstown area) 

Amatola District Municipality (Central/Amatola region) 

Oliver Tambo District Municipality (Wild Coast region from the Mbashe River 

to the Mtamvuna River) 

Alfred Nzo District Municipality (Wild Coast region: Matatiele/Mount Fletcher 

area) 

- 17 -

NELSON MANDELA METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY 

Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism 

Postal address: PO Box 357, Port Elizabeth, 6000 

Tel: +27 (0) 41 581 7540 

Fax: + 27 (0) 41 582 2573 

Website: www.nelsonmandelatourism.co.za 

The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipal area lies between the Sundays 

and Van Stadens Rivers and includes Port Elizabeth and the Algoa Bay 

area (now affectionately referred to as Mandela Bay), Uitenhage, Despatch 

and Kouga. It borders the Great Addo Elephant National Park, Groendal 

Wilderness area and the Van Stadensberg Mountain Range. The area has 

been identified as a national and global priority area for biodiversity 

conservation as it is the meeting place of six of South Africa’s seven 

vegetation biomes. The metropolis is also the centre of the largest wool- and 

mohair-farming area in South Africa. The “Garden Route”, South Africa’s most 

famous scenic highway links the Nelson Mandela Metropolis to Cape Town in 

the Western Cape province. 

Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality 

Tourism Buffalo City 

Street address: 35 Aquarium Street, Esplanade, East London, 5201 

Postal address: PO Box 533, East London, 5200 

Tel: + 27 043 722 6015 

Fax: + 27 043 743 5091 

E-mail: info@tourismbuffalocity.co.za 

Website: http://www.visitbuffalocity.co.za 

Buffalo City situated in the eastern regions of the province, comprises the 

coastal town of East London, Bisho, the provincial capital, King William’s 

Town and the towns of Mdantsane and Berlin. It currently falls under the 

jurisdiction of the Amatola District Municipality but is awaiting confirmation of 

its status as the area’s second Metropolitan Municipality. Buffalo City is 

strategically located on the Sunshine Coast and Wild Coast Routes in the 

Amatola region with its spectacular beaches, mountains, waterfalls and rivers. 

It offers excellent sporting and recreational facilities and friendly hospitality. 

However, this area has also been identified as an economic growth point and 

East London has been singled out as an industrial development zone. 

- 18 -

CACADU (WESTERN/TSITSIKAMMA) REGION 

Eastern Cape Tourism Board (Western Region) 

Street address: 15 Annerley Terrace, Central Port Elizabeth, 6001. 

Postal address: PO Box 12605, Central Port Elizabeth, 6000. 

Tel: +27 (0) 41 585 7761 

Fax: +27 (0) 41 585 4975 

Website: www.ectourism.co.za 

This region is characterised by an extraordinary diversity of natural assets and 

features, both in the coastal and interior regions. Not only does this region 

have the mountains, some covered with indigenous forests while others are 

carpeted in fynbos, the renowned South African Floral Kingdom acclaimed by 

botanists all over the world, but they also have the sea, the sun and are home 

to six of South Africa’s seven plant biomes. 

The new boundaries of this region stretch from the village of Nieu-Bethesda in 

the north to Storms River and Coldstream in the south and from Willowmore in 

the west to Bathurst in the east. The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan 

Municipality does not form part of the region, but the region also incorporates 

the lovely areas east, north and west of Mandela Bay (Algoa Bay). These 

include the Kouga, Sunshine Coast, Tsitsikamma, parts of the Karoo 

Heartland and Frontier Park Tourism Route areas. 

- 19 -

The Kouga region is synonymous with the twin valleys of the Langkloof and 

Gamtoos and the massive Baviaanskloof Wilderness area lying beyond it. The 

Gamtoos River Valley includes the towns of Loerie, Hankey (Africa’s largest 

sundial can be seen at the entrance to the town) and Patensie, and is the 

gateway to this wilderness area. Other attractions in this area include the 

superbly beautiful Van Staden’s Flower Reserve, Loerie Geelhout Nature 

Reserve and the Loerie and Kouga Dams. 

The “Sunshine Coast” stretches from the forests of the Tsitsikamma in the 

west, home to South Africa’s first national marine park, along kilometres of 

warm, sandy beaches to East London in the east. This is also the location of 

the unique Alexandria dune fields and the heart of South Africa’s chicory 

industry. And, last but not least, South Africa’s only “Big Seven” nature 

reserve, the Greater Addo Elephant National Park in the Sundays River 

Valley, is in the region. The Sundays River Valley also supports a vibrant 

citrus industry and produces some of the finest quality lemons in the world. 

The Tsitsikamma area can only 

be described as lush and lovely 

beyond words! This is a place 

of rocky mountain peaks, lonely 

beaches and coastal rain 

forests with towering 

yellowwood trees where you 

may just be lucky enough to 

stumble upon the shy little 

duiker silently making his way 

through the undergrowth, while 

Cape clawless otters scour the 

river for food and the elusive 

Knysna loerie perches on a 

branch high in the air. The area 

is protected within the borders 

of the Tsitsikamma National 

Park with its renowned Otter, 

Tsitsikamma and Dolphin Hiking 

Trails and the Storms River 

Gorge, a prime ecotourism 

destination. The only Khoisan 

village of its kind is situated in 

The park and offers guided 

heritage tours, self-catering 

Khoi-hut accommodation, 

Khoisan cuisine and 

entertainment. 

- 20 -

The Cacadu Region also encompasses the stark beauty of the Karoo, the vast 

central plateau of South Africa. Here, in the land where dinosaurs used to 

roam, the visitor is exposed to sweeping skies, spacious horizons and a very 

special kind of brooding stillness and silence. Some of the main attractions of 

this area, apart from the mouth-watering cuisine and friendly hospitality of its 

people, include the Valley of Desolation, a ravine of giant dolerite pillars near 

Graaff-Reinet; the Mountain Zebra National Park near Cradock; excellent 

collections of fossils, rock art and Anglo-Boer War memorabilia as well as the 

Great Fish River Reserve, situated in the heart of “frontier” country. 

PORT ELIZABETH 

Port Elizabeth, the largest city in the Eastern Cape, is set on the beautiful 

coastline of Algoa Bay. Algoa Bay, discovered by the Portuguese in 1482, was 

for a long time the last port of call for ships sailing to India. When the British 

captured the Cape in 1795 a stone fort (Fort Frederick) was built on the hill 

overlooking the Algoa Bay anchorage and a thriving settlement soon grew 

here. In 1820, after the arrival of over 4 000 British Settlers, a town was 

officially established and named Port Elizabeth after the late wife of the acting 

Governor of the Cape Colony, Sir Rufane Donkin. 

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Port Elizabeth is a year-round water sport paradise with its magnificent 40-km 

long coastline that offers a perfect combination of warm water and protected 

beaches. In addition to its beaches and the sea, the city also offers a diverse 

mix of eco-attractions that include scenic nature trails with magnificent wildlife 

and a rich and varied historical heritage. It is also often referred to as Sport 

Elizabeth because of its many sporting venues and facilities. 

The city, affectionately known as the “Friendly City”, is renowned for its 

friendly service and the hospitality of its easy-going people. 

An added “friendly” factor is the weather. The city is rated as having the most 

temperate climate in Africa and the fourth best weather conditions in the 

world. Port Elizabeth enjoys an annual daily average of seven and a half 

hours of sunshine - more sunshine and less rain during summer than any 

other major South African destination! The strong southeaster and offshore 

southwester winds create unpredictable, but generally favourable, sailing and 

yachting conditions. 

Port Elizabeth has recently been identified as a concentrated urbanisation 

intercity activity area and is now part of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan 

Municipality, the area between the Sundays and Van Stadens Rivers and 

which includes the Algoa Bay area, now affectionately referred to as Nelson 

Mandela Bay, Uitenhage, Despatch and Kouga . 

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Today, Port Elizabeth is regarded as the economic capital of the Eastern 

Cape as well as an important cultural, administrative, business and tourist 

centre and has the fifth largest urban population in the country. The city is 

renowned for its motor-manufacturing industry and the many other products 

manufactured and exported from its seaport. Port Elizabeth is linked to other 

major cities and centres in South Africa by air, road and rail. It is situated some 

260 km from Knysna and approximately 800 km from Cape Town. 

ADVENTURE AND SPORT 

Algoa Grand Prix: This motor-sport venue is equipped with an indoor circuit 

with a very high standard of track and kart maintenance and has the latest 

technology in timing systems. 

Bushbuck Hiking Trail: The trail traverses the lush green indigenous forests of 

the Island Forest Reserve. 

Coastal and inland walking trails: Port Elizabeth offers a variety of walks that 

meander through coastal and valley areas. All the trails are clearly marked 

and hikers can attempt them on their own or can make prior arrangements to 

obtain the services of a guide. These trails are the 7,5-km Guinea Fowl Trail 

through the Baakens River Valley and the Sacramento Trail, an 8-km round 

trip through the Schoenmakers-Sardinia Nature Reserve, renowned for its 

beautiful scenery. At Schoenmakerskop, a cannon points towards the spot 

where the Sacramento, a Portuguese ship, sank in 1647. 

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Cricket, swimming, bowling and rugby: The 73-ha St George’s Park in the 

heart of Port Elizabeth, is home to the country’s oldest cricket club, the Port 

Elizabeth Cricket Club. It also houses the St George’s Swimming Baths, the 

oldest bowling green in the country, Founders’ Green, as well as rugby fields 

and tennis courts. Many international sporting events have been hosted here. 

4x4 routes: Tourists are often unaware of the adventures and the beauty they 

miss by travelling only well-worn paths and roads. The answer to this lies in 

the 4x4 routes designed to help visitors discover the large areas that are 

usually inaccessible to ordinary vehicles. These routes take visitors through 

unspoilt countryside and along the giddy heights of mountain passes and also 

to more conventional tourist attractions. The Eastern Cape has it all and 4x4 

lovers can take their pick of forests, waterfalls, big-game country, semi-desert 

areas or miles of sandy beaches. The organised tours range from one-day 

tours to adventurous five-day tours. 

Golf Clubs: Humewood Golf Club, situated on the Algoa Bay shoreline, is 

rated among South Africa’s best golf courses and is also one of only a few 

genuine link courses. Wedgwood Park Country Club and Port Elizabeth Golf 

Club are rated as being of international standard. Golfers may also make use 

of the Walmer Country Club and Walmer Golf Club facilities. 

Horse racing: The city has two racecourses: St Andrew’s Racing Club in 

Arlington and Port Elizabeth’s Turf Club in Fairview. 

Mountain bike trails: Well-established and exciting mountain-bike trails in the 

vicinity include the Baakens River Mountain-Bike Trail, the Zwartkops 

Mountain-Bike Trails, the Longmore Forest Mountain-Bike Trail and the Van 

Stadens Wild Flower Reserve Trail. 

Otter Hiking Trail: The popular five-day Otter Trail between the Storms River 

mouth and Nature’s Valley in the Tsitsikamma National Park offers stunning 

views of the coast, cliff-top scrub forests, ferns, “fynbos” and spring flowers. It 

is one of the best-known hiking trails in the country. 

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Sailing and other water sport: Algoa Bay is regarded as one of the world’s 

best sailing venues and offers excellent conditions for sailing, board-sailing and 

most other forms of water sport. Its waters are also ideal for scuba-diving and 

snorkelling among old shipwrecks and beautiful reefs with colourful coral 

species. 

Surfing: Various surfing spots have been identified in and around Port 

Elizabeth. The Fence is a hollow beach break and one of PE's most popular 

surfing spots. 

- 25 -

ARCHAEOLOGY AND PALAEONTOLOGY 

Museum Complex: Prepare to spend many fascinating hours in this 

magnificent complex. Within the complex is the Port Elizabeth Museum that 

houses one of the largest marine mammal collections in the world, a nationally 

important herpetological collection and the life-sized models of prehistoric 

mammals such as Algoa Bay’s own 14-m-long dinosaur. The museum also 

exhibits a valuable reference collection of fish otoliths (ear bones) and squid 

beaks that were part of the stomach contents of marine predators. Another 

significant exhibit depicts the stages of development of life on earth since 

some 300 million years ago. 

ART AND CRAFTS 

King George VI Art Gallery: The gallery houses a permanent collection of 19 th 

and 20 th century British art as well as collections of Oriental, South African 

and other art. The gallery often presents lectures, films and concerts 

pertaining to these collections and is considered one of the best art galleries in 

South Africa. 

Wezandla Gallery and Craft Centre: The centre was set up to ensure the 

survival and preservation of African, and specifically, local Xhosa culture. It 

also hosts live cultural evenings that feature African dancing and are catered 

for with traditional African food. Wezandla sells superior examples of crafts 

made by local and other African artists. A good local “buy” to take home is a 

long-stemmed, wooden Xhosa tobacco pipe. These pipes, traditionally 

smoked by mature Xhosa women, represent two art forms: carving and 

beadwork and are quite unlike European pipes. 

CULTURAL/COMMUNITY TOURISM 

“Khaya Lendaba”: South Africa’s only 

centre for traditional healing and the 

training of sangomas (African herbalists 

and traditional healers) is located in the 

Shamwari Private Game Reserve. The 

house was built by Credo Mutwa, the 

renowned South African sangoma, artist 

and oral historian. Daily tours are 

conducted around the village (decorated 

with Mutwa’s spectacular sculptures) and 

visitors are introduced to local culture and African herbalism and may spend 

some time with the traditional healer. Traditional dishes and beer are also on 

offer. 

Township tours: Various accredited tour guides and operators offer visitors the 

opportunity to meet the local inhabitants, learn about their different cultures 

and get a feel of life in the townships. The tours expose visitors to the full 

spectrum of life in Port Elizabeth’s townships and include club and “shebeen” 

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tours, weekend tours and visits to weddings or funerals as well as “contrasting 

worlds” tours that take visitors to both white and black areas. During the 

evening shebeen tours, visitors are encouraged to relax and mingle with the 

locals. Most township tours will include a visit to New Brighton, the oldest, 

official black township in Port Elizabeth where a wall of fame has recently 

been erected to honour those who helped to “shape” the township. Ample time 

is allowed for enjoying refreshments and to buy art and crafts from local 

artists. Visitors are advised to contact the local tourism board for a list of 

reputable township tour operators who know the area, before entering a 

township or informal settlement. 

ENTERTAINMENT AND SHOPPING 

Apple Express: A trip on the famous antique steam train, the Apple Express, is 

an absolute must. The train journey takes visitors on a 52-km trip to the quaint 

village of Thornhill. The outing also includes a walk over the Van Staden’s 

River Bridge, the highest narrow-gauge railway bridge in the world. 

Happy Valley: Take the family for a leisurely stroll from Humewood Beach to 

Happy Valley. There are waterfalls, lily ponds, rockeries, gigantic palms, 

flower beds, pools and a giant chessboard along the way, as well as coloured 

lights and set scenes depicting favourite nursery rhymes and fairy tales during 

the holiday season. 

Live shows: The city offers many live shows such as opera and symphony 

concerts in the stately Opera House and Feather Market Hall, as well as 

cabaret and dancing in its many night clubs. 

St George's Park: The park houses the Prince Alfred’s Guard Memorial 

and cenotaph, King George VI Art Gallery and Fine Arts Hall as well as the 

beautiful Victorian Pearson Conservatory built in 1882 and the world-famous 

St George’s Park cricket ground. A large flea market and “art-in-the-park” 

exhibition is held in the park on the first Sunday of every month. 

FAUNA AND FLORA 

Bird Island Nature Reserve: Chartered trips take visitors to the Bird Island 

Nature Reserve to observe the colony of approximately 140 000 gannets and 

their daily activities. 

Cape Recife Nature Reserve: The 366-ha Cape Recife Nature Reserve is a 

premier bird-watching destination. It was proclaimed in 1973 to preserve the 

indigenous bird life of the area. Numerous bird hides allow unobtrusive views 

of the many birds and the unspoilt beaches and natural dune vegetation. An 

added attraction is the Cape Recife lighthouse, built in 1851, with its 

characteristic big black and white horizontal stripes – applied to distinguish the 

lighthouse from the dunes behind it. Beachfront cruises to the reserve and the 

lighthouse are popular tourist activities. 

- 27 -

Eastern Cape Island Forest Reserve: The lush green indigenous forests of the 

Eastern Cape Island Forest Reserve cover 480 ha along the Alexandria 

coastline and offer numerous walks, including the well-known Bushbuck 

Hiking Trail. There are several picnic sites and barbecue areas in the reserve. 

Maitland Nature Reserve: This is a 127-ha indigenous coastal forest reserve in 

which many species of birds nest. The nature trails through the forest open up 

this wondrous world to hikers. The most popular route leads to the lead mines 

and the giant Maitland sand dunes. 

Ocean safaris: Since the launching of ocean safaris from the harbour, the 

antics of the dolphins and penguins in Port Elizabeth’s Algoa Bay have 

remained in the spotlight. The local environmentalist, who heads these charter 

trips, has an enduring passion for marine life and his talks inspire, entertain 

and educate visitors and locals alike. He often refers to the bay as an 

“ecological dream”, pointing out that it is inhabited by many attractive marine 

species, such as humpback- and bottlenose dolphins, marine birds and seals 

and the largest breeding colony of endangered African penguins on the 

planet, at St Croix Island Marine Reserve. 

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Oceanarium: If you missed seeing dolphins at any of the lookout points on the 

coast, the Oceanarium offers you another opportunity. The daily shows, during 

which the dolphins and seals show off their natural talents and the tricks that 

they have been taught, are not to be missed. 

Pearson Conservatory: Located in St George’s Park, the conservatory houses 

a vast collection of plants and water lilies. 

- 29 -

Seaview Game and Lion Park: This park is situated 25 km from Port 

Elizabeth. The proudest addition to its population is a pride of endangered 

white lions. The first two white lions were discovered in 1975 at the Timbavati 

Game Reserve near the Kruger National Park and there are about 90 in the 

world. White lions are not albinos but carry a rare, recessive white gene that 

creates a condition known as leucism. They have near-normal eye colour but 

lack pigment in their hair and skin. The Park has also become an orphanage 

for lost wild animals. The reserve offers exciting activities, such as self-drive 

game viewing, camping, caravanning, African cuisine, “boma” evenings and 

night game drives. 

Settler’s Park Nature Reserve: This beautiful 76-ha park and reserve, in the 

city centre, sports a prolific bird life and lovely indigenous flora, rock pools, a 

network of footpaths and the Baakens River that flows through the park. The 

park also boasts a statuette replica of the 1820 Settlers Monument in 

Grahamstown, Anglo-Boer War trenches, and a section of the 18-km Guinea 

Fowl Hiking Trail. 

Shamwari Game Reserve: Shamwari is the only private game reserve in the 

Eastern Cape where the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and 

rhinoceros) can be viewed. The name means “My friend” and the reserve is 

certainly a friend to the animals who have found sanctuary here. Luxury 

accommodation and highly-trained rangers afford visitors an unforgettable 

holiday. The reserve is internationally acclaimed for its conservation efforts 

and has won numerous international travel/tourism awards. It is situated near 

the Addo Elephant Reserve, about 45-minutes drive from Port Elizabeth. 

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Snake Park and Tropical House: Situated in the Museum Complex in 

Humewood the Snake Park houses a wide variety of exotic and indigenous 

snakes and an impressive number of Eastern Cape reptiles and the Tropical 

House boasts a large variety of exotic plants and birds. 

Tsitsikamma National Park: The park is South Africa’s first marine reserve and 

is responsible for the protection of the unique, southern coastal forest, as well 

as of the area’s riverine and marine life. The dreams of the French Comte de 

Vasselot de Régné, Superintendent of Forests of the Cape Colony in 1880, 

were finally realised when the park was proclaimed. The landscape of the park 

includes a narrow coastal strip of indigenous forest along the steep cliffs as 

well as large beaches on the country’s south coast. It lies on the edge of the 

wave terrace and protects the marine conservation area from urban 

development and growing plantations. The park also protects a rich 

archaeological heritage where signs have been found to indicate that Stone 

Age people lived here as far back as 130 000 years ago. Some of the 

prehistoric signs include ash-heaps and deposits in caves. Several popular 

and renowned hiking trails, such as the famous Otter and Tsitsikamma Trails, 

have been mapped out in the reserve. 

Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve: Situated 35 km from Port Elizabeth, the 

landscape of the reserve alternates dramatically, ranging from green 

river banks to a large open plateau and wooded slopes, each with its own type 

of vegetation. The descriptive term, “floral wonderland”, is certainly not an 

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exaggeration, given the park’s spectacular range of unique, mostly 

endangered indigenous species, including natural fynbos and succulents. 

Trails with numerous picnic sites along the way have been set up to 

encourage visitors to experience the feel and fragrance of these unique 

plants. 

Whale-watching cruises: Southern right whales visit these waters from July 

to November and humpback whales from June to December. Coastal cruise 

operators are well informed and equipped to take visitors to the best spots for 

whale-watching. Stopping within 300 m of the whales, they switch off the echo 

sounders of their craft so that they do not interfere with the whales’ sonar 

signals. 

HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE 

Air Force Museum: This museum is situated behind the Port Elizabeth Airport and 

houses numerous complete aircraft and other aviation items. 

Campanile: The 51,8-m-high campanile is situated at the entrance to the 

harbour. It houses a carillon of 23 bells and was erected to commemorate the 

centenary of the landing of the 1820 British Settlers. Take the 204 steps to the 

top for a panoramic view. 

Donkin Heritage Trail: The 5-km Donkin Heritage Trail winds its way through 

the leafy streets and historical heart of the city. The trail leads to some 47 

sites of historical importance including monuments, architectural works of art, 

gardens and churches and visitors may explore at their leisure. 

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Donkin Reserve: The reserve is an open square that overlooks the city and 

the bay where Sir Rufane Donkin erected a stone pyramid, with a very 

touching inscription, in memory of his wife Elizabeth, who had died in India. 

Port Elizabeth was named after her. 

Donkin Street: A row of charming double-storied Victorian terrace houses 

faces the Donkin Reserve. 

Drill Hall, Prospect Hill: Headquarters of the second oldest volunteer regiment 

in South Africa, Prince Alfred’s Guard, the hall houses a collection of 

ceremonial badges, weapons and war photographs. 

Fort Frederick: Erected in 1799 to guard against a sea invasion and situated 

on Belmont Terrace, the fort overlooks the Baakens River Mouth. The fort is 

named after Frederick, Duke of York. Interestingly enough, no shot has ever 

been fired in anger from the fort. 

Horse Memorial: When it was unveiled the Horse Memorial was the only 

memorial of its kind in the world. A Port Elizabeth woman was so moved when 

she learned of the hundreds of thousands of horses that died during the 

Anglo-Boer War, that she raised the money to commission the sculptor 

Joseph Whitehead to create a sculpture in their honour. The sculpture 

features a horse drinking from a bucket held by a British soldier. 

Jewish Heritage Museum: The museum Is housed in a deconsecrated Jewish 

synagogue just off Russell Road. 

Motor Museum: Situated in Mowbray Street, Newton Park, the museum 

displays a collection of vintage and classic vehicles. 

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Museum Complex: Situated on the beachfront at Humewood the Museum 

Complex comprises the Port Elizabeth Museum, Oceanarium, Aquarium, 

Snake Park and Reptile Rotunda and the Tropical House, a walk-through 

jungle environment. The museum depicts the natural, maritime and cultural 

history of the area with the use of exciting displays. One of the displays, 

Amaskiko, is an innovative exhibition of traditional storytelling and local 

culture. The history of local Xhosa beadwork and culture is displayed together 

with the genealogies of the various clans. 

Opera House: Visit the Victorian building in White Street that houses the 

oldest functioning opera house in the country; a fine example of a Victorian 

theatre. 

Piet Retief Monument: Located in Marine Drive in the gardens in front of the 

Summerstrand Village Shopping Centre, the monument commemorates the 

Voortrekker leader who led his people out of the Eastern Cape on the Great 

Trek to the interior of the country. 

Prester John Monument: Port Elizabeth’s most unusual monument honours a 

man who never lived — a mythical king-priest who was partly responsible for 

luring Portuguese seafarers to the Southern African coast in their quest to find 

his mythical kingdom. 

Settler Cottage: One of the oldest surviving Settler cottages in Port Elizabeth is 

situated at No 7, Castle Hill. The house, dating back to 1827, has been 

restored to its earlier grandeur and contains authentic period furniture as well 

as a lovely collection of dolls. 

Victorian architecture: Port Elizabeth features the finest collection of Victorian 

architecture to be found in any major South African city outside Cape Town. 

White House: The building is one of the best examples of art nouveau 

architecture in South Africa. 

ABERDEEN 

This small Karoo town, about 50 km south-west of Graaff-Reinet, is surrounded 

by the Camdeboo Mountains. Camdeboo is a Khoisan word meaning “green 

hole”, the name believed to have originally been given to a green valley 

situated between Aberdeen and Graaff-Reinet. This valley, known as the 

Camdeboo Conservancy, lies in the shadows of the towering mountain range. 

The perpetual sound of running water explains the existence of this oasis in 

an otherwise arid area. Aberdeen obtains its water from a natural spring that 

has never been known to dry up. The water is fed through a system of furrows 

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(“leivore”) to each property. The town is named for the Scottish birthplace of 

the renowned Dutch Reformed minister, Andrew Murray, who regularly 

attended to the needs of the flock of the area. Aberdeen has a remarkable 

architectural heritage and has been declared an architectural conservation 

area. Its immaculately-preserved historical homes and cottages are 

exceptionally charming. The town lies in a primarily sheep- and angora-goat 

farming district, an area where the now extinct wild quagga, a type of zebra, 

was last seen. 


Hiking: The best way to explore the beautiful and rugged Karoo surroundings 

is to follow one of several hiking trails in the vicinity of the town. 

Scenic drives: Take a drive in the countryside to some of the majestic peaks 

of the Camdeboo Mountains, such as the “Sleeping Giant”. 

Working farm holidays: Various farms in the area offer accommodation and 

an opportunity to experience farm life. 


Petrified forest: The forest can be viewed on a farm in the district but prior 

permission is necessary. Contact the local tourism office for more information. 


Art Route: The route takes visitors to the galleries and workshops of the many 

potters, weavers, artists and crafters who find their inspiration in the beautiful 

surroundings of Aberdeen. Carlos de Souza’s renowned découpage ostrich 

eggs are one example of the talents of the local artists. The Maritime Museum 

in Lisbon recently bought a collection of these eggs. 


Aberdeen Municipal Nature Reserve: The reserve houses abundant game and 

bird life (including ostriches) and has trails, picnic sites and barbecue areas. 

Fonteinbos Nature Reserve: This 1 500- ha reserve boasts a perennial spring, 

dinosaur footprints and many species of antelopes and birds. View springbok, 

kudu and steenbok during the 20-km circular drive, or you can walk through 

the reserve. 


Dutch Reformed Church: This church is one of the largest churches in the 

country. Its organ is 100 years old and its 50-m-high spire, which is 45cm offcentre, 

is one of the tallest in the country. 

Eclectic architecture: Aberdeen offers a wonderful collection of eclectic 

architecture dating back to the last decades of the nineteenth century. Styles 

spotted in the town include Georgian, Karoo, German, Gothic, Russian and 

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Flemish architectural examples. The Victorian architectural style is dominant 

and was often used to design the stately mansions of the ostrich barons. 

Examples of the latter style are houses such as De Denne and Pagel House. 

Post Office and Magistrate’s Court: Built in 1898, this building incorporates 

Victorian, Cape Dutch and Gothic influences. Take special note of the 

building’s gargoyles. 

OTHER ATTRACTIONS 

Meteorite site: The landing site of the meteorite is situated on a farm in the 

district and may be viewed by prior appointment. Contact the local tourism 

office for more information. 

ADDO 

The peaceful little village of Addo lies at the entrance to the Sundays River 

Valley with its aromatic citrus fruit orchards and vibrantly-coloured roses. The 

famous Shamwari Game Reserve and Greater Addo Elephant National Park 

are close by. 


Cricket: Can be played at the Addo Polo Club. 

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Darlington Dam: The dam is a popular venue for water sport lovers, hikers, 

and bird-watchers. 

4x4 trails: There are several trails mapped out in the area and in the Greater 

Addo Elephant Reserve. 

Hiking: There are several hiking trails available in the Zuurberg area and 

the Greater Addo Elephant Reserve. 

Horse riding: Morning and afternoon safaris on horseback through the Greater 

Addo Elephant Park, (accompanied by a ranger) and in the Zuurberg 

Mountains, are offered. 

Polo: The Addo Polo Club hosts regular polo games. 


Addo Crocodile Range: View these water-loving predators as well as other 

carnivores, such as lions in their natural habitat. 

Greater Addo Elephant National Park: A visit to the Greater Addo Elephant 

National Park is a must if you are an admirer of these intelligent and graceful 

giants. The reserve was established in 1931 to save the endangered Addo or 

Eastern Cape Elephant from extinction. When only 15 elephants remained, 

some 5 157 000 ha of land in the Sundays River Valley, 70 km north of 

Port Elizabeth, was set aside to ensure their survival. Today, more than 300 

Addo elephants thrive in this secure environment. After the recent release of 

six Kalahari lions into the park, Addo now has the distinction of being the only 

park in the world that is home to the “Big Seven” (elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino, 

leopard, southern right whales and great white sharks). The park is also home 

to various species of antelope and more than 180 species of birds. A less 

well-known inhabitant is the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost 

exclusively in Addo, The typical evergreen Addo forest vegetation provides the 

four-legged inhabitants of the park with a nutritious diet of vines, creepers and 

tree fuchsias. The former Zuurberg Mountain Reserve, with its wooded 

mountains and valleys, has been incorporated into the Greater Addo Elephant 

National Park. 

Scotia Private Game Reserve: This, the oldest reserve of its kind in the 

Eastern Cape, borders the Greater Addo Elephant Park. The “tooth and claw” 

safari allows visitors views of numerous species of antelopes, as well as lions. 

Shamwari Game Reserve: A close neighbour to the Addo Elephant Park, this 

10 000-ha reserve offers luxury accommodation, superb African cuisine and 

unparalleled game-viewing of the Big Five, both by day and by night. Walking 

trails through the reserve will appeal to the hikers and bird watchers. A private 

African Rail Safari train runs between Johannesburg and a siding next to the 

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park. Shamwari has gained international recognition for its conservation 

efforts and was recently awarded three major conservation rewards. The 

reserve also houses its own African arts and culture village, Khaya Lendaba. 


St Luke’s Church: Visit this charming little church situated next to the Addo 

Station and the Settler graveyard where you will find the grave of Miss 

Valentine Isobel Magniac, relative of Alice Liddell, the little girl immortalised by 

Lewis Carroll in his book “Alice in Wonderland”. 

Old Prison and Settler Houses: These offer reminiscent views of early 

European settlement and architecture. 

ALEXANDRIA 

Beautiful Alexandria was founded in 1856 and named after Rev Alexander 

Smith, who ministered to the pioneer population. It is the centre of South 

Africa’s chicory industry and famed for its pineapples. It is also the first major 

holiday destination on Route R72 from Port Elizabeth to East London. 


Biking and 4x4: Mountain-biking and 4x4 trails traverse the surrounding 

countryside of Alexandria, the sand dunes, seashore and forests. 

Golf, tennis and squash: Alexandria has a well-planned nine-hole golf course 

and facilities for tennis and squash. 

Hiking: Several routes traverse the area, e.g. trails through the Alexandria 

forest and through Leopards Kloof. 

Ox-wagon and horse-riding: For adventures of a different kind, book an oxwagon 

or go horse-riding along the beach. 

Sand-boarding: Alexandria’s dunes are ideal for sand-boarding. In fact, it is 

considered one of the ten best venues in the country for this activity. 

Wind-surfing: Stillewater is a Mecca for avid wind-surfers. 


Alexandria Art Group Gallery: The gallery has a generous selection of art 

works. 

Quinn Sculpture Garden: The garden displays a wide selection of sculptures. 

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Anglican Church: The original church, built by the early British Settlers and 

beautifully restored since then, is noted for its stained-glass windows. 

Diaz Cross: A replica of the cross erected by the Portuguese navigator 

Bartolomeu Diaz is situated on the cliffs at Kwaaihoek. 

Dutch Reformed Church: The church is a national monument and typical 

example of denominational architecture. 

Grave of Nongqawuse: The grave of the young Xhosa prophetess, whose illfated 

vision led to the downfall of the Xhosa nation, is situated on the farm, 

Glen Shaw. She told her people that, if they slaughtered all their cattle and 

destroyed their crops, their dead ancestors would rise up, rid them of the white 

enemy and bring them untold riches. When the people followed her advice, 

thousands were cast into abject poverty and about 25 000 people, mainly of 

the Gcaleka section of the Xhosa nation, died of hunger. 

Karel Landman Memorial: The memorial was built to honour the man who was 

instrumental in establishing the Voortrekker Republic of Natalia. He was born 

in the vicinity. 

Maria Hall: In the 1830s farmers and their families took refuge in this hall 

during an attack by the Xhosas. 

Old Gaol: This is one of the oldest prisons in the Eastern Cape and is now a 

national monument. 


Alexandria Forest Nature Reserve: The reserve covers 60 km of coastline 

from the Sundays River Mouth to Cannon Rocks and further inland, where 

part of the area is covered by a subtropical coastal forest, the Alexandria 

Forest. Sneezewood, yellowwood, ironwood, white milkwood and pear trees, 

as well as wild plums and figs and wild olives, are found here. The two-day 

Alexandria Hiking Trail meanders through forests and dunes along the 

seashore and crosses the Alexandria Dune Fields near Woody Cape Nature 

Reserve. 

Whale-watching cruises: Alexandria offers whale-watching cruises during the 

month of September. 

Woody Cape Nature Reserve: This 25 000-ha reserve, of great scenic beauty, 

includes the Alexandria Dune Fields, sometimes referred to as the “Dune 

Sea”, dense forests and a stunning seashore. Small animals and many birds, 

including the fish eagle and crowned eagle, can be seen in the reserve. 

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NATURAL WONDERS 

On the eastern shores of Algoa Bay lie the Alexandria Dune Fields, one of the 

world’s most noted examples of dune field habitat. These high dune fields 

extend for 60 km along the coast and inland for several kilometres 

where their vegetation becomes part of the thick indigenous forest vegetation 

of the area. 

BATHURST 

Bathurst, with its oak-lined streets, is a typical example of a Settler town and 

is thus a very popular historical tourism destination. British tourists have 

likened the town to a typical hamlet in the English Cotswolds. The town was 

named after the British Colonial Secretary of the time, Lord Bathurst. 

Originally, Bathurst was to have been the seat of the magistracy in the new 

Settler district of Albany but the honour went to Grahamstown instead. Today, 

Bathurst is the centre of the fruit-farming community. Pineapples are the 

region’s main product. 


Hiking: There are numerous hiking trails along the Kowie River and further 

inland to the Sarel Hayward Dam and in the Waters Meeting Nature Reserve. 

- 40 -


Big Pineapple Country House and Conference Centre: Situated on an 1820 

Settler farm just outside the town, the centre is indicated by a 16,7-m-high 

fibreglass replica of a pineapple, the area’s principal crop. The farm has a 

renovated barn housing a pub, coffee shop and gift shop. Visitors may climb 

to the top of the Big Pineapple for a scenic view of Bathurst. 

The Curiosity Shoppe: The shop offers an old-style shopping experience, 

allowing the visitor to browse through the shelves of curios, sweets, 

collectables and objets d’art. 


Anglican and Methodist Churches: Typical examples of 1820 Settler 

architecture, the churches served as religious institutions and retreats for the 

British Settlers during the Frontier Wars. St Johns is considered to be the 

oldest, unaltered Anglican Church in South Africa. 

Bathurst Agricultural Museum: The museum exhibits over a thousand farming 

items typically used by the Settlers. The equipment is no longer in use but is 

still in working order. 

Pig and Whistle Hotel: This, the oldest inn in South Africa, now a national 

monument, was built in 1831 as the Bathurst Inn and renamed by men of the 

43 Air School during the Second World War. 

Powder Magazine: Once part of a military post, the magazine dates back to 

1821 and is the oldest building in the town. 

Samuel Bradshaw Wool Mill: This water-driven mill was built in 1821 by the 

founder of South Africa’s wool industry. It was modified in 1835 to grind corn 

and was fully restored in 1976. 

Wesleyan Chapel: The chapel was built by Samuel Bradshaw in 1832 and 

contains the historic Jeremiah Goldswain Family Bible. 

COOKHOUSE 

Settlement in the Cookhouse area started when troops patrolling the eastern 

boundary along the Great Fish River pitched camp here. The first building was 

a small stone hut used for shelter and cooking. Today, the town is an 

important railway junction on the main route from Port Elizabeth to 

Johannesburg and an important centre serving an intensive irrigation-farming 

community. Dairy, merino sheep, angora goats, and ostrich farming are 

practised in the district. 

- 41 -


Bird in the Barley: For an interesting shopping experience visit the local 

cheese factory and old-fashioned country shop, Bird in the Barley, especially if 

you are interested in McDuck’s deer stalkers and tartan tam-o’-shanters. 


Slagtersnek Memorial: Situated 8 km south of the town, this memorial 

commemorates a rebellion by local farmers in 1815 against the Cape 

government. 


Glen Avon Heads: The 1 400-m rock formation called Glen Avon Heads etches 

the town’s western horizon. Part of the world-famous Orange-Fish River 

tunnel is near this site. 

The Golden Valley: The beautiful valley is fed by the Great Fish River, which 

provides for the agricultural crops and natural vegetation. During winter, 

flowering aloes decorate the landscape with their vibrant colours. 

GRAAFF-REINET 

Graaff-Reinet, also known as “the gem of the Karoo”, is the oldest town in the 

Eastern Cape and the fourth oldest town in South Africa. It started as the site 

for a “Trek Boer” (migrating farmer) magistracy and was named after 

Governor Cornelius Jacob van de Graaff and his wife Reynet. The town has a 

unique setting – it is surrounded by a nature reserve! Graaff-Reinet has shown 

a strong commitment to preserving its historical, architectural and natural 

heritage. It has more than 240 national monuments and beautifully preserved 

- 42 -

ows of Victorian, typical Karoo and Cape Dutch houses and buildings that line 

the streets. 


Hiking: The Graaff-Reinet area has many hiking trails. These include nature 

walks in the Valley of Desolation area, the Eerstefontein day walk that starts 

and ends at Spandau Kop and the Drie Koppe Hiking Trail, an overnight trail 

through the mountains. 

Paragliding and hang-gliding: Paragliding and hang-gliding from the hills 

outside the town and from a point near The Valley of Desolation is regarded 

as the ultimate adventure. Graaff-Reinet is one of the country’s most popular 

paragliding spots, because the thermal air currents take gliders up higher and 

keep them up longer than anywhere else in the country. 

The self-drive R63 Blue Crane Tourism Route: This route goes from Graaff- 

Reinet to the small town of Pearston and on to Somerset East, the 

picturesque town at the foot of the Bosberg Mountain Range, near the 

Bosberg Mountain Reserve. 

The self-drive R75 Mohair Route: This route starts in Graaff-Reinet, the 

centre of mohair (silky fleece of the Angora goat) farming area, crosses the 

Sundays River to Jansenville and goes on to Uitenhage, passing the Greater 

Addo Elephant National Park and the renowned Groendal Wilderness area. 

The self-drive R61 Mountain Zebra/Wapadsberg Tourism Route: This route 

links Graaff-Reinet and Cradock, passes through lovely mountainous areas 

with sweeping views and past the Mountain Zebra National Park. 

The self-drive Owl Route: This 50-km scenic route starts 28 km outside 

Graaff-Reinet on the N9 towards Middelburg and passes through the tiny 

village of Nieu-Bethesda, about 20km off the N9. Ganora farm, 7 km from 

the village, has some good examples of San rock art, engravings dating back 

to the Anglo-Boer War and a fossil walk. 

Water sport: Visit the Van Ryneveld Pass Dam for sailing, canoeing, skiing, 

rowing, board-sailing and angling. The dam is in the Karoo Nature Reserve. 


Fossils: Millions of years ago, mammal-like reptiles roamed the Karoo 

marshlands that only very much later evolved into the arid region it is today. 

As the animals died their remains settled into the sand and mud of this 

swampy basin that gradually hardened into stone, filling the basin with layer 

upon layer of fossil-bearing sandstone and shale, several thousand metres 

deep. Today, 200 million years later, the fossilised bones of these early 

- 43 -

inhabitants of the Karoo marshlands can be found on the slopes of the hills to 

the west of Graaff Reinet. 

Kalkkop Crater: A confirmed impact crater is found near Kendrew, 

approximately 48 km from Graaff-Reinet. This crater, a nearly circular 640-m 

diameter depression filled with crater sediment (limestone), is the third to be 

recognised in Southern Africa and is noted for its scientific value. 


Hester Rupert Art Museum: The museum is situated in a former activity 

centre, school and mission church dating back to 1821 that was saved by the 

Rembrandt Corporation in 1965 from demolition. The museum was named 

after the mother of Dr Anton Rupert, head of the Corporation. The cruciform 

building houses an amazing collection of contemporary South African art, the 

work of some 106 artists. 

Jan Rupert Centre: The centre comprises a cottage industry that concentrates 

on the spinning, knitting and weaving of locally-produced wool. 


Robert Sobukwe Display: The Old Library Museum houses a display 

commemorating the role that Robert Sobukwe, who was born in Graaff- 

Reinet, played in establishing the Black Consciousness Movement in the 

1970s. 

- 44 -


Van Ryneveld Pass Dam: The dam is in the Karoo Nature Reserve, site of the 

Valley of Desolation, and is famed for its many feathered inhabitants such as 

ducks, cormorants and flamingos. 

Karoo Nature Reserve: The reserve consists of 16 000 ha of land, divided into 

four distinct sections: the west with the renowned and awe-inspiring Valley of 

Desolation; a specially designed game-viewing area that is home to an 

abundant population of indigenous Karoo game species, the Van Ryneveld 

Pass Dam area and the mountainous, eastern area. 


The town has nearly 300 national monuments, more than any other 

town in South Africa. Although only a few are mentioned here, all are worthy 

of appreciation. 

Andries Pretorius Monument: The monument was built in honour of the 

eminent Voortrekker leader, Andries Pretorius. 

- 45 -

Anglo-Boer War Monument: The monument is dedicated to those who fought 

in this tragic war. 

Clock Tower: The clock tower of the College of Education was made in 

Liverpool so that it could produce Westminster chimes. The building is 

constructed in the late Victorian/early Edwardian style. 

Dutch Reformed Church: The 1886 Dutch Reformed Church with its neo- 

Gothic lines strongly resembles England’s Salisbury Cathedral. The vault of 

the church houses a priceless collection of Cape Dutch silver. 

Graaff-Reinet Pharmacy: The Graaff-Reinet Pharmacy is a prime example of 

a Victorian pharmacy. The old-world atmosphere is enhanced by the 

beautifully preserved original interior and exterior fittings. 

Huguenot Monument: Possibly the best-known monument in Graaff-Reinet, it 

commemorates the arrival of the French Huguenots in South Africa in 1688. 

Karoo architecture: The streets of Graaff-Reinet are lined with excellent 

examples of Karoo architecture. Some of the original coach houses built by 

Graaff-Reinet’s first wealthy inhabitants are an integral part of this heritage. 

Old Library Museum: The museum houses the Rykie Pretorius costume 

collection, R Townley Johnson’s reproductions of San artwork, the Rembrandt 

Van Rijn Art Foundation Exhibit, the William Roe photographic collection and 

the Lex Bremner fossil collection. It also possesses a unique collection of 

fossilised Karoo reptiles, the only remains of the 200 million-year-old 

inhabitants of the area. The life of Robert Sobukwe (1924 to 1978), founder of 

the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) is chronicled in one of the galleries. 

Reinet House: One of the country’s best examples of an H-shaped, six-gabled 

Cape Dutch building is Reinet House, where the Reverend Andrew Murray 

once lived. The building was completed in 1812 and fully restored in 1947 to 

serve as a cultural history museum. The interior includes a superb collection 

of yellowwood and stinkwood furniture. The largest black acorn vine in the 

world, planted in 1870 and covering over 120 square metres, grows in the 

garden. 

The Drostdy: The building was designed by Louis Thibault and completed in 

1806. It used to be the home of the landdrost (magistrate) and is a hotel 

today. 

Town Hall: Graaff-Reinet’s Town hall was constructed in the Victorian style to 

commemorate Queen Victoria’s reign. 

- 46 -


Spandau Kop: This imposing 1 400 metre mountain guards the town’s 

southern entrance. 

The Valley of Desolation: Situated 

within the boundaries of the Karoo 

Nature Reserve, the Valley of 

Desolation is a geological 

phenomenon characterised by sheer 

cliffs of what looks like perilously 

balanced dolerite pillars, some 

120 m high, rising from the valley 

floor. These pillars, exposed by 

millions of years of erosion and 

powerful geological processes are set 

high on a hill overlooking Graaff- 

Reinet. The barren and desolate valley 

with its distinctive rock formations also 

offers some remarkable local flora, 

wildlife and interesting palaeontological 

sites. A toposcope, mounted at the 

lookout point, gives visitors a 

panoramic view of Graaff-Reinet and 

the surrounding countryside. 

- 47 -

GRAHAMSTOWN 

The town was founded in 1812 when 

Colonel John Graham, who had been 

sent to quell the unrest on the border, 

selected Grahamstown, near the 

Kowie River, as one of two military 

stronghold sites. At this stage white 

settlers west of the Kowie River met 

with strong resistance from Xhosa 

tribes in the area. The tiny garrison 

stationed here was nearly wiped out in 

1819, during the “Battle of 

Grahamstown”. The Egazini (“Place of 

Blood”) Memorial commemorates the 

site of the battle. 

The Grahamstown of today is an 

important commercial, educational 

and industrial centre. It is also fondly 

referred to as the “City of Saints” 

because it has more than 40 churches 

and cathedrals. The city also has 

several museums and monuments. 

The broad tree-lined streets with their 

stunning old historic buildings and 

soaring spires echo with the eager 

young voices of the many students 

who attend the numerous educational 

centres, the well-known Rhodes 

University and the Technical College. 


Golf: Enjoy a game of golf on 

Grahamstown’s 18-hole golf course. 

Hiking: Enquire at the local tourism 

office about the Oldenburgia Hiking 

Trail. 

Sky-diving and paragliding: The Grahamstown Sky-diving Club undertakes 

regular dives over the nearby coastal area of Port Alfred. Mountain Drive has 

ideal conditions for paragliding, good thermals and take-offs. 


Mummified Khoisan remains: In 1999 Dr Johan Binneman, archaeologist of 

the Albany Museum, discovered the mummified remains of an ancient 

- 48 -

Khoisan hunter-gatherer in the Kouga/Baviaanskloof area. The mummy is 

presently in storage at the museum. 


Dakwa Art and Craft Project: Voted one of the ten best craft cooperatives in 

the country, this Grahamstown-based community centre is modelled on its 

namesake, the Dakwa Art and Craft Centre in Tanzania. It trains and teaches 

local people high-quality weaving, textile printing and graphics techniques and 

helps them to sell their artwork and to obtain employment. 

Masithandane (“Let us love one another”) Project: The project started out as a 

community soup kitchen that provided food for the disadvantaged 

communities. Gradually, the local women were encouraged to learn new skills 

to support themselves and a powerful initiative was begun. Plastic bags were 

collected, thereby ridding the streets of litter and providing raw material for the 

making of hats, bags and mats. Traditional beadwork was combined with this 

enterprise and the endeavour has grown to such an extent that it is now a 

thriving tourism attraction. 

National Standard Bank Art Festival: Each July, the National Standard Bank 

Art Festival transforms Grahamstown into a Mecca of the arts. The festival 

provides opportunities for all the disciplines, including drama, dance, music, 

visual arts, cabarets and student drama. The book fair, film festival and openair 

craft markets also draw many visitors. The festival is widely regarded as 

one of the largest of its kind in the world and runs for about ten days. 

Accommodation is very scarce during this period and should be booked well in 

advance. 

Provost Prison: This former military prison, built in 1838, is now the venue for 

a lively arts and craft market. 


International Library of African Music: The International Library of African 

Music on the campus of Rhodes University is responsible for researching, 

- 49 -

teaching and publishing African music. In addition to recordings, books and 

catalogues, the library also exhibits over 200 African musical instruments that 

are all in perfect working order. 

Musical Instrument Factory: Guided tours are conducted at a small factory 

where traditional African musical instruments are manufactured. Music plays 

an important role in African communities. 

Valley of the Ancient Voice tours: Guided walks are conducted to this 

secretive rock pool, a San refuge and spiritual centre, situated on a game 

farm, approximately 20 minutes drive from Grahamstown. Talks about San 

rock art and other relics and artefacts as well as local San culture and 

customs, form part of the programme. 


Grahamstown Botanical Garden: This is the country’s second oldest botanical 

garden and was established to protect the indigenous flora of South Africa. 

The English garden is reminiscent of the early Settler gardens and forms the 

centrepiece of this lovely area. 

Thomas Baines Nature Reserve: The 1 000-ha Thomas Baines Nature 

Reserve lies 13 km south of the town and is home to a wide variety of species 

of antelopes, the unique Addo species of the Cape Buffalo, white and black 

rhino and several other species of game. The Palmiet River flows through the 

reserve and permit-holders often angle here. Non-power boating is also 

allowed at the Settlers Dam. The reserve also protects a cave where Middle 

Stone Age people left behind layers of bones of small animals. The two-day 

hiking trail offers overnight accommodation and provides an excellent 

opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area. 

Koedoeskloof Private Game Reserve: Set in the foothills of the Winterberg 

Mountains, this reserve offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as 

hiking, mountain-bike trails and horse riding. 

Queen’s Road: The first military highway built in South Africa stretches from 

Grahamstown to Fort Beaufort. The Great Fish River Complex, once the 

scene of bloody Frontier Wars, runs alongside part of the road. A lookout point 

high on a ledge (Adam’s Krantz) offers a spectacular view of the great river as 

it meanders through the hills. 

Self-drive Frontier Country Routes: Six Frontier Country Routes start or end in 

Grahamstown. These include: the N10 from Ncanara interchange to 

Grahamstown; the R67 route from Grahamstown to Bathurst; the route from 

Grahamstown to the Great Fish River Bridge; the route from Grahamstown to 

Bedford; the R67 route from Grahamstown to Fort Beaufort and the route from 

- 50 -

Grahamstown to Kenton on Sea. All these routes offer spectacular views of 

the countryside. 


Albany Museum Complex: The fascinating Albany Museum Complex includes 

Fort Selwyn, built by the Royal Engineers in 1836; the Provost Prison; the 

Observatory Museum and the History and Natural Sciences Museums. 

Cathedral of St Michael and St George: The cathedral took 128 years to 

complete and is one of the most impressive buildings in South Africa. Its spire 

and 45-m bell tower is a Grahamstown landmark and can be seen from 

afar. 

1820 Settlers Museum: The museum houses some impressive works by 

Thomas Baines and provides a genealogical service to researchers all over 

the world. It immortalises the contribution that the 1820 British Settlers made 

to the development of South Africa. The focal point of the Fountain Foyer is a 

yellowwood sculpture by the South African artist, Cecil Skotnes. The museum 

forms the hub of the Annual Standard Bank National Arts Festival. The main 

theatre can seat 900 people but there are several other conference areas. 

- 51 -

History Museum: This museum preserves the records and family trees of the 

1820 Settlers and other memorabilia from the Settler period. Other collections 

include an Egyptian mummy and an ethnographic collection of the culture of 

the Xhosa people. 

JLB Smith Institute of Ichthyology: The institute houses the National Collection 

of Fish, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. In 1952 the second 

coelacanth to be caught in the world, was caught off the Comoro Islands and 

brought to the Institute to be studied. The coelacanth is a primitive marine fish 

with fleshy, limb-like pectoral fins. It was thought to be extinct until the first 

living fish was caught off the coast of East Africa in 1938. The second 

specimen is now an important exhibit at the Institute. 

National English Literary Museum: This museum was set up to promote 

reading and the appreciation of English literature. One of the museum’s 

proudest possessions is the personal archive of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick. 

Natural Sciences Museum: The museum features a fascinating reconstruction 

of a Stegosaurus, the first dinosaur fossil found in South Africa, over two 

million species of plants and animals, as well as material from the late Stone 

Age to the early Iron Age. 

Observatory Museum: Once a fairy-tale style Victorian house with a magic 

mirror, this museum has the only Victorian camera obscura in the Southern 

Hemisphere. Once the house of a former jeweller, Henry Galpin, the 

Observatory is also one of the country’s most beautiful buildings. It is also the 

place where, in 1867, Dr WG Atherstone identified the first diamond found in 

South Africa. 

Oldest Post Box in South Africa: This post box is situated at the corner of 

Somerset and Worcester Streets. Mail a letter to a friend and it will be franked 

with a special postmark. 

Piet Retief’s Trading Store: View this historical trading store, opened in 1819 

and belonging to one of the leaders of the “Great Trek”, the migration of 

hundreds of disillusioned and demoralised Cape Dutch settlers and farmers, 

from the Eastern Cape frontier area northwards to the interior. 

Rhodes University Classics Museum: The University Museum features objects 

originating from the ancient worlds of the Etruscans and Egyptians. 

South African Library for the Blind: The library provides a service to the entire 

country with its excellent collection of Braille books and multimedia sources. 

Victorian and Georgian architecture: Grahamstown is an architectural treasure 

trove of mainly Victorian and Georgian styles. The City Hall and some 

- 52 -

uildings in High Street are prime examples, as well as the Baptist, Wesleyan, 

Presbyterian, Trinity, Methodist and St Patrick’s Catholic churches. 

Yellow House: The first public building put up in Grahamstown was the Yellow 

House, where the old jail and court messenger’s house were located. 

HANKEY 

This town, named after the treasurer of the London Missionary Society, 

William Hankey, was founded on the farm Wagendrift, the property of Dr John 

Philip. Dr Philip was instrumental in starting a method of irrigation that has far 

outlived him and still forms the basis of one of the oldest such systems in the 

country. He initiated operations to cut a 270-m tunnel through the hill 

separating the Gamtoos River and the farmlands. Today, Hankey is the 

administrative centre of the Gamtoos River Valley and a popular tourist 

destination. 


Andrieskraal Resort: The resort offers comfortable chalet accommodation and 

picnic spots at the Kouga Dam. Canoeing is also allowed. 

Golf: The town boasts a nine-hole golf course. 


Old Cemetery: The cemetery is the last resting place of some of the town’s 

founders. 

Sundial: What is claimed to be the largest sundial in Africa stands at the 

entrance to the town. 

Toposcope: Visit the lookout point at Vergaderingskop where the town’s 

toposcope is erected. 

William Hankey Tunnel: This is the original irrigation tunnel that carried water 

from the Gamtoos River to the farmlands. The tunnel is still in fine working 

order. 


Loerie Dam: Situated near the small town of Loerie, the dam is a birdwatcher’s 

and picnic lover’s paradise. 

Stinkhoutberg Nature Reserve: The reserve is popular among nature lovers. 

Prior application needs to be made for permits, which can be obtained from 

the Otterford forestry area. 

- 53 -

Yellowwood Park Resort: A lovely picnic area has been developed at 

Yellowwood, on the Gamtoos River, just outside the town. Various short walks 

lead to view sites overlooking the Gamtoos River and Kleinrivier Valleys. 


The “Bergvenster” (”Window in the Mountain”): For a superb view of the 

Gamtoos River Valley climb to the “Bergvenster” view site, a window-sized 

hole on the mountain slope that was created by the forces of erosion. 

HUMANSDORP 

Humansdorp lies at the foot of the Kouga Mountains and at the entrance to 

the Kromme River Estuary. During the 1840s, the sheep farmers in the valley 

of the Kromme (“Crooked”) River became aware of the necessity for a church 

and rural community centre in the area. In 1849, Matthys Human donated a 

large portion of his farm for this purpose. When the village was laid out, it was 

named after Human in return for his generosity. 

Humansdorp is the first major economic centre between Port Elizabeth and 

Cape Town. Wool, oats and citrus farming are the primary economic activities 

and the town is an important railway station on the narrow-gauge Apple 

Express railway line. The town lies in an area renowned for the diversity of its 

fynbos flora. Proteas, ericas and orchids are some of the 2 000 species of 

plants identified in this area. Every year, Humansdorp celebrates this natural 

bounty by holding a Fynbos Festival. 


Hiking: Various hiking trails and forest walks criss-cross the area. 

Boskloof Trail: The 3-km Boskloof Trail allows visitors the opportunity to enjoy 

the sight of some 46 species of birds and various species of game that have 

made the habitat of indigenous trees and fynbos vegetation their home. The 

unique “drie-bessie-bos” (“Three berry bush”) is found nowhere in the world, 

except in the Eastern Cape, and can be seen on this trail. 

Water port: The beautiful coastal resorts of St Francis Bay, Cape St Francis, 

Jeffrey’s Bay and Oyster Bay are within easy reach of Humansdorp. 


Klaasies River Cave: Human fossils, indicating that there were anatomically 

modern people in the region as long ago as 100 000 years, were excavated 

from this site. 

- 54 -


Kouga Cultural Centre: A unique new, landmark “African” building, designed to 

symbolise the birth of the African Renaissance, was recently erected in 

Humansdorp. The main objective of the centre is to provide the local 

community and the visitor with an opportunity to experience and participate in 

the diverse cultures of the people of the Kouga Region. Activities presented at 

the centre strive to unite people from different backgrounds by recognising 

their cultural differences and diversity. The centre will preserve the art, culture 

and customs, areas of historical interest, monuments and museums of the 

people of the region. A one-stop information and business centre will be part 

of this multi-purpose community centre. 


Fynbos Flora: This Cape Floral Kingdom, one of the six botanical kingdoms of 

the world is widely recognised and universally admired. South Africans refer to 

this unique and characteristic group of plants as fynbos. Fynbos is found in 

great profusion in certain areas of the Eastern Cape but especially in the 

Humansdorp area. Insignificant in size, rarely exceeding 4 m in height, 

these wonderful plants are evergreen, highly drought-resistant and usually 

make an excellent recovery after veld fires. As they usually occupy very 

localised areas, you may find that a walk of a few hundred metres up a 

mountain slope or some other area will reveal a few dozen species, of which 

at least one will be in bloom at almost any time of the year. Up to 121 species 

have been counted in an area of just 100 square metres. 

Humansdorp Park: The park is probably the only garden in the world that is 

laid out in the form of the Union Jack. 


Humansdorp Museum: The museum houses a collection of farming 

implements and household items that add to the elegance of this charming 

building. 

Watermill: NPH Rademeyer built this old watermill in Humansdorp in 1874. 

The War Memorial: The memorial was built as a tribute to the inhabitants of 

the town who lost their lives in the two World Wars. 

JEFFREY’S BAY 

In 1849, the St Helena whaler, JA Jeffrey, established a harbour at this spot 

because it was ideally situated midway between the Gamtoos and Kromme 

Rivers and the estuaries of the Kabeljous and Seekoei Rivers. Jeffrey’s fresh 

produce business thrived until 1905, when a narrow-gauge railway was built 

and it ceased to be the only provider of produce to the Langkloof. 

- 55 -

Today, Jeffrey’s Bay, affectionately known as “J-Bay” is one of the most 

popular holiday destinations in the St Francis Bay area. It offers large shellcovered 

beaches, dolphin- and whale-sightings and is an internationally- 

renowned surfing spot. It is the venue for the annual International Billabong 

Pro Surfing Competition. 


Fishing: Jeffrey’s Bay provides excellent opportunities for surf fishing along 

the beaches that stretch from the Gamtoos River to the Kabeljous River . 

Rock fishing is ideal from the Kabeljous River to Paradise Beach. Daily deepsea 

fishing expeditions can be chartered from Marina Martinique or Main 

Beach. 

Scuba-diving: Scuba-divers come from all over the world to explore life under 

the waters of Jeffrey’s Bay. The reefs are from 12 to 23 m deep with 5 to 15 m 

visibility and a comfortable water temperature that varies from 14 to 23 degrees 

Celsius (57 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit). 

Shell collecting: The beaches and coastline in the Jeffrey’s Bay area are 

considered to be the best places on the South African coast for finding shells. 

- 56 -

Surfing: Jeffrey’s Bay is known as the resort with the perfect waves and most 

surfers who love challenging the forces of the sea agree that Jeffrey’s Bay’s 

“super tubes” are the world’s best. 


Kabeljous Estuary and Nature Reserve: The reserve has a safe beach for 

swimming and is particularly popular among fishermen. The reserve was 

established to preserve the natural habitat of various local species of 

waterfowl. 

Noorsekloof Nature Reserve: Noorsekloof is a 28-ha reserve that stretches up 

the valley to Wavecrest. The 3-km hiking trail offers excellent opportunities for 

bird watching. 

Paradise Beach: A suitable name for the beautiful spot on the lagoon where 

the Seekoei and Swart Rivers meet. One of the country’s largest swan 

colonies also realised the potential of this spot and have made this their 

breeding place. 

Seekoei River Nature Reserve: The reserve lies on the Seekoei River Estuary. 

The reserve is particularly popular among bird-watchers and hikers. The hiking 

trails start with an interesting difference – a raft trip across the lagoon! 

Van Staden’s Wild Flower Reserve: The Wild Flower Reserve, the Bird 

Sanctuary and Van Staden’s River Mouth combine to form one of the most 

spectacular wild flower areas in South Africa. There are picnic spots, walks, 

mountain-bike trails, as well as a scenic route for cars. The river mouth 

features a magnificent stretch of beach and the floral- and bird life along the 

Van Staden’s River is a feast for the eye. 

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JOUBERTINA 

Joubertina lies between the Kouga and Baviaanskloof Mountain catchment 

areas in the north and the Tsitsikamma Mountain Range in the south. In 1807, 

the former Dutch Reformed Church Minister of Uniondale, Rev WA Joubert, 

established a Dutch Reformed rural community on the farm Langkloof. One of 

the conditions of the sale of the farm was that the consumption of any alcohol 

on the site was prohibited. This condition is still observed today. 


Hiking and mountain biking: The Joubertina area has some 30 demarcated 

hiking and mountain bike trails. The trails range widely in difficulty and 

duration, from a few hours to four days. 

Hiking and mountaineering: More experienced mountain climbers enjoy the 

challenge presented by Peak Formosa. This trail starts at Louterwater Estate. 


Dutch Reformed Church: The church dates back to 1911 and was the first 

building erected in Joubertina. Sandstone was used to build the church and 

the beautiful yellowwood interior admirably complements the graceful building 

style. 

Kloof Hotel: The stylish Kloof Hotel once belonged to a descendant of Daniel 

Kritzinger, the original owner of the farm on which the town was built. 

The Lutheran Missionary Monument: The old church with its thatched roof, the 

first church of the missionary settlement in Haarlem, is preserved here. 

Miniature model cars: The Hotel Tavern boasts an interesting display of over a 

thousand model cars. 

KAREEDOUW 

Kareedouw, a quiet town on the outskirts of the Tsitsikamma Forest, forms the 

eastern entrance to the Langkloof fruit-growing area. The town was founded 

as a Dutch Reformed Church rural community in 1905 and developed around 

the timber industry that bloomed soon afterwards. It is believed that the town’s 

name comes from the Khoi-Khoi word meaning “path of many Karee trees”. 

Majestic mountain slopes, blanketed in flowering proteas and ericas, frame 

the town. Today, Kareedouw is a farming and timber area where South 

Africa’s national flower, the protea, is grown for export. 

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Hiking, biking and mountaineering: Many adventure and sporting activities are 

available in the area. The town’s proximity to the nearby Tsitsikamma and 

Kouga Mountains and the Langkloof 

Valley makes it in ideal spot from 

where to participate in most 

adventure sports such as hiking, 

biking and mountaineering, to name 

but a few. Enquire at the local 

tourism office for more information. 

ENTERTAINMENT AND 

SHOPPING 

Indigenous Wood Factory: The 

yellowwood, blackwood, stinkwood 

and imbuia trees growing in the 

area are put to good use at the 

Indigenous Wood Factory, where 

exquisite furniture is made. Visitors 

may view and buy the products. 


Willow Trees: The willow trees in 

the grounds of the Assegaaibosch 

Hotel are said to grow from cuttings 

taken from the trees at Napoleon’s 

grave, on the Island of St Helena. 

Many Boer prisoners of war 

were sent to this island during the 

Anglo-Boer War. 


Dutch Reformed Church: A stately sandstone church was erected here in 

1906. 

Forester’s Statue: The statue is a monument to those who contributed to the 

growth of the area’s timber industry. 

KENTON ON SEA 

The resort town of Kenton on Sea is one of the most popular holiday 

destinations in the country. Scenic trails along the Kariega and Bushman 

Rivers are great favourites among nature lovers. The Boesmansriviermond 

Resort is the centrepiece of the town. 

- 59 -


Water sport: The magnificent beaches, sand dunes, shallow lagoons, 

sheltered coves and rock pools of this coastal area offer ample sporting and 

adventure opportunities. An added attraction is the cool waters of the 

Bushman River, enhanced by the lush forest that surrounds it. The river is 

ideal for water-skiing, speedboats, canoeing, sailing, bathing and fishing. 


Kariega Game Reserve: The reserve is set in a malaria-free, pristine 

wilderness area above the Kariega River Valley, only 14 km from Kenton on 

Sea. View more than 20 species of game including rhino, giraffe, zebra and 

wildebeest as well as more than 200 species of birds. Hiking, 4x4 game 

drives, river cruises, canoeing, mountain biking, fishing and swimming can be 

done. 

KIRKWOOD 

The town was established in 1913 to serve as a commercial centre for the 

citrus estates of the area and was named after James Kirkwood, the first white 

farmer in these parts. The streets of the town are lined with golden shower 

and bougainvillea, reminiscent of early British horticulture and town planning. 

Roses also do very well here. 


Diverse natural fauna and flora: The divergent landscapes around town have 

created homes for an amazingly large and diverse animal population. Within a 

relatively short space of time, the visitor can travel through the different worlds 

of evergreen forests, bushveld valleys and the famous fynbos habitat. 


Grave of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick: On a hill outside the town lies the grave of Sir 

Percy Fitzpatrick, the acclaimed author of “Jock of the Bushveld”, the timeless 

story of an intrepid dog and his master. What is less well known is that the 

author was also a pioneer of citrus farming in the Sundays River Valley. 

NIEU-BETHESDA 

The isolated little village of Nieu-Bethesda lies in a fertile valley of the 

Sneeuberg Mountains, at the foot of the 2 502-m-high Kompasberg. Modern 

life seems to have passed the town by and only in recent years was electricity 

introduced. The Rev Charles Murray deemed this spot the perfect site for a 

new Dutch Reformed rural community and promptly named it Bethesda. 

Today, the village is a popular retreat for artists who come from far to get 

inspiration from the Owl House and Miss Helen Martin’s extraordinary 

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sculptures. The latter was made famous by the play “Road to Mecca” and the 

subsequent film about the artist’s life, written by Athol Fugard, the renowned 

South African author and playwright. 


Mountain Biking: The Kompasberg 1 000 mountain biking event that takes 

place here annually has become one of the ten “classic” events on the South 

African Mountain Bike Association’s calendar. The course of nearly 100 km 

passes 15 of the most beautiful farms in the Karoo and climbs to a height of 

1 000 feet up the spectacular Kompasberg Mountain. Fun rides of 5 to 10 km 

are open to less serious bikers who enjoy sharing the course with the more 

experienced pros. 

Road-running: The Owl’s Call race, a 42-km race for runners, takes place 

concurrently with the Kompasberg 1 000 mountain biking event. 

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Aasvoëlberg: Prime examples of San rock art can be seen at various sites in 

the Aasvoëlberg (“Vulture”) Mountain Range. 


Dutch Reformed Church: Built in 1905, the gas-lit chandeliers, the only source 

of light in the church, bathe the intricate woodcarvings, the ancient organ and 

the stained-glass windows in soft, reverent light. 

Owl House: The eccentric artist Helen Martin was born in Nieu-Bethesda in 

1898 and lived the life of a recluse, especially after the death of her parents. 

She expressed her interest in Eastern philosophy and her constant search for 

“light and brightness” through her cement and glass statues and the interior 

and exterior decorations of her house. The latter makes the old house 

shimmer in the sun, the light reflecting off the ground glass that covers the 

walls. The backyard is a veritable wonderland with sculptures of animals and 

mythical creatures. 

- 62 -

PATENSIE 

The name of the town is derived from the Khoi-Khoi word for “cattle resting 

place”. Patensie is an important centre for the large citrus-, vegetable- and 

tobacco-farming area around it. 


Hiking, climbing and biking: The Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area lies close by 

and includes the Kouga and Baviaanskloof Mountain Ranges. Fynbos and 

valley bushveld line the valleys and plateaux that are so popular with hikers 

and mountain bikers. There are also ample mountain-climbing opportunities. 

Water sport: The Kouga Dam supplies water to the Gamtoos area and 

provides excellent recreational and water sport opportunities. 


The Patensie Citrus Cooperative: The cooperative is open to the public on 

weekdays during the packing season, April to September. 

PEARSTON 

Pearston, a small Karoo farming town lies snugly at the foot of the 

Bruintjieshoogte Mountains. Its main claim to fame is that the eccentric fossilhunting 

Scotsman and physician Dr Robert Broom lived and worked here. Dr 

Broom later became a world-renowned palaeontologist and made many 

valuable finds. However, what really put this small town on the map were two 

books written by a former inhabitant of the area. Eve Palmer’s books, “The 

Plains of Camdeboo” and “Return to Camdeboo”, have attracted the attention 

of overseas visitors who regularly ask to visit the area. 


Drostdy: The old Drostdy building in town has been declared a national 

monument. 

Cranemere Private Museum: This museum was started by a relative of Eve 

Palmer and is situated on the Cranemere farm where her nephew still farms. 

Viewing is strictly by appointment only and visitors will be taken on conducted 

tours. The museum houses artefacts of early Stone Age man, fossils, natural 

history displays, old farm tools and old family photographs. 

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PORT ALFRED 

This charming town on the banks of the tidal Kowie River lies halfway 

between Port Elizabeth and East London, on the famous Sunshine Coast. 

Port Alfred was named after Queen Victoria’s second son. It dates back to the 

time of the 1820 Settlers and, until the 1880s, was a busy port for sailing 

ships. Miles of golden beaches, on which more than 1 700 different seashells 

have been identified and collected, endless water sport opportunities, a 

temperate climate and fascinating history have made Port Alfred a popular 

holiday destination. 


Hiking: Various hiking trails and walks such as the Oribi, Tharfield, Three 

Sisters, Kowie and Albany Trails, are waiting to be explored. 

Horse riding and mountain biking: Trails in the area are safe and offer a 

pleasant few hours of riding and biking. 

Kowie Canoe Trail: This trail starts at Port Alfred and ends 20 km upstream at 

Horseshoe Bend in the Waters Meeting Nature Reserve. Canoes can be 

hired. 

Water sport: Activities on the Kowie River and at the Royal Albert Marina 

include boating, fishing, canoeing, board-sailing, water-skiing and swimming, 

as well as diving among some of South Africa’s most colourful reefs. 

- 64 -


Fish River Sun Hotel, Casino and Country Club: This entertainment complex 

with its 24-hour slot-machine area, gambling tables, restaurants, golf course 

and children’s entertainment area, lies a short distance from Port Alfred on the 

N2. 

Horseshoe Bend Lookout Point: Situated within the Waters Meeting Nature 

Reserve, the lookout point offers beautiful views of the valley below and of the 

Kowie River with its characteristic horseshoe loop. It is the ideal choice for a 

leisurely stroll in beautiful surroundings or a picnic in the heart of nature. 

Port Alfred’s beaches: The beaches offer perfect conditions for sunbathing, 

swimming, shell-collecting, scuba-diving, surfing, long walks and surf-angling. 

Royal Alfred Marina: The marina offers everything a prospective seafarer 

could want; cruises, deep-sea fishing charters and a fully-equipped diving 

school. 


Kowie Nature Reserve: This tiny, 200-ha reserve has the Kowie River as one 

of its boundaries and is linked to the Waters Meeting Nature Reserve. The 

dense vegetation offers protection to the rare cycads that grow here. The shy 

blue duiker and many species of birds have their homes in the reserve. The 

reserve can only be toured on foot on mapped-out hiking trails or by 

boat/canoe. There are facilities for picnics and braais (barbecues) on the 

banks of the Kowie River. 

- 65 -

Waters Meeting Nature Reserve: Less than 20 km east of Port Alfred, the 

thick valley bushveld and open grasslands offer refuge to animals such as 

kudu and bushbuck as well as bush pig. Bird life is varied and includes raptors 

and waterfowl. The Kowie Canoe Trail, on the Kowie River, stops at 

Horseshoe Bend where there is a hut. 


Kowie Museum: The Kowie River Heritage Collection focuses on the social 

and cultural history of the area. The exhibits range from shipwreck artefacts to 

Xhosa crafts and articles of 1820-Settler history. 

Railway Station: The station building was opened in 1884 and was briefly used 

as a pub and boarding house after the line was closed and before it 

was proclaimed a national monument in 1958. 

Settlers Church: Many generations of Settlers rest in the graveyard of this 

church that has been declared a national monument. 

SALEM 

Hezekiah Sephton, leader of an independent Settler Party of almost 100 

families, established this town along the Assegai Bosch River in 1820. One of 

the inhabitants, Chaplain William Shaw, named the town, Salem (“Peace”). 

The fine stone churches, historic cottages and village green on which cricket 

matches have been played since 1844 transport visitors back to the days of 

yesteryear and add to the town’s “old world” charm. 


The Richard Gush Monolith: A memorial to commemorate the Quaker 

carpenter, Richard Gush, stands opposite the church. During the Sixth 

Frontier War, Gush became a hero when he left the safety of the stronghold 

during a Xhosa raid to pacify the Xhosa impis. After the surprised Xhosas told 

him that they were hungry, he collected bread to be handed out to them and 

they departed peacefully. 

SOMERSET EAST 

Equidistant between Cradock and Graaff-Reinet at the foot of the Bosberg 

Mountains, lies charming Somerset East. The town is noted for its beautiful 

oak trees, whitewashed historic buildings (many of which are national 

monuments), mountain streams and waterfalls. It started life as a military farm 

after the “trekboer” (migrant farmer) Willem Prinsloo established some 

successful plantations near Bruintjieshoogte. This led to Governor Lord 

Charles Somerset’s decision that feed for the horses of the eastern frontier 

- 66 -

cavalry should be produced here. The town, named after him, was established 

in 1825. Angora-goat farming, citrus and dairy farming are the most important 

economic activities of the area. 


Fishing, horse-riding, hunting, walks: Somerset East is well known for its great 

outdoor opportunities that include fishing, horse riding, hunting safaris and 

nature walks through the forests on the slopes of the nearby Bosberg 

Mountain. 

Auret Mountain Drive: Take this scenic, 10-km drive past the golf course and 

Besterhoek and along the Bosberg summit to fully appreciate the beauty of 

the area. 

Bosberg/Besterhoek Hiking Trail: Choose either the 4-km or 7-km circular 

Bosberg Hiking Trail or the two-day, 15-km Bosberg Mountain Trail through 

“fynbos” vegetation, trout-filled streams and areas where buck and zebra can 

be seen. There is also an easy, 1,5 km Besterhoek Trail to choose 

from. 

Golf: Somerset East is renowned for its excellent 18-hole golf course. 

- 67 -


Walter Battiss Art Gallery: The gallery houses the country’s largest collection 

of work by this acclaimed artist. 

Museum shop: Do not leave town before you have purchased a jar of the 

Museum’s home-made rose petal jam or apple mint jelly. Various other art and 

crafts are for sale at this venue and at the Walter Battiss Art Gallery. 


Andries Vosloo Monument: The fountain of the Andries Vosloo Monument, at 

the entrance to the Town Hall, commemorates Andries Vosloo, one-time 

Administrator of the Cape, who grew up in the town. 

Comley Memorial: Comley Memorial was erected in honour of Commander 

William Comley who fought in the Frontier Wars of the 1870s. 

Delville Wood Monument: The monument was erected to honour those 

citizens who died fighting in the two World Wars. 

Historical buildings: Paulet, Beaufort and Charles streets have many old, 

historical buildings. Noteworthy buildings include: Hope Church, the Anglican 

and Dutch Reformed Churches, the Walter Battiss Art Gallery, the old Mill 

House, believed to have been part of the first homestead in town, and the 

Langenhoven Library. The beautiful school buildings of Gill College High 

School include two national monuments. 

Old Pastorie (Rectory): The rectory is surrounded by a beautiful garden. 

Peace Cross: Representatives of all the inhabitants of the town erected this 

cross in 1993, along the scenic Auret Drive to the summit of Bosberg 

Mountain. 

Somerset East Museum: This Georgian-styled building, whose beauty is 

enhanced by some 700 rosebushes and an herb garden, has been declared a 

national monument. It gives visitors a glimpse of life in a nineteenth-century 

parsonage and features late Victorian household items and furniture, a 

collection of old wedding gowns, historical photographs and documents and 

handmade dolls. It also includes a blacksmith’s workshop and the town’s 

oldest existing graveyard. 


Bosberg Nature Reserve: The 2 050-ha, thickly-wooded Bosberg Nature 

Reserve, with its prolific bird life and magnificent lookout points, overlooks 

Somerset East. It is situated 1 615 m above sea level and is overgrown 

with fynbos and the rare Dohne Sourveld vegetation. The two dams in the 

reserve, the Besterhoek and Bosberg Dams, are well stocked with trout. Take 

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one of the two Bosberg Hiking Trails or the shorter Bestershoek Trail to see 

kudu, mountain zebra, blesbok, steenbok and duiker. 


Glen Avon Waterfall: Although prior permission is needed to visit this waterfall 

and the old Mill nearby, this spectacular 85-m-high waterfall is worth 

seeing. 

ST FRANCIS BAY 

St Francis Bay is approximately one hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth. The bay 

encompasses a large number of renowned and delightful holiday resorts such 

as Cape St Francis, St Francis Marina, with its characteristic white-walled, 

thatched buildings – even the shopping centre has a thatched roof - Jeffrey’s 

Bay and Cape Recife. 

This stretch of the Sunshine Coast can lay claim to warm summers and mild 

winters. The magnificent beaches offer safe bathing and ideal surfing 

conditions. Several nature reserves, a deep-water harbour and all the modern 

recreational amenities you can think of add to the attraction of this bay. 


Air flips and boat trips: These trips can be organised through local operators. 

- 69 -

Outdoor activities: There are various hiking trails, both coastal and inland to 

choose from, horse riding opportunities from St Francis Bay resort, as well as 

some well-organised hunting safaris. 

Shell collecting: Try the beaches of Second Bush, Seal Bay and Oyster Bay 

for shelling. 

Surfing: The surf break between the lighthouse and Seal Bay, known locally 

as ”Seals”, is an internationally renowned surfing spot. 

Water sport: Opportunities include swimming, surfing, fishing, water-skiing, 

scuba-diving, snorkelling, yachting, rubber-ducking, jet-skiing, canoeing and 

wind-surfing; all supported by excellent facilities. 


The Cape St Francis Nature Reserve: This reserve, which lies between Cape 

St Francis and St Francis Bay is a popular destination for game lovers and 

anglers. Whales, dolphins and the rare black oystercatcher are some of the 

reserve’s most sought-after inhabitants. 

Swan Colony: A familiar landmark in the St Francis Bay area is the spot just 

off Cape St Francis where the Cape Recife was wrecked in 1929. After a 

compassionate crewmember released a pair of swans that were on the ship, 

they both made it safely to shore and today, their offspring, now wild and free, 

congregate around the Seekoei River estuary. 


Seal Point: On the bay’s western-most extremity lies Seal Point with its 

cylindrical lighthouse, the tallest masonry lighthouse in the country and which 

is now a national monument. According to local fishermen it is the best place 

in the country to catch yellowtail. 

STEYTLERVILLE 

The Winterhoek Mountains form an imposing backdrop to the town of 

Steytlerville. The town is reached via a scenic pass with spekboom-covered 

slopes. Steytlerville started out as a Dutch Reformed rural community on the 

farm Doorspoort in 1876 and was named after the founder, the Reverend 

A Steytler. The lovely, tree-lined streets in the town were built wide enough to 

enable an ox-wagon to turn around. Farmers in the district produce mainly 

ostrich, merino and mohair products. 


Black Eagle Farm Holiday Route: For the ultimate outdoor experience follow 

this route that links several farms in the area and incorporates various 

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activities, such as hiking routes, game- and bird watching trails, 4x4 trails, 

fishing, horse riding and mountain bike trails. What more could you possibly ask fo 

Mountaineering: There are many challenging climbs demarcated in the 

mountains surrounding the town. 

Paragliding: Conditions in the vicinity are excellent for paragliding. 


Art Gallery: The town’s art gallery in Victoria Street is worth a visit. 


D’Ouwe Pastorie (Rectory): This charming rectory was built before the turn of 

the nineteenth century and is now a museum. 

Historic Farmhouse: A beautifully restored old farmhouse with yellowwood and 

stinkwood furniture may be visited by appointment only. Other restored items 

that are worth seeing include a Cape cart, stinkwood wagon and buggy. 

Home of AG Visser: Visit the home of the well-known Afrikaans poet, A G Visser. 

Implement Museum: An open-air implement museum is situated at the 

northern entrance to the town. 

Victorian architecture: The town guards its valuable heritage of Victorian 

architecture well. The Anglican Church with its beautiful stained-glass 

windows, a 1 500-seat Dutch Reformed Church and a Methodist Church dating 

back to 1891 are but some of the exquisite architectural examples to be found 

in the town. 

UITENHAGE 

The southern-most town of the Karoo heartland, Uitenhage lies at the foot of 

the Winterhoek Mountains, dominated by the distinctive peaks of the 

Cockscomb Mountains. The town has managed to successfully combine the 

attractive colonial beauty of its past with its industrial present. Uitenhage has 

several magnificent parks and educational museums. 

The town was established in 1804 when the Commissary-General of the 

Batavian Republic, Jacob Uitenhage de Mist, formed a magistracy on the 

banks of the Swartkops River. Today, many industries can be found in this 

attractive town, notably the automotive industry. 

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Hiking, mountaineering, kloofing: There are several opportunities in the area 

for various types of adventure activities, e.g. the Groendal Wilderness Area 

and the Uitenhage Nature Reserve. 

Springs Pleasure Resort: Situated in the centre of the Uitenhage Nature 

Reserve with its many walks and trails, this resort with its natural spring offers 

opportunities for relaxation in beautiful surroundings. 


Groendal Wilderness Area: The area is close by and encompasses all the 

unspoilt beauty of the indigenous plant- and wildlife of the mountains, forests 

and valleys. Various hiking trails traverse the area and there are also kloofing 

and mountaineering options to choose from. 

Parks: Uitenhage has two parks that are renowned for the richness of their 

plant life. Beautiful Magennis Park offers a profusion of dahlias, an aviary and 

an ornamental fountain and Strelitzia Park is home to a rich variety of species 

of bird and indigenous strelitzias. 

Uitenhage Nature Reserve: Hiking, bird watching and swimming are popular 

pastimes in the Uitenhage Nature Reserve. The nature reserve also has 

accommodation facilities. 


Cannon Hill Park Observation Tower: The observation tower was built to 

commemorate the coronation of King George VI. The elaborate main gate 

commemorates the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. 

Cuyler Manor Farm Museum: Cuyler Manor, once the residency of the first 

magistrate, is a beautifully preserved period house of the early nineteenth 

century that belonged to the Cuyler family. The museum features a watermill, 

herb garden and mohair farm. Take tea at the restaurant and watch 

demonstrations of various old-style farming activities. The annual Prickly Pear 

Festival is held here. 

Historical Buildings: The Dutch Reformed Church was built in 1843 in a 

striking classical style and the elegant Town Hall finished in 1892. Both have 

been declared national monuments. Other buildings and places of 

architectural interest include, Centenary Square, the Victoria Tower, Heugh 

Slave House, Scheeper’s House (the town was established on Gert 

Scheepers’ farm, which Uitenhage de Mist purchased), and the old Riebeeck 

College. 

Old Drostdy: For a taste of both the old and the new, come and take a look at 

the collection of Volkswagen cars on exhibition behind the graceful, gabled 

- 72 -

façade of the Old Drostdy. The Volkswagen Museum focuses on the history of 

the automotive industry and the Africana Museum depicts the town’s history. 

Railway Museum: The old Railway Station, reputed to be the oldest in South 

Africa, resembles an intricate Victorian Dolls’ House and is now a museum. It 

houses exhibits on the town’s rail transport history and its displays include 

vintage steam trains and period furniture. 

War Memorials: Memorials include the Cenotaph, Garden of Remembrance, 

Cannon Hill, and the Anglo-Boer Memorial drinking fountain. 

WILLOWMORE 

The town, situated at the western entrance to the famous Baviaanskloof 

Nature Reserve, was established in 1864 on the farm “The Willows”. The 

name of the town is derived from the name of the farm and the name of the 

previous owner, William Moore. After the establishment of a church a 

magisterial district was proclaimed in 1874. Today, Willowmore is one of the 

main lucerne-, wool- and mohair-farming centres in the flood plains of the Groot, 

Tarka and Kariega Rivers. Vegetable seeds are also cultivated and produced 

here. 

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Hiking: Beervlei Dam: The dam is situated 27km out of town and the 

surrounding area has hiking trails, picnic spots and other sport facilities. 


New plant species: Around the year 1900, Rudolf Marloth discovered several 

previously-unrecorded species of plants in the area. These species are part of 

the Karoo vegetation and grow undisturbed on Aasvoëlberg, north of 

Willowmore. 

N9 Camdeboo/Sneeuberg Tourist Route: The route starts in Willowmore and 

passes through some lovely countryside, through Aberdeen, Graaff-Reinet, 

Nieu Bethesda and on to Middelburg. 


Architecture: The town has many beautiful and elegant old Victorian and 

Edwardian buildings and houses. 

UKHAHLAMBA (NORTHERN) REGION 

Eastern Cape Tourism Board (Northern Region) 

Street address: 97 Somerset Street, Aliwal North, 9750 

Postal address: PO Box 198, Aliwal North, 9750 

Tel: +27 (0) 51 633 3567 

E-mail: ectban@intekom.co.za 

Website: www.ecotourism.co.za 

The Northern Region of the Eastern Cape is markedly different from the rest 

of the province. As the rivers of the Great Escarpment flow down to the Indian 

Ocean, the lands of the northern region rise towards the plateau. The area is 

characterised by semi-arid Karoo plains to the south and the wetlands of the 

Wild Coast to the east and beyond them, a mountainous area of spectacular, 

rugged peaks and troughs alternating with smooth grassy slopes and valleys. 

The position of the Northern Region, in relation to the Free State Province and 

Lesotho in the north, has caused unique historical events to take place in the 

area. In the early 19 th century “trekboere” (migrant farmers) from other parts of 

the Cape moved into these northern areas because of differences with the 

British government of the Cape Colony and because of continuing unrest and 

wars on the Eastern Cape Frontier. The towns they established on their 

journey all have very “Afrikaans” (the language spoken by the trekboere) 

names, such as Burgersdorp, Venterstad, and Steynsburg; a legacy of their 

“Great Trek” (migration) to the interior of the country. 

- 74 -

The primary economic activity of this area is agriculture, livestock farming 

(mainly cattle, sheep and goats) and crop production (mainly maize, wheat 

and potatoes). The area is also one of the largest wool producers in Southern 

Africa. The large Gariep Dam is the main generous source of water that 

sustains farming activities in the area. Visitors to this region can enjoy troutfishing, 

bird-watching, hiking, hunting and viewing fascinating San rock art and 

recently-discovered fossils. The area has the added distinction of being the 

only place in South Africa that can offer snow-skiing! 

This region falls under the Ukhahlamba and Chris Hani District Municipalities 

and is divided into four magisterial areas/districts: Gariep, an area that 

encompasses the Gariep Dam, Oviston Nature Reserve and Berg Game 

Reserve and towns such as Venterstad, Steynsburg and Burgersdorp; 

Maletswai, an area that incorporates Aliwal North with its hot-water spa and 

holiday resorts, Buffelspoort Game Reserve and Jamestown; Senqu, an area 

that includes the Witteberg Mission and the birthplace of renowned South 

African author, Olive Schreiner, Holo Hlahatsi Dam, towns such as Lady Grey 

and Barkly East, the “Switzerland of South Africa”, and Elundini, an area 

renowned for its excellent examples of dinosaur footprints and San rock art. 

Other towns in the region include Cradock, Middelburg, Elliot, Tarkastad, 

Queenstown and Molteno. 

ALIWAL NORTH 

In 1849 Aliwal North was established as an administrative centre for the 

recently annexed territory north of the Stormberg Mountains. It was named for 

the town of Aliwal in India, the scene of a great victory over the Sikhs two 

years earlier by Sir Harry Smith, the Governor of the Cape Colony. The town 

was built around a strategic fort used by both the San and the “Boers”. It was 

later upgraded and today serves as a service and educational centre for a 

2 000 square kilometre wool-, maize- and wheat-production area. The town is 

famous for its hot springs and is a popular inland holiday resort. 


Canoeing, fishing, hiking, mountaineering and river-rafting: There are several 

opportunities for these activities in the area. 


San Rock Art at Kalkoenkrans: This site in the Aliwal North/Jamestown region 

has been declared a national monument because of the level, variety and 

standard of the artwork displayed. The famous “White Lady of Kalkoenkrans”, 

discovered in 1967, is part of this fresco of rock art. 

San Rock Art at Sterkstroom: The rock art site on the farm, Sterkstroom, north 

of the town, is well protected and is noted for its vivid colours. 

- 75 -

San Rock Art at Thaba Nkulu: There are various rock art sites here with a 

wide variety of paintings depicting the usual variety of people and animals. An 

unusual feature found here are the depictions of what is believed to be the 

San people’s rain god. 


Aliwal Spa Holiday Resort: The resort was established around a series of 

mineral springs that produce water at temperatures of around 34 degrees 

Celsius. People come from all over the world to soak away their aches and 

pains in the healing “triple” waters – water with an equal concentration of 

chlorides, sulphates and carbohydrates. The resort offers a variety of indoor 

and outdoor pools, comfortable accommodation, a conference centre and 

various outdoor activities. 

The “Islands”: An extension of the spa, The Islands is situated in a lakeside 

environment that offers visitors a wide variety of water sport and other 

recreational activities. 


Buffelspruit Nature Reserve: Hundreds of antelopes and buffaloes, roam the 

1 300-ha Buffelspruit Nature Reserve, on the banks of the Kraai River. The 

reserve keeps many of the antelope as breeding stock. Many species of 

waterfowl and other birds have found a home here. 

HISTORY AND ARCHTECTURE 

The Aliwal North Museum Complex: The complex comprises two buildings: 

the old Dutch Reformed Church dating back to 1864 and the Library Building 

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in Smith Street that dates back to 1876. The complex covers the local history 

of the area with exhibits and collections featuring many different themes. The 

museum also has a fine collection of flints and stone tools used by the early 

San inhabitants as well as some bows, arrows and quivers. 

British Blockhouse: Three blockhouses built in 1901 during the Anglo-Boer 

War, stand guard just outside the town. 

Concentration Camp Garden and Garden of Remembrance: The garden was 

designed as a memorial to the women and children who died in the Anglo- 

Boer War Concentration Camp that was established outside the town, as well 

as to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the Anglo-Boer War. 

De Leon Park: The stately De Leon Park was named after Juana Maria de los 

Dolores de Leon, the Spanish-born wife of Sir Harry Smith, the Governor of 

the Cape at the time. 

Historic buildings: The Roman Catholic Church and St Paul’s Church offer a 

glimpse of the architectural style of an earlier time. 

Kraai River Bridge: Before the Frere Bridge was built in 1880 a pontoon was 

used to ferry people across the river. This bridge has since been demolished 

but its stone buttress can still be seen next to the new Hertzog Bridge. 

BARKLY EAST 

Barkly East, the “Switzerland of South Africa”, lies on the edge of the Kraai 

River Gorge in the Drakensberg. This town, one of the coldest and highest in 

South Africa, is surrounded by the Witteberge (White Mountains) where some 

of the peaks rise to as high as 3 000 m. The town was established on the farm 

Rocky Park in 1874 and named after the then Governor of the Cape Colony, 

Sir Henry Barkly. A unique railway line, with such steep gradients that trains 

are forced to make eight reverses, links the town with Lady Grey. 

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Balloch Garden Cottage: Balloch offers guided rock art and birding tours. 

Burnbrae Mountain Hideaway: Burnbrae offers a five-hour hiking trail to six rock 

shelters, five of which have San rock paintings. 

4x4, hunting, hiking: Opportunities for 4x4 trips, hunting, hiking, mountain- 

biking, camping and playing golf, abound in the area. 

Hiking: A number of trails, mostly on private property, traversing the valleys 

and slopes of the southern Drakensberg Mountains, have been established in 

the area. 

Snow-skiing: During winter, eager ski enthusiasts rush to the slopes of nearby 

Ben MacDhui Peak that soars to a height of 3 001 metres above sea level. 

Trout-fishing: The cool, clear waters of Langkloofspruit offer superb conditions 

for trout-fishing and pheasant-hunting along the banks. The annual Trout 

Festival, held in March, attracts fishermen from all over the country. 


San rock art: The San used many of the caves in the district, such as the 

renowned Septon Cave, as their art galleries. 

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San rock art at Dinorbin: The farm Dinorbin, situated just above Barkly Pass, 

in the Cape Drakensberg Mountain Range, is the site of the longest San 

painting yet discovered, a panel extending horizontally for about 30 m, 

covered in paintings of antelope and human figures. 


Nkululeko Township Tours: Several tour operators take visitors on guided 

tours of the Nkululeko Township, where traditional dancers entertain them and 

Xhosa ladies in traditional dress serve a traditional lunch. A visit to a local 

shebeen is included in the tour. Visitors are also introduced to the local 

Sinenjongo Cultural Crafts Project, a community-based project aimed at 

providing skills-training for rural, unemployed women. Lovely, local crafts and 

beadwork are on sale. 


Barkly East Museum: The displays in the museum focus on the town’s history 

and include such topics as the effects of the railway and of the two World 

Wars on the town and its people. 

Steam Locomotive: The town square has become the final resting place for 

one of the last Class 19D steam locomotive giants that once traversed the 

Kraai River Gorge. 

BURGERSDORP 

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Burgersdorp, situated in the northern foothills of the Stormberg Mountain 

Range, was established in 1846 as a new parish of the Dutch Reformed 

Church of Graaff-Reinet. The parishioners called their new village 

Burgersdorp (“Citizens’ Village”) and administered their town according to their 

own solidly, conservative views based on biblical doctrine. It was therefore a 

logical next step for the town to become the site of the country’s first 

breakaway Reformed Theological Seminary, an early forerunner of the 

University of Potchefstroom. This institution played a major role in the struggle 

for the recognition of Afrikaans as an official language in South Africa. The 

Seminary has since been declared a national monument. 


Kroonvlei: Situated 40 km from Burgersdorp, this private mountain resort is 

deeply ensconced in the beautiful Stormberg Mountains. Adventure trails, tennis 

courts, chalets and indoor barbecuing facilities are some of its attractions. 

Stormberg: Contact Stormberg regarding bird watching and hunting 

opportunities as well as comfortable accommodation. 


San rock art at Kapokkraal: There are interesting, well-preserved pictures at 

this site as well as evidence of some of the artist’s palettes; see the place 

where they mixed their colours. An added bonus is that plant fossils can also 

be seen in the area. 

San rock art at Leliekloof Farm: Visitors can hike to several San rock art sites 

on this farm, situated between Burgersdorp and Jamestown. Other sites in the 

vicinity feature ancient plant fossils. 


Die Berg Nature and Game Reserve: The main attractions of this 500-ha 

reserve situated on the outskirts of the town, are its attractive surroundings 

against the backdrop of the Dorpsberg Mountain and the many antelopes, 

zebras and other small mammals that are found here. 


Afrikaans Language Monument: The monument commemorates creation of 

the Afrikaans language. The British stole the original monument during the 

Anglo-Boer War. After it was recovered it was placed in the town square. A 

replica made after the theft now stands in the library. 

Burgerdorp’s main church: Take time to view this magnificent-dressed 

sandstone building with its impressive steeple and clock tower, beautiful 

stained-glass rose windows and large silver dome and cupola. 

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Historic sites trail: Follow this 2-km walking trail through the town that leads to 

all the town’s many cultural and historical treasures. It is well worth the effort. 

Museum Complex and Parsonage: In 1898, a new parsonage, in an adapted 

Victorian style, was built for Professor J Lion Cachet. Today, it is the main 

building of the Museum Complex and houses impressive collections of 

weapons and period clothing, a pioneer’s kitchen, language room, lecture 

room and the Postma/Cachet Chamber. The Coetzee House was built in 1847 

and houses the technological room, Xhosa and Voortrekker Room as well as a 

library with a rare collection of Africana and Bibles. De Bruin House, built in 

1847, a typical Karoo design with cow-dung floors and reed ceilings, is also 

part of the complex. Period farm implements, wagons and carts are exhibited 

under the lean-tos. 

Old Gaol: Built in 1861, the old gaol is best remembered as the place where 

Piet Klopper, one of the first Boer “rebels” in the Cape Colony, was executed. 

Reformed Theological Seminary: On 11 November 1869, the outside building 

of Prof Dirk Postma’s parsonage was opened as the Reformed Theological 

Seminary. Prof Postma was the first lecturer and Prof J Lion Cachet the 

second. The building was used as seminary until the end of 1904 when the 

seminary was transferred to Potchefstroom. The present Potchefstroom 

University developed from this institution. 

Sentinel: Battle of Stormberg: A large number of Boers lost their lives at the 

Battle of Stormberg during the Anglo-Boer War. This British blockhouse is 

another reminder of the hardships endured during this tragic war. 

Victoria Jubilee Fountain: The fountain is one of only five similar fountains in 

the world, erected to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. 

CACADU (LADY FRERE) 

Originally named after the wife of Sir Henry Bartle Frere, the then Governor of 

the Cape, the town’s name was changed to “Cacadu”, name of a nearby river, 

after the town was incorporated into the now defunct Homeland of Ciskei. 

Cacadu (Lady Frere) serves as the centre for the Glen Grey farming district. 

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Dubeni San rock art site: The Dubeni rock art site is situated approximately 

50 km south-west of town in a lovely scenic setting above a waterfall and 

features two paintings of mostly eland buck. 

Cumakala San rock art site: This rock art site is situated in a cave on a hill 

called Kukere, about 4 km from the Yona Secondary School and about 11 km 

north-west of Cacadu (Lady Frere). The paintings depict eland with San 

hunters and other figures. Contact the Emalahleni District Municipality for 

more information or a guide. 

Esikhwangeni San rock art site: The site lies approximately 22 km south of 

Cacadu (Lady Frere) at Esweni, a few metres above the Cacadu River. This 

very interesting rock art site features what looks like a camel, a bull and a man 

riding a horse. Contact the Emalahleni District Municipality for more 

information. 

KuDaliwe San rock art site: KuDaliwe has two rock art sites at kuBengu 

village, near the Nogogo River and approximately 76 km east of Cacadu (Lady 

Frere) on the route to Qamata Great Place. The paintings cover a 20-m-long 

rock shelf and are very well preserved. 

Qolombeni San rock art site: This site is situated in a cave near Lamuni 

Village, 25 km from Cacadu (Lady Frere) on the route to Indwe. The rock art 

site consists of a 30-m fresco of paintings. Viewing by appointment only. 

Contact the Emalahleni District Municipality for more information. 


Historical buildings: The Dutch Reformed, Anglican and Methodist churches 

and old prison building offer visitors a glimpse of the building styles of 

yesteryear. 


Glen Grey Falls: The impressive, 400-m-high Glen Grey Falls are worth a 

visit. 

CRADOCK 

Cradock, the “Capital of the Midlands”, was founded in 1814, on the farm 

Buffelskloof. It was named after Sir John Cradock, who, realising the need 

to establish two new frontier strongholds, chose the site where 

Grahamstown stands today as the eastern frontier stronghold and the site 

where Cradock stands today as the western frontier stronghold. Today, 

Cradock serves as an important agricultural centre in this mohair-, lucerne-, 

dairy- and fruit-farming area. 

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Golf: Enjoy a quick round of golf on Cradock’s nine-hole golf course. 

Fish River Canoe Marathon: Cradock is a popular destination for canoeing 

and-white-water-rafting enthusiasts. Every October, the famous Fish River 

Canoe Marathon attracts large crowds to watch the best canoeists in South 

Africa. The Marathon starts at Lake Arthur and Grassridge Dam. 

Hiking: Various hiking trails traverse the two reserves in the area, the 

Commando Drift Reserve and the Mountain Zebra Park. The shorter Bushman 

Trail and the 10-km Cradock Spa Hiking Trail offer slightly less strenuous 

alternatives. 

Water sport: The Commando Drift Dam in the Commando Drift Nature 

Reserve allows swimming, angling and boating. 


San rock art: The Mountain Zebra National Park’s protected heritage includes 

several San rock art sites. 


Cradock Mineral Spa: Relax in the healing, so-called “triple” mineral waters – 

water containing equal concentrations of chlorides, sulphates and 

bicarbonates. The resort has both indoor and outdoor pools to swim in. 

“Die Tuishuise”: For a night to remember, bed down for the night in one of the 

delightful, restored cottages in Market Street and experience true Karoo 

hospitality and cuisine. 

Shopping: Do not leave Cradock before purchasing a mohair carpet or jersey 

and a model windmill or car made of wire, all locally manufactured. 


Congregational Church: This church, a national monument, was originally built 

for the Reverend Robert Taylor. After renovations, the new pulpit was built 

directly over his tomb. 

Cultural History Museum: Within the Mountain Zebra National Park lies a 

Cultural History Museum that covers the history of the pioneers in great detail. 

Doornhoek House Museum: Another interesting feature of the Mountain Zebra 

National Park is the historic Doornhoek House Museum, a house of major 

importance in European Karoo history. 

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Dutch Reformed Church: The first pastor of the parish had the church built in 

the same style as the St Martin’s-in-the-Field Church in London, in an effort to 

make his English-born wife feel more at home. 

Grave of Reginald Koettlitz: Koettlitz was a member of Robert Scott’s ill-fated 

Antarctic expedition of 1912 and his grave is one of Cradock’s major 

attractions. 

Great Fish River Cultural History Museum: The museum is housed in the 

second Dutch Reformed Church and depicts the typical settler lifestyle of 

1806, time of the second British occupation of the Cape. 

Local library: The library houses some of the works by Olive Schreiner as well 

as a first edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica. 

Olive Schreiner House: Olive Schreiner, one of South Africa’s most revered 

writers, the author of “The Story of an African Farm”, lived a solitary existence 

in this house, built in typical Karoo architectural style. You can also visit her 

grave, a three to four-hour hike to the summit of Buffelskop Mountain. 


Commando Drift Nature Reserve: The reserve is situated 60 km north of 

Cradock on the Tarkastad road. The Commando Drift Dam is situated within 

its borders, This 6 000 ha reserve, a mixture of grassveld and Karoo veld, is 

home to the endangered mountain zebra, blesbok, red hartebeest and 

springbok as well as about 200 species of birds. Swimming, boating and angling 

are allowed in the dam and the reserve also has a 28-km endurance hiking trail, 

a circular hike through the reserve. 

Great Fish River Reserve Complex: This vast 45 000-ha conservation area 

incorporates the Andries Vosloo, Sam Knott and Double Drift Nature 

Reserves. The river cuts through kilometres of pristine valley thicket where 

large game animals, such as rhinoceros, buffaloes, hippopotami and kudu 

roam. Waterfowl and game can be observed from the hide at the edge of a 

seasonal water pan. There are several forts, such as Fort Double Drift and 

Botha’s Post Fort, signalling towers, barracks and graves of historic interest in 

the reserve complex, a legacy of the Frontier Wars. Hunting is allowed in 

specially zoned areas. 

Mountain Zebra National Park: The mountains and narrow valleys of the 

Mountain Zebra National Park are home to the mountain zebra, one of the 

world’s most endangered species. The 6 400-ha park was set up in 1937 

specifically to protect the mountain zebra. Initially there were only six zebra, 

but the present population has grown to over 200. The park is dominated by 

the 2 012-m-high Bankberg and is covered with attractive trees, a large variety 

of aloes and flowering shrubs. A rich store of archaeological sites can be 

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found throughout the park, including prime examples of San rock art. A 

Cultural History Museum and the Doornhoek House Museum are also found 

within the confines of the park. 

Oak Trees: Cradock’s streets are adorned with the distinctive ilex oak trees. 

Those on Dundas Street have been declared national monuments. The oak 

tree near the supermarket is believed to be one of the world’s biggest trees. 

Van Riebeeck Karoo Garden: A large collection of typical indigenous Karoo 

shrubs and succulents grows in the Van Riebeeck Karoo Garden. 

DORDRECHT 

The picturesque little town of Dordrecht was established in 1856 as a Dutch 

Reformed parish and named after the town of the same name in the 

Netherlands. During the Anglo-Boer War, burghers from the Free State 

annexed the town and declared it part of the Free State. However, after the 

war it was reintegrated into the Eastern Cape. 

ADVENTUR AND SPORT 

Kranskop Hiking Trail: The trail starts on the farm Gelegenfontein, near 

Dordrecht. It consists of a steep route up to the Kranskop Mountain with the 

added attraction of sleeping over in a cave on the mountain. The second leg 

of the hike includes a stop-over and lunch at the farm Waterval and then back 

to Gelegenfontein via steep and narrow kloofs. The Dutch Reformed Church 

Museum is situated on this route. 


San Rock Art: San rock art adorns many sites in Dordrecht Kloof and the other 

wooded ravines of the area. Visits to sites on private farms are by 

appointment only. To prepare yourself for the real site visits, first visit the 

Anderson Museum in the town for a photographic overview of all the sites in 

the area. 

San rock art at Clarksdale: At Clarksdale, just off the road to Molteno, the San 

rock painting depicts a man holding a fish, supposedly given to him by the rain 

animals. 

San rock art at Greenvale: Greenvale farm is situated approximately 10km 

from Dordrecht on the R56 road to Indwe. The rock art site is in a 10-m-wide 

cave and features well-preserved pictures of animals and the rain dance. 

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Anderson Museum: Established in an old shop that was erected in 1903, the 

Anderson Museum features exhibits dealing with the history of the town. Every 

exhibit has a story of its own to tell, for example, the signpost pointing the way 

to Napoleon’s grave on the island of St Helena now resides in the museum. 

Many Boer soldiers were kept in prison camps on the island during the Anglo- 

Boer War and one can only assume that a Boer prisoner of war brought the 

signpost back with him. The rock art exhibit shows photographs of all the rock 

art sites in the area and the museum also offers guided site tours on request. 

Burgher Statue: The Burgher Statue, in front of the town’s Dutch Reformed 

Church, is a monument to the Boer victims and casualties of the Anglo-Boer 

War. 

Historical buildings: The town is blessed with some beautiful architectural 

specimens, reflecting the different periods of its history. The Dutch Reformed, 

Anglican and Presbyterian churches all date back to around 1880. 

ELLIOT 

Stunning views of the Drakensberg Mountain Range await visitors to this small 

village. The village was named after a previous Chief Magistrate of 

Tembuland, Sir Henry Elliot who was revered as a kind man with a unique 

ability to reason with antagonists and defuse potentially explosive situations. 

The most important agricultural product of the area, mushrooms, is 

incorporated in the town’s coat-of-arms. 


Ekowa Hiking Trail: This well-marked, three-day trail passes through farmland, 

Protea woodland, Dohne Sourveld vegetation and patches of indigenous 

forest and up into the towering Drakensberg Mountains. The name of the trail 

is derived from the Xhosa word, “ekowa” that refers to the field mushrooms 

that grow so abundantly in this area. However, this trail is not for the 

faint-hearted. It is classed as one of the ten most rigorous hiking trails in the 

country because of the alarmingly sheer cliffs and steep gradients that need to 

be negotiated on the way up. The trail passes Gatberg, a well-known 

landmark in the area. 

Golf: The town boasts a nine-hole golf course in the shadow of the “Berg”. 

Water sport: Water sport facilities and picnic spots are available at Thompson 

Dam. 

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San Rock Art: One of the country’s longest galleries of San paintings can be 

found on the farm Dinorbin, between Elliot and Barkly East. 


Thompson Dam Nature Reserve: Both a nature reserve and a holiday resort, 

Thompson Dam lies on the banks of the Slang (“Snake”) River. Visitors will 

particularly enjoy the breathtaking views of the Drakensberg Mountain Range. 


The Gilliecullem Falls: This 80-m waterfall where the Slang River tumbles over 

the cliffs, is a truly stupendous sight. Follow the hiking trail that links the top 

and the bottom of the falls. 

Rock formations: The imposing mountain scenery in this area includes rock 

formations with such imaginative names as “The Pillars” and “Giant’s Castle”. 

HOFMEYR 

Originally called Maraisburg, this town was established in 1873 and renamed 

after Jan Hofmeyr, a linguist and champion of the Afrikaans language. 

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Anglo-Boer War Memorial: The memorial commemorates the Boers who died 

in the Anglo-Boer War. 

Dutch Reformed Church: The pillars and portico of the church are similar to 

those of the church in Cradock. Before it was installed in the Dutch Reformed 

Church, the pulpit was used at the christening of Paul Kruger, the last 

president of the Transvaal Republic (South African Republic). 

Historical buildings: Several old buildings have been preserved in the town. 

Hofmeyr Museum: Learn more about the history of the town at the Hofmeyr 

Museum, in itself an interesting old building. 

INDWE 

Indwe is the Xhosa word for blue crane, the graceful birds that have made the 

area around this town their home. The town lies at the foot of the picturesque 

Stormberg Mountains. Dairy and sheep farming is the mainstay of the area. 


Water sport: The Doornrivier Dam is a popular venue for outdoor enthusiasts 

who enjoy fishing, boating, bird watching and camping. The resort also offers 

igloo accommodation, conference and barbecue facilities. 

JAMESTOWN 

This town was established in 1874 on the farm of one Johannes Jacobus 

Wagenaar, fondly referred to as “James”, by his English friends. And, it is by 

this nickname that the new town, situated on the banks of the Skulpspruit, 

eventually became known. The primary activities of the area are wheat and 

wool farming. 


San rock art at Buffelsfontein: Situated some 33 km south of Jamestown on 

the N6 National Route to Queenstown, “the Friendly Route”, the Buffelsfontein 

site is exceptionally long and has very distinctive paintings. 

San rock art at Eldorado: The farm is near Jamestown, approximately 6 km off 

the friendly N6 and the site consists of a large fresco of San rock paintings. 

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Dutch Reformed Church: The stately sandstone Dutch Reformed Church is a 

landmark in the town. 

Louw Wepener Plaque: The plaque marks the area where the Anglo-Boer War 

hero, Louw Wepener, once farmed. 

LADY GREY 

Lady Grey, “the Village in the Mountains” lies tucked away in a valley below 

the Witteberg Mountains. The town was established in 1858, by the Dutch 

Reformed Church and named after the wife of Sir George Grey, Governor of 

the Cape Colony. A trip along Joubert Pass, the country’s third highest pass, 

affords magnificent views of the woods, the river and the majestic mountains. 

ADVENTURE TOURISM 

Fishing, 4x4, hunting, mountaineering: Abseiling, mountain climbing, mountain 

biking, 4x4 trails, fly- and trout-fishing and hunting are all popular activities in 

the area. 

Lammergeier Hiking Trail: This 60-km circular route through the Witteberg 

Mountains takes three days to complete and follows the route used by horse- 

and donkey-trading caravans from Lesotho. The first overnight stop is at the 

top of a magnificent valley near the border. On the second day the trail passes 

mountain streams, waterfalls and valleys to Burnet Farm House. From here 

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hikers have the choice of following one of the two shorter routes back to the 

base camp or the longer, more scenic route back to Lady Grey. 

Sethunzini Hiking and Horse Riding Trail: This 60-km guided trail joins the 

Lammergeier Trail but has its own spectacular scenery and attractions, such 

as the impressive Karringmelk Canyon, San rock paintings and waterfalls. 

Accommodation on the trail is very comfortable and trails vary from 

weekender to three-day/four-night or four-day/three-night trails. 

Wartrail Mountain Trail: Take the three-day backpacking trail through the 

mountains in the Lady Grey district or the one-day Rock Art Trail, with an 

overnight stop in the Septon Ancestral Cave. 


Fossils: The area around Lady Grey has rich fossil beds and many San rock 

art sites, mostly on private farms. 

San rock art at Bultfontein: Hike or drive to this site with paintings depicting 

rhino, eland, reebok, baboon and a ”man” with a fish head. 

San rock art at Eastern Cape Mountain Safaris: Situated on an active sheep 

and cattle farm stocked with game, the various sites mainly depict eland. 

San rock art at Lammermoor: View this well-preserved site with its San 

pictures of elephants and reebok. 


The Old Gaol: For accommodation with a difference spend the night “behind 

bars” at the uniquely restored old gaol. 

The Steam Train Reverses: For a unique ride, board the old steam train 

huffing and puffing its way on the “reverse” railway branch line between Lady 

Grey and Barkly East. Shake your head in wonder at the tunnel built for a 

bridge that was never erected and pass by several stone arch bridges. Above 

all, do not be surprised when the train has to reverse down some of the 

steeper mountain slopes. 


Aloe Nature Reserve: Follow the trail through the reserve to study these 

unique succulents from close up. 

Karringmelk Cape Vulture Sanctuary: This sanctuary was established to 

conserve the endangered Cape vulture. Take time to visit this reserve and 

see for yourself why vultures are such fascinating birds. 

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Lady Grey Dam and Nature Reserve: Follow the lovely scenic drive 

meandering through the forested areas east of the town to reach the two 

reservoirs situated at the head of a pretty gorge. This is a popular venue for 

picnics, swimming and trout-fishing. 

Lammergeier Private Nature Reserve: The Lammergeier Reserve is a 

holistically-managed 800 ha private reserve in the Witteberge. The 

endangered lammergeier (bearded vulture) has given the reserve its name 

and shares the skies with the majestic black eagle and the Cape vulture. 

Other popular attractions include the beautiful wild flowers in the reserve, the 

game and other species of birds. Adventure opportunities such as trout- 

fishing, hiking, mountain biking, tubing and swimming, as well as 4x4 trails are 

on offer. 


Anglo-Boer War sites: Several Anglo-Boer War battles were fought in the area 

and these sites can be visited. 

"Footsteps into the Past” Trail: This interesting trail leads visitors past all the 

town’s historic sites. 

Old Water Mill: The mill dates back to the time when the town was first 

established. Several hand pumps and furrows can be seen. 

Powder Magazine: See the old powder magazine, used during the Anglo-Boer 

War, at the town’s Show Grounds. 

MACLEAR (including Ugie) 

In 1876, Thomas Maclear, Astronomer Royal at the Cape, established a 

settlement in the valley of the Mooi River, beneath the rocky cliffs of the 

Drakensberg Mountain Range. The town soon became the main centre of this 

2 500-square km sheep- and dairy-farming area. From Maclear a winding dirt 

road snakes its way up the highest road pass in South Africa, Naude’s Nek, 

which, in places, reaches an altitude of 2 920 m and is often blocked by 

snow in winter. A memorial to the Naude brothers who built the pass using 

picks, shovels and a horse-drawn cart, was erected at the Rhodes side of the 

bottom of the pass. 

South of Maclear lies the small town of Ugie, founded in 1863 by the 

Reverend William Murray and named after the Ugie River in Scotland. Ugie is 

situated on the banks of the willow-lined Inxu River beneath the sandstone 

cliffs of the southern Drakensberg Mountain Range. The impressive “Gatberg” 

peak (”Hole Mountain”) lies north of the road between Ugie and Maclear. 

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Local inhabitants sometimes refer to this area as Nkapaailand after the Bhaca 

chief, Ncapayi who once ruled here. 


Fishing: All forms of fishing, especially trout-, fly- and coarse-fishing can be 

indulged in, in the crystal-clear streams and rivers of this mountainous area. 

Prentjiesberg (Picture Mountain) Hiking Trail: The 1-to-4-day Prentjiesberg 

Hiking Trail lies north-west of Ugie and meanders through some 3 100 ha of 

spectacular mountain area. Named after the many San rock art sites 

(“prentjies”) along the escarpment, this 50-km trail offers breathtaking vistas 

and woodland covered in proteas (wild flowers). 

Skiing: Skiing is possible along the southern slopes of the Drakensberg 

Mountains during the winter months from May to August. 

Woodcliff Cave Hiking Trail: On offer is a choice of one-to-five-day trails from 

the farm Woodcliff in the picturesque Joëlshoek Valley, approximately 22km 

from Maclear. Overnight accommodation includes various sheltered caves 

(weather permitting) or one of three stone cottages along the way. The trail 

meanders through the grass-covered slopes of the Drakensberg foothills. 


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Three characteristic aspects of San rock art, i.e. idiosyncratic images, 

paintings of colonists and significantly differentiated human figures, are all 

represented in the rock art of the Maclear/Ugie area. 

Dinosaur footprints: One of the most excellent examples of dinosaur tracks 

can be found on Oakleigh Farm, north of Maclear. The eight tracks on this 

farm are believed to be at least 200 million years old and are the earliest 

evidence of the existence of dinosaurs in Southern Africa. 

San rock art at Chamisso: One of the best San rock art sites in the area is 

situated at Chamisso, on Mondi’s, (North-East Cape Forests) land. A 4x4 

vehicle is needed to reach the site. The paintings are mostly of eland 

antelope. 

San rock art at Craigmore: The images at the Craigmore site on the 

Prentjiesberg Hiking Trail have definite supernatural meanings, an aspect 

characteristic of San art. 

San rock art at Rainbow Retreat: Situated near Ugie, Rainbow Retreat offers a 

scenic walk to the site of the rock paintings and the dinosaur footprint close 

by. 

San rock art at Woodcliff trails: Visit a large painted rock art site and pass on 

to a second site with fewer paintings but with accommodation facilities. 


Gatberg: Wind erosion has created a large hole at the summit of the mountain 

called Gatberg (“Hole Mountain”), situated south-west of Maclear. 

MIDDELBURG 

The name of this strategically-placed Karoo town means “town in the middle”. 

It was established in 1852 in the middle of the area created by the towns of 

Graaff-Reinet, Cradock, Steynsburg, Colesberg and Richmond. Like many 

other towns in the area, it was also founded as a result of the need for a new 

Dutch Reformed community. The town’s uniqueness lies in the fact that, 

despite its position in the semi-desert, no water restrictions have ever had to 

be imposed. The rich supply of borehole water has created a permanent oasis 

where vegetation flourishes. 


Hiking: Several well-known hiking trails have been mapped through the 

splendid Upper Karoo scenery. The keen hiker can choose from the 

Kompasberg, Ventershoek and Trans-Karoo Trails. For more information 

contact the Middelburg Municipal Offices. 

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Hunting: Hunting is allowed on some of the farms in the area. 

Mountaineering: Most mountaineers cannot resist an attempt on Kompasberg, 

at 2 502 m, the highest peak in the Great Karoo. 


Self-drive Merino Tourism Route: Travel via Middelburg to Cradock, main 

centre of the Karoo Midlands and in close proximity to the Mountain Zebra 

National Park and onwards to Port Elizabeth, passing Cookhouse and the 

historic hamlet of Middleton, just off the main road. An alternative route starts 

in Middelburg, goes on to Cradock and Bedford, to Grahamstown, and Port 

Alfred and the Sunshine Coast. 


Historical Buildings: De Waal House is an excellent example of typical Karoo 

architecture. The house belonged to former attorney, local peacekeeper and 

mayor, Sir Nicholas de Waal. Other buildings of historic architectural value 

include the Gereformeerde Kerk (Reformed Church), Karoo House and the 

Ford Building. 

Burger Monument: This monument was built in memory of local Anglo-Boer 

War victims and is situated in the Mayor’s garden. 

Chair Monument: During the Anglo-Boer War, Boer commandants were 

executed at the spot where the Chair Monument was erected in Richmond 

Road, just outside town. 

Grootfontein College of Agriculture: The college is a highly-acclaimed 

institution where students are trained as sheep farmers. The college features 

many historical buildings on its campus, including a museum with historical, 

military and agricultural exhibits. 

Market Square: Visit Market Square, in the centre of town, and see the old 

water pump that was presented to the town in 1887 by Queen Victoria to 

commemorate her Golden Jubilee, as well as the Burger Monument and the 

Wall of Remembrance. 

Middelburg Cultural History Museum: Exhibits in the Middelburg Cultural 

History Museum depict the early Karoo lifestyle. It also includes memorabilia 

of famous residents of the town, such as playwright Athol Fugard. 

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MOLTENO 

Established on the farm Onverwacht, this town was named after the then 

Prime Minister of the Cape, Sir John Molteno, and for some time, was a major 

coal-mining area. However, when richer coal seams were found in KwaZulu- 

Natal and the then Transvaal Province, mining activities stopped and the town 

soon lost most of its inhabitants. It eventually recovered, thanks to the good, 

old-fashioned, cooking skills of one of the local inhabitants, Aunty Nannie 

Greyvenstein, and her home-baked rusks. Today, most of South Africa’s 

rusks, potato crisps and savoury biscuits are produced in this town. Merino 

sheep farming is the other main economic activity of the area. 


Water sport: Locals flock to the 7-km-long dam for fishing, boating and other 

water sport activities. 


San Rock Art at King’s Glen: Visit the San rock art site on the farm, King’s 

Glen, 5 km off the main tarred road from Molteno to Sterkstroom. This site, 

only recently discovered, lies well concealed within a cave on the farm. 

Another site not far from the homestead has a well-preserved painting of a 

“little man”. Viewings are by appointment only. 

San Rock Art and Fossils: There are various other rock art sites in the 

Sterkstroom/Tarkastad area such as the sites at Leyklikpoortjie and 

Falconridge. The area is also rich in fossil finds. 


Johannes Meintjies Collection: The local high school houses a selection of this 

well-known local artist’s work. 


Battle of Stormberg: Visit the site of the Battle of Stormberg, one of the British 

disasters that took place during the so-called “Black Week” of December 

1899. Find out more about this Anglo-Boer War battle at the Molteno Museum. 

Historical buildings: The Old Mill has been converted into a hall and 

conference centre. Look carefully at the old Clock Tower - if it looks familiar to 

you, it is because it was the emblem used on old patent medicine bottles. 

Molteno Museum: The museum is housed in the sandstone library building. Its 

exhibits cover local European cultural history, a history of the area’s 

indigenous people and include a selection of daguerreotypes of the town 

(photographs produced through one of the earliest photographic processes 

known). 

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Volcanoes: A few extinct volcanoes are to be found east of town. These 

volcanoes yield rich hauls of semi-precious stones. 

MOUNT FLETCHER 

Although there is some dispute about the origin of the name of this small 

village, it is generally believed that it was named after the Reverend John 

Fletcher. Founded in 1882, the village can easily be mistaken for the African 

version of a Wild West town with its dusty streets and colourfully clad 

horsemen of the Xesibe and Hluhi clans. Sheep farming is the main activity of 

the area. 


Trout-fishing: Fishing for trout is a popular pastime and can be practised in 

many rivers in the area. 


San Rock Art: Some of the Eastern Cape’s finest examples of San rock art are 

found in the shelters and caves of the surrounding hills. For more information, 

enquire at the local tourism office. 

QUEENSTOWN 

In 1853, at the end of the Eighth Frontier War, Sir George Cathcart, Governor 

of the Cape, founded Queenstown when a new administrative centre and 

military outpost was needed. The town, situated on the banks of the Komani 

River, was named after Queen Victoria. It was laid out with a central piazza 

from which all the streets radiated so that cannon or rifle fire could be directed 

down the six radiating thoroughfares because, although the war had ended, 

the mood of the inhabitants was still geared towards survival. Today, 

Queenstown is renowned for its beautiful roses and as an important 

commercial and administrative centre. 


Water sport: Bongolo Dam, fed by the Komani River, offers excellent 

recreational facilities. 


San rock art: Some of the country’s most fascinating examples of San rock art 

can be seen at various sites in the area. Contact the local tourism office for 

more information. 

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JC Marshall Art Gallery: Local art and some excellent private collections are 

on view at the JC Marshall Art Gallery. 


Anglican Church: The St Michael’s and All Angels’ Anglican Church is an 

imposing piece of architecture that certainly merits a visit. 

City Hall: Queenstown’s City Hall dates back to 1882 and is a lovely example 

of the architecture of that time. 

Frontier Museum: This lovely museum, considered one of the ten best small 

town museums in the country, gives an insightful overview of local Settler 

history. The old Settler cottage is part of the exhibits and the museum also 

has a fine collection of beadwork. 

Library: The book collections of Sir William Bisset Berry, the town’s first mayor 

and Member of Parliament for Queenstown and of Rev Charles Pettman, 

a highly-respected Methodist minister and linguist, are on view at the local library. 

Queenstown Collector’s Museum: The museum focuses on an unusual 

subject matter, that is, people’s pastimes. It exhibits up to 40 different hobbies. 

The Ruth Lock shell art collection is only one of the many. 


Lawrence de Lange Nature Reserve: The reserve is situated near 

Queenstown and is home to the indigenous plant species Aloe ferox, and the 

tamboekie thornbush (“wag-'n-bietjie”). The aloes present a lovely sight when 

in full bloom during the winter months. Many types of game can also be seen 

in the reserve. 

Longhill Nature Reserve: The reserve lies on the northern boundary of the 

town. Several species of game are found here as well as many cycads, often 

referred to as “living fossils”. Longhill also has several picnic spots that offer 

lovely views of the town. 

RHODES 

This small town was founded in 1893 and originally named Rossville after the 

Reverend David Ross. When the residents asked the Prime Minister of the 

Cape, Cecil John Rhodes, for a financial contribution, he sent them pine 

saplings. The town was then renamed in his honour and the descendants of 

those first saplings still adorn the town. Rhodes is mostly regarded as a winter 

holiday retreat because of its seasonal snowfalls that allow skiing on the 

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3 001-m-high Ben MacDhui Mountain but there is also plenty to do in the 

summer months. The whole town has been declared a national monument. 


Ben MacDhui Mountain Peak: The 3 001-m-high Ben MacDhui is the highest 

peak of the Southern Drakensberg Mountains in this region of the Eastern 

Cape. In the summer months (October to March) hikers, grass-skiers, and 

mountain bikers frequent the grassy, green slopes, to be replaced by 

enthusiastic snow-boarders and snow-skiers during the winter months from 

June to September. The Tiffindell Ski Resort, situated on the slopes of the 

mountain, boasts the two highest pubs and the highest restaurant in South 

Africa! 

Fishing: Excellent trout-fishing opportunities exist in the mountain streams. 

This is the opportunity to pit your skills against these wily, elusive fish. 

Road-running: The Rhodes Ultra-Marathon takes place here every July and 

follows a 60-km track through the mountainous landscape of the region. 

Shooting: Partridge-shooting is allowed but only in season. 


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San Rock Art: There are several superb rock art sites in the Rhodes area. 

However, as most of the sites are situated on private farms, viewing is by prior 

arrangement only. For more information, contact the local tourism office. 

San Rock Art at Buttermead: This San rock art site is close to the Martindell 

site, easily accessible by foot and includes images of eland, birds, the 

“lightning bird” and distorted human figures. 

San Rock Art at Martindell: The San rock art at Martindell is one of the best 

preserved in the country and includes scenes of a hunt. 

STERKSPRUIT (including Herschel) 

This charming mountain town was part of the former “independent” Republic of 

Transkei. 


Xhosa Traditional Village: Visit this traditional village to gain insight into the 

traditional Xhosa way of life. Visitors who want to see traditional dancing or 

enjoy some of the traditional cuisine need to make prior arrangements. 


Witteberge Mission Station: This mission station was the birthplace of the 

renowned South African author, Olive Schreiner, author of “The Story of an 

African Farm”. 

STERKSTROOM 

The small town was established, like so many others, out of the need for a 

new Dutch Reformed Church parish. Its name, meaning “strong stream”, 

refers to the Hex River that runs through the town. Sterkstroom is situated on 

the main railway line from the coast to Johannesburg. The town boasts 

several historical buildings dating from the beginning of the twentieth century. 


Bass-fishing: The Henry Edward Hales Waterfowl Reserve allows bass-fishing 

within its borders. 

Hiking: There is a three-hour hiking trail laid out in the Henry Edward Hales 

Waterfowl Reserve and, for the more adventurous, there are hikes through the 

remote wilderness of the Black Eagle Nature Reserve. 

Hunting: Deer-stalking, trophy-hunting and partridge-shooting are allowed in 

the Black Eagle Nature Reserve. 

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San rock art: There are numerous rock art sites on private farms in the 

Sterkstroom/Tarkastad area. Viewing is strictly by prior arrangement but the 

experience is certainly worth it. Contact the farm owners to view these 

paintings and per chance to experience a bit of “real” farm life too. Many of 

these farms offer accommodation and activities such as hiking, bird-watching 

and other outdoor adventures. 


Black Eagle Nature Reserve: The reserve is situated in the Andries Mountain 

Range near Sterkstroom in a very remote area that is only accessible by fourwheel-drive 

vehicles. It is well stocked with game but gets its name from the 

elegant black eagle that graces the skies of the reserve. Other birds found 

here include Cape vultures and greywing partridges. Bird-watching and hiking 

as well as deer-stalking, trophy-hunting and partridge-shooting are allowed in 

the reserve, a national heritage site. 

Carnarvon Estates: Visit the Henry Edward Hales 

Waterfowl Reserve to get a glimpse of the more than 100 species of bird and 

waterfowl that have a home in the reserve. You can also try your hand at a 

spot of bass-fishing in the nearby dams or view herds of small buck that roam 

the reserve. 

Koos Ras Game Reserve: Situated just 3 km from Sterkstroom, the 

reserve is home to impala, gazelle, mountain zebra, wildebeest and several 

other smaller animals. 

Sterkstroom Nature Reserve: A visit to the Sterkstroom Nature Reserve on the 

banks of the Hex River is a natural remedy for stress. Visitors are welcome to 

make use of the picnic sites within the reserve. 


The Sterkstroom Museum: The town’s museum resembles a shop from the 

days of yesteryear. Among its treasures are collections of antique crockery, 

cutlery and other household items. 

STEYNSBURG 

Steynsburg is a typical Karoo town with a typical Karoo history — it was 

developed by the Dutch Reformed Church and named after Douwe Steyn, 

grandfather of Paul Kruger, the last President of the Transvaal Republic. The 

town lies in beautiful natural surroundings at the foothills of the Zuurberg 

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Mountain Range, 1 385 m above sea level. Today, Steynsburg is the 

centre of a large wool-farming district. 


Bulhoek Homestead: The homestead on the farm Bulhoek was declared a 

national monument on the grounds that it was the birthplace of President Paul 

Kruger. However, historians later discovered that it had merely been his 

mother’s home. 


Rock Formations: On the edge of town, the shapes of two sandstone rock 

formations have earned them the names of “Teebus” and “Koffiebus” because 

they strongly resemble tea and coffee canisters. 

TARKASTAD 

In 1862 the Dutch Reformed Church established Tarkastad on the farm 

Boschfontein. This small, typical Karoo town is situated on the banks of the 

Tarka River, a major tributary of the Great Fish River, against the backdrop of 

the Winterberg Mountains. 


Abseiling and Canoeing: There are several opportunities for abseiling and 

canoeing in the vicinity of the town. 

Hunting: Various operators in the area offer game viewing and trophy-hunting 

opportunities. 

Toorberg and Winterberg Hiking Trails: The two-day Toorberg and Winterberg 

hiking trails offer spectacular scenery and comfortable overnight facilities. 


San Rock Art at Bower’s Hope: To reach the farm, take the turn-off to Swartklei 

from the road to the Tsolwana Game Reserve. The rock art site is within easy 

walking distance from the parking site and is very accessible. Viewing is by 

prior appointment only. 

San Rock Art at Carrickmoor Guest Farm: The farm is situated 17 km from 

Tarkastad on the road to Queenstown. The site features paintings of San 

warriors, an elephant, black snake and a man with a stick in his hand riding a 

horse. 

San rock art at Falconridge Farm: The farm is situated approximately 55 km 

north of Tarkastad on the Sterkstroom road. It has two rock art sites, both with 

very clear and well-preserved pictures. 

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San rock art at Groenfontein Farm: There are two rock art sites on this farm 

and, although some of the paintings have been damaged, others are in quite 

good condition and well worth the trip. 

San rock art at Hartebeesfontein Farm: Hartebeesfontein farm is situated 

near Groenfontein farm and approximately 63 km from Tarkastad. The site is 

a 6-m-long artwork with paintings of buck, giraffe and the characteristic San 

hunters. The dinosaur fossil, not far from this site, can also be seen. 

Leyklippoortjie Farm: This farm lies on the Tarkastad/Sterkstroom road. A 

200-m-walk takes you to the 1-m-long rock art site with its bright pictures. 


Blanco Farm Holiday Resort: Situated at the foot of the Winterberg in the 

Tarkastad/Queenstown district, this resort has been voted one of the ten best 

holiday farms in South Africa. Children are viewed as special guests and are 

taught to milk cows, feed pigs and groom horses, while the grown-ups have a 

choice of activities, such as tennis, squash, bowling and swimming. 


Historical Buildings: Some of the town’s noteworthy buildings include the 

Dutch Reformed Church and Parsonage, built soon after the town was 

established; the Presbyterian Church; the old watermills and inns and the old 

iron water hydrants and lamp standards near the municipal offices. 

Military posts: The old military posts in the area are stark reminders of the alltoo-familiar 

history of conflict, of battles fought, of lives lost. The grave of one 

soldier, Lieut. Sheridan, on the farm Modderfontein, is of particular interest as 

he was a cousin of the famous British statesman, Winston Churchill. 


Hills: Two distinctive flat-topped hills near town have been given the names 

Martha and Mary. 

VENTERSTAD 

Venterstad was laid out in 1875 on the farm of one Johannes Venter and was 

called “stad” (city) to avoid confusion with Ventersburg in the Free State. 

Although merino sheep farming is the primary economic activity in the area, 

this sleepy little town soon became a supply base for the teams of builders 

who arrived to construct the Gariep Dam (Hendrik Verwoerd Dam) and, later, 

for the water-sport enthusiasts who frequent the dam. The dam has a 400-km 

shoreline and, together with the PK le Roux Dam, forms the Orange River 

Project. The project has some 270 km of canals, tunnels and pipelines that 

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ing water to areas as far afield as the Great Fish River and Sundays River 

Valley. 

ADVENTURE TOURISM 

Upper Orange Conservancy Hiking Trail: Guided tours are available through 

this wilderness area and the Oviston Nature Reserve where wildebeest, 

antelope, zebra and other animals roam free. 

Water-sport: The Gariep Dam Complex offers exciting opportunities for all 

sorts of water-sport such as swimming, fishing, boating, sailing, canoeing, as 

well as an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, bowling greens and horse riding 

facilities. 


Oviston Nature Reserve: During the construction of the Orange-Fish River 

tunnel, the world’s longest underground irrigation tunnel, a village called 

Oviston was built to house the workforce. The name Oviston is derived from 

the abbreviations of the Afrikaans words “Oranje-Vis Tonnel” (“Orange-Fish 

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Tunnel”). Today the abandoned village is the main accommodation centre of 

the Oviston Nature Reserve. The reserve breeds game to supply other 

reserves and has large numbers of the larger species of antelope, such as 

eland, kudu and hartebeest, as well as large herds of springbok, zebra and 

wildebeest. Several water birds (and other species) can be seen near the 

dam. 


Birthplace of Paul Kruger: Paul Kruger, President of the Transvaal Republic, 

was born on the farm Vaalbank, in this vicinity. 

WHITTLESEA 

This village was established in 1847 as a military outpost to protect white 

settlers. It was named after Whittlesea, the hometown of the then Governor of 

the Cape, Sir Harry Smith. A British officer fortified five houses during the War 

of Mlanjeni (1850 to 1853), when the Xhosas besieged the settlement. One of 

these, which now forms part of the Post Office Complex, is still standing. 


Water Sport: The Waterdown Dam, situated on the Klipplaat River can be 

reached by road from Whittlesea. It allows trout-fishing, canoeing, wind-surfing, 

skiing and sailing. 


Bulhoek Massacre Site: The Bulhoek massacre took place when members of 

an African religious sect called the “Israelites”, who insisted on independence 

from the government of the day, were mowed down by police. 

Kamistone Mission: The mission station is situated not far from Whittlesea. 

The famous explorer and artist, Thomas Baines, designed the lovely old 

mission church. 

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AMATOLE (CENTRAL) REGION 

Eastern Cape Tourism Board (Amatole Region) 

Street address: c/o Longfellow and Aquarium Road, Quigney, East London, 5211 

Postal address: PO Box 18373, Quigney, East London 

Tel: +27 (0) 43 701 9600 

Fax: +27 (0) 43 701 9649 

E-mail: info@ecotourism.co.za 

The area south of where the Kei 

River flows into the Indian Ocean 

has been called many names, 

including ”Hinterland”, “Frontier 

Territory” and “Settler Country”. 

These names mainly refer to the 

tumultuous history of this area, 

but the area should also be 

recognised as the birthplace of a 

new people, forged through 

sacrifice, conflict and hardship, a 

people worthy of inheriting a new 

world. Today, the people of this 

region call it “the place of 

opportunities”. 

The Amatola Mountain Escape 

Tourist Route takes travellers 

through the region and to its 

many popular attractions. 

This fertile region includes a 

magnificent coastline, the 

Winterberg and Amatola 

Mountain Ranges and the foothills 

of the southern Drakensberg 

Mountain Range. The network of 

rivers, lagoons and estuaries that 

criss-cross the grassy plains and 

mountain ranges, provide visitors 

and inhabitants alike with 

adventures galore. The 

adventures include rock-climbing 

and abseiling, mountain biking, 

hiking, hunting, bird watching, 

4x4 trails, kayaking and some of 

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the best fishing-, swimming- (the warm Mozambique current flows here) and 

surfing-spots in the world. 

For the more culturally-minded there is the world-renowned African art 

collection at Fort Hare University in Alice, (alma mater of former President 

Nelson Mandela) as well as numerous San rock art sites and cultural villages, 

to visit. The picturesque little village of Hogsback, set on the edge of the misty 

Amatola Mountains, is said to have inspired the renowned author Tolkien, to 

write his famous work, “The Hobbit”. 

Since earliest times, the major river of the area, the Buffalo River, has played 

an important role in the lives of all the inhabitants. The Khoi-Khoi, relatives of 

the nomadic San, called the river “Ingaab ab” (buffalo) and the Xhosa tribes, 

who arrived later, named it Bisho, also meaning buffalo. The British Settlers 

translated this name into English. At the mouth of the river lies South Africa’s 

only river port and the city of East London; now part of the Buffalo City 

Metropolitan Area. 

Buffalo City encompasses the coastal town of East London, Bisho, the 

provincial capital, King William’s Town and the towns of Mdantsane and 

Berlin. It falls under the jurisdiction of the Amatola District Municipality but is 

awaiting confirmation of its status as the areas’ second Metropolitan 

Municipality. 

ADELAIDE 

A military post built on the Koonap River at the start of the Sixth Frontier War 

gradually grew into this small town. The town was named after Queen 

Adelaide, wife of Britain’s King William IV. It is a centre for the wool and 

mohair industries and is situated in a citrus-, beef- and merino-farming district. 


Post Retief: An old Settler Fort, built during the frontier wars, still stands as a 

reminder of those turbulent times. 

Our Heritage Museum: This beautiful museum is surrounded by fragrant rose 

gardens and exhibits some exquisite period furniture, silverware and 

ceramics. 

ALICE 

In 1824, the Glasgow Missionary Society founded the Lovedale Mission 

Station on the west bank of the Tyume River. The station was abandoned in 

1834 during the Frontier Wars and re-established at its present site in 1836. It 

was abandoned again in 1846 and reoccupied by the missionaries in 1847, 

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when Fort Hare was built there. The University of Fort Hare was later erected 

near the fort, the ruins of which now lie within the campus grounds. The town 

itself was named after Princess Alice, daughter of Queen Victoria. Wool, 

cattle, citrus, timber and tobacco farming are the major economic activities of 

the area. 


De Beers Centenary Gallery: The gallery exhibits some exquisite publications, 

graphics, sculptures and paintings, works of international as well as local 

artists. 


FS Malan Museum: Enjoy the publications, costumes, beadwork and wooden 

sculptures exhibited at the FS Malan Museum. Guided tours are available on 

request. 

Sandile Kop (Hillock): The hillock is named after the Xhosa Chief Sandile, who 

led his people in battle against the British during the last three Frontier Wars. 

A memorial to Rev James Stewart, one of the original Scottish missionaries in 

the area, was also erected on the hill. 

University of Fort Hare: The university was opened in 1916 and was the first 

South African university exclusively for black students. President Nelson 

Mandela and many other African leaders studied at this university. Today, the 

university is the repository of the ANC archives and also houses an 

outstanding collection of African Art. 

BALFOUR 

In 1828, the Glasgow Missionary Society founded a mission station near the 

Didima Mountain Range. The station was named after Robert Balfour, the 

society’s first secretary. Throughout the nine Frontier Wars, the town 

experienced some heavy fighting but peace has long since reigned and today 

tobacco, citrus, wool and beef farming are practised in the area. 


Anglican Church: The stately Anglican Church has exquisite architectural 

features and is well worth a visit. 

Fort Armstrong: The fort was built at the end of the Sixth Frontier War in 1835 

and was designed to withstand any form of attack. The fort was overrun by 

Khoi-Khoi during the Eighth Frontier War and much of it was destroyed. 

Post Retief: The site lies on the banks of the Koonap River on Piet Retief’s 

farm, 25km west of the town. In the 1830s, Retief was one of the leaders of 

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the Great Trek. He and many of his followers were massacred in 1837 by the 

impis of the Zulu Chief Dingane. 

Tidbury Toll Hotel: This hotel used to be a tollhouse. 

BEDFORD 

The village of Bedford was founded in 1854 by the Deputy Governor of the 

Eastern Cape, Sir Andries Stockenstroom. He named the new village after his 

friend, the Duke of Bedford. The only Scots among the original group of 1820 

Settlers decided to make Bedford their home. Led by the Scottish writer/poet, 

Thomas Pringle, they farmed the area at the foot of the wooded Kaga 

Mountains, where some of their descendants still live. Roses grow profusely in 

this small town, which is also the centre of a lively cattle-, sheep- and horse- 

breeding district. 


Golf: The town boasts a scenic nine-hole golf course. 

Hiking: Several trails are mapped out in the vicinity. 

Horse riding: A gymkhana is hosted in town every year. 

Hunting: Hunting packages are offered by some of the farms in the district. 


Pringle Collection: A world-renowned, private collection of more than 6 000 

butterflies, succulents and bird eggs can be viewed on the farm Huntly Glen. 

Viewings are by prior appointment only. 


Bezuidenhout’s Cave: An ironstone needle marks the spot in the Baviaans 

River Valley where Fanie Bezuidenhout was killed, the incident that sparked 

the Slagtersnek Rebellion of 1815. 

Dutch Reformed Church: The music of the former national anthem of South 

Africa, “Die Stem van Suid Afrika” (“The Voice of South Africa”), was 

composed in the red sandstone Dutch Reformed Church. 

1820 Settler Scottish Memorial Church: The church was built on the farm 

Eildon to honour the Scottish Settlers, who chose this district as their home. 

The remains of one of them, Thomas Pringle, was reinterred in the vestry of 

the church on the Pringle family farm. Viewings are by prior arrangement only. 

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Glen Lynden Church: This church, built in 1827 by Scottish and Dutch Settlers, 

has been declared a national monument. 

Old Standard Bank: This building is one the oldest branches of one of the 

country’s largest banks. 

BISHO 

Bisho is the Xhosa word for “Buffalo”. It was named after the song by Ben 

Tyazashe who wrote of his longing for his home, Bisho, his name for King 

William’s Town. Bisho lies next to King William’s Town and gained 

“independence” as the capital of the “self-governing territory” of the Ciskei 

during the Apartheid years. In 1994, it was reincorporated into South Africa. 

Today, Bisho is part of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and the 

capital of the Eastern Cape. 

BUTTERWORTH/GCUWA 

Butterworth, the oldest town in the area, developed around the Wesleyan 

Mission Station and was built on the banks of the Gcuwa River in 1827. 

Although officially named after Joseph Butterworth, treasurer of the Wesleyan 

Missionary Society, Xhosa locals affectionately refer to the town as Gcuwa. 

The town saw much fighting during the Frontier Wars, and today it is an 

important industrial and commercial centre and the gateway to the 

southern-most resorts of the Wild Coast. 


Bawa Falls: Of all the natural waterfalls in the area, the 103 m Bawa Falls 

(reputedly a Xhosa place of execution in the early days) is one of the most 

impressive. 

Gcuwa River Cascades: The 90-m Gcuwa River Cascades are another 

powerful waterfall and definitely worth a visit. 

CATHCART 

Cathcart, situated at the foot of the Windvogelberg Mountain Range, was 

established in 1876 as a military outpost. It was named after the then 

Governor of the Cape, Sir George Cathcart, and became a municipality in 

1881. The beautiful natural surroundings and many old buildings with intricate 

trelliswork, iron pillars and arched windows make Cathcart a lovely stop-over. 

The town lies in a predominantly sheep- and farming-area. 

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Paragliding and hang-gliding: The area is renowned for its perfect gliding 

conditions. The hill slopes make perfect launching pads and the thermal air 

currents are ideal for supporting paragliders and hang-gliders. 

Trout-fishing: Koch Dam is stocked with trout from a nearby hatchery and 

offers pleasant hours of fishing. 


San rock art sites: There are many San rock art sites in the Cathcart district. 

However, as most of the sites are situated on privately owned farms, prior 

booking is essential. Some farms also have accommodation facilities and 

hiking trails. 

San rock art at Craik Cross: Situated approximately 20 km from town on the 

Friendly Route (the N6), this rock art site features a painting that depicts 

soldiers, possibly British, wearing “Busby”-type headdresses, as well as a 

rain-making scene. 

San rock art at Henderson Guest House: The farm has various shelters with 

San paintings and several species of game and birds can be seen. 

San rock art at Henderson Valley: There are numerous rock art sites in this 

lovely valley. 

San rock art at Longreach: Several rock art sites can be found along the 

banks of the Black Kei River, some of which were discovered as long ago as 

1870. 

San rock art at Middledrift: Visit the various rock art sites accompanied by a 

trained guide. The farm also offers accommodation facilities. 


Amatola Craft Amble: The route to Happy Valley leads to the Amatola Craft 

Amble with its many art and craft centres. The quality of the art works is such 

that you are guaranteed not to go home empty-handed. 


Bontebok Flats: The fabled Bontebok flats, popular destination of many early 

nineteenth-century, big-game hunters, are situated just outside the town. Many 

species of game still roam the area. 


Blacker Building: The building now houses the library but a certain Mr Blacker 

originally built it as a store in 1883. He spent so much money on the art 

- 110 -

nouveau-style decorations of the shop that he eventually had to sell the 

building because he ran out of money. 

CM van Coller Museum: The former Library Building in Main Street now 

houses a museum and has been restored to look like a turn-of-the-century 

shop. Its collections and exhibits depict the history of the town and the region. 

Town Hall: The hall is a fine example of a stone building. The bell was 

salvaged from the wreck of the Russian sailing ship, the Orient, which was 

wrecked on Orient Beach in 1907. 

Kenya Corner: Kenya Corner is a cluster of Victorian wood-and-corrugated 

iron houses, declared a national monument. The houses were originally built 

in 1877 to house railway workers and restored in the 1960s to house refugees 

who had fled from the Mau-Mau uprisings in Kenya. 

CINTSA 

This unspoilt little coastal resort lies a few kilometres north of East London. It 

boasts a semi-tropical climate with winter daytime temperatures of about 21 

degrees Celsius and night-time temperatures that rarely fall below 10 degrees 

Celsius. Summers are warm and temperate, ideal conditions for strolling 

along the 15-km beachfront or watching the bird life at the estuaries of the 

Cintsa, Cefane, Kwenxura and Nyara Rivers. These major rivers all flow 

towards Cintsa Bay but do not all reach it. 


Water sport: All manner of water sport such as swimming, board-sailing, 

angling and fishing are practised in the surf, rivers and lagoons. 


Jikeleza Craft Route: This route leads to various centres and spots where 

local artists and craftspeople sell their wares. 


Cape Henderson Nature Reserve: The variety of bird life in this reserve is 

especially rich and expect to spot sacred ibises, ringed plovers, greenshanks, 

black storks, kelp gulls and many species of tern. During the summer months 

various European migrant waders pay a visit and during winter, droves of 

hungry gannets follow the sardine shoals north to KwaZulu-Natal’s shores. 

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Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve: This magnificent 100-square-km coastal 

reserve has spectacular bird life, various species of game and lovely natural 

vegetation. A variety of day tours and trails can be attempted on foot or 

horseback or in a 4x4 vehicle to watch game such as rhino, buffalo, giraffe 

and kudu. 

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EAST LONDON (including Gonubie and Mdantsane) 

Buffalo City Tourism, PO Box 533, East London, 5200 

Tel: +27 (0) 43 722 6015 

Fax: +27 (0) 43 743 5091 

E-mail: info@tourismbuffalocity.co.za 

Website: www.visitbuffalocity.co.za 

“Imonti”, the Xhosa name for East London, was derived from the Dutch word 

“mond” (mouth) and refers to the position of the city on the mouth of the 

Buffalo River. In 1836, George Rex was sent to survey the river mouth area. 

Not long after, the Union Jack was hoisted on Signal Hill, signifying the start of 

a new settlement. As the years passed, more people moved to the area, 

including a substantial German complement. Dredging of the harbour began in 

1886 and in 1935 the only double-+deck bridge in the country was built here. 

Today, East London is South Africa’s only river port and is home to many 

industries. Many products and materials, such as wood, citrus fruit and 

mineral ore are exported from here. 

East London is the gateway to the Eastern Cape hinterland with its 

picturesque Xhosa villages and towns of British, Dutch and German origin and 

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equidistant between the Sunshine Coast to the west and the Wild Coast to the 

east. 

Pockets of natural vegetation are preserved within the immediate surrounds of 

the city and include typical indigenous trees and shrubs, as well as three 

distinct species of ancient cycads. The city also boasts some of the best 

sporting facilities in the Eastern Cape and provincial, national and international 

sporting events are often hosted here. It is much in demand as a conference, 

exhibition and incentive travel venue. 

In addition being an ideal holiday destination with a lovely temperate climate 

(average summer temperatures vary from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius and winter 

temperatures from 10 to 21 degrees Celsius in July, the coldest month of the 

year), East London is also a vibrant business centre that has been singled out 

as an industrial development zone. The East London Industrial Development 

Zone Corporation (IDZ) has identified the following as its focus sectors: 

automotive, textile, pharmaceutical, electronic, agro-processing and timberrelated 

products. 

Gonubie is a well-established resort town on the lagoon at the Gonubie River 

Mouth. The name of the town was derived from Qunube, the Xhosa word for 

brambleberries. 

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Beaches and resorts: Barbecuing, hiking, pony riding and boating can be 

enjoyed along the beautiful beach at the Avalon resort. Less strenuous 

activities include stopping at the restaurant and shopping for curios. Orient, 

Glengariff Bay, Nahoon, Bonza Bay, Gonubie, Fullers Bay and Shelley 

beaches provide safe swimming and long clean stretches of sand. 

Bridle Drift Dam: Situated 25km from East London, the dam is popular among 

boating, yachting and wind-surfing enthusiasts. 

Water sport at Gonubie: The boardwalk offers a vantage point from which to 

enjoy the lovely view of Gonubie Lagoon. This lovely beach with its large 

dunes, safe swimming waters and channels that can easily be navigated by 

small boats, is a popular tourist destination. 

Hiking: There are many hiking trails, both guided and unguided, in and around 

the city to choose from and many more as one travels further inland. Try the 

interesting Umtiza Forest walk through an area with unique cycads and trees 

or walk through the small Gonubie Sanctuary for a close encounter with 

crowned cranes, jacanas and many other birds. Flower lovers will be 

enchanted by the plants in the Dierama Reserve. Expert hiking trail guides are 

available to make the more strenuous hikes both safe and more informative. 

Shipwreck Trail: This 3-day, 53-km hiking trail runs along the Sunshine Coast 

from East London to Port Alfred. The remains of several shipwrecks are 

visible in the surf at low tide. 

Strandloper Hiking Trail: One of the most renowned trails of the Sunshine 

Coast is the Strandloper Hiking Trail between Kei Mouth and Gonubie. This 

5-day hike starts at the Strandloper Eco-tourism Centre at Cape 

Morgan/Morgan’s Bay near Kei Mouth and is one of the best-known hiking 

trails in the country – billed an “ultimate coastal adventure”. The splendid 

scenery along the way, exquisite tidal pools, pristine estuaries, lush forests 

and white dunes and the four comfortable overnight stops make the trip well 

worthwhile. The term Strandloper (Beachcomber) refers more to a way of life 

than to a specific linguistic or racial group and embraces all who have combed 

the beaches and survived by foraging and fishing on the beach. This 

presupposes such diverse groups as Bushmen, the Khoi-Khoi and the Xhosa, 

as well as shipwrecked sailors and seaside settlers. Trained guides are 

available to accompany hikers on their trips. 

Surfing: Surfing is a very popular activity along this coastline and the two most 

renowned surfing beaches are Eastern Beach and Nahoon Beach. Some of 

the best breakers in the country are found at Nahoon Beach but be warned, 

there are sharks in this vicinity. 

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Kwa Zunga Nature Trail: This relatively mild, two-hour (guided) off-road trail 

starts at a spot approximately 30-minutes drive from East London. The trail 

passes through lush fynbos vegetation as well as indigenous forests. The trail 

also offers possibilities for swimming and canoeing. 


Ann Bryant Art Gallery: The gallery is housed in a beautiful old Edwardian 

home, built in 1905. Mr Edward Bryant bequeathed the house, originally 

named “The Gables”, to the city on the death of his wife. His only condition 

was that it should be turned into an art museum. The gallery houses a 

valuable collection of works dating from 1880 to the present. The building itself 

is well worth a visit, the pressed steel ceilings and stained-glass windows 

being works of art in their own right. 


Khaya la Bantu: This is an intimate Xhosa village, an actual family homestead 

on a working farm that has not been developed for tourist purposes. Instead, 

the two families that make up the group allow visitors to share in their daily 

routine. Interpreters accompany the visitors to explain the layout of the village 

as well as the traditional activities that the inhabitants engage in. 

Demonstrations of traditional singing and dancing and sheep-shearing (in 

season) are popular among visitors. 

Township Tours: Trained guides take visitors on tours of the township, filling 

them in on the history, culture and way of life of the local inhabitants and 

accompanying them to venues such as pubs and restaurants to meet the 

people. 


Craft markets: There are many formal and informal craft markets in and 

around the city and near the beaches, especially near the popular tourist 

venues. 

Latimer’s Landing: Historic Latimer’s Landing is an old fishing dock on the 

banks of the Buffalo River. This historic site is now an exciting waterfront 

development housing a variety of restaurants and pubs. A flea market is held 

here every Saturday and Sunday. 

Nightlife: East London is a modern city with a busy nightlife and all types of 

entertainment, both cultural and in a lighter vein, are catered for. 

Shops and malls: Bargain hunters will love the factory shops, especially those 

of the local textile industry, and the shops and malls in the inner city. 

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Amalinda Nature Conservation Station: The 134-ha Amalinda Nature 

Conservation Station is a breeding centre for fish, a nature reserve and a 

research centre. The coastal forest is the natural habitat of many game 

species. In addition to the wildlife, visitors can also enjoy angling and 

picnicking. 

Gonubie Nature Reserve: The wetland and coastal grassland of the Gonubie 

Nature Reserve is a safe haven for many birds such as crowned cranes and 

jacanas. The reserve is also recognised for the abundance of its indigenous 

flora. 

Nahoon River Estuary: Many indigenous species of wildlife have chosen the 

fertile Nahoon River Estuary as their home. 

Queens Park Zoo: Queens Park incorporates a 34-ha botanical garden 

as well as a zoo with over 1 200 animals. The zoo lies between the city centre 

and the Buffalo River. Pony rides and a refreshment kiosk provide some 

added entertainment. 

Umtiza Nature Reserve: A series of short nature trails has been mapped out 

to allow visitors to explore the Umtiza Nature Reserve at their leisure. The 

reserve lies 15 km from East London. 


Anglo-Boer War Memorial: A lifesize 

statue of a horse, sculpted 

by W Reynolds-Stevens, was 

erected to honour the local men 

who died in the Anglo-Boer War. 

Calgary Museum of Transport: 

The museum lies 13 km out of 

town on the Stutterheim road. 

The museum houses an 

assortment of animal-drawn 

vehicles, handcarts, wagons, 

saddles and agricultural 

machines, all used in the border 

area at some time or another. A 

blacksmith’s shop and gypsy 

caravan are also included. 

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City Hall: The City Hall is a strikingly-designed, maroon-coloured edifice, 

featuring a beautiful marble staircase and a Victorian Hall and Clock Tower, 

built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. 

East London Museum: The museum certainly deserves its reputation as one 

of the country’s finest museums. The exhibits range from the only remaining 

dodo egg in the world to the first coelacanth caught off Chalumna Mouth in 

1938. Until then, this prehistoric species fish was thought to have been extinct 

for 70 million years. The museum also includes exhibits on the ethno-cultural 

history of the Xhosa people, marine wreckage and colonial history. 

Fort Glamorgan: The fort was built in the 1840s and houses a powder 

magazine. 

German Memorial: The memorial recognises the important contribution that 

the German immigrants made to the development of the town and was 

unveiled in 1960. 

Historical buildings: The architectural heritage of East London includes wellpreserved 

examples of late Victorian, ornate and neo-classical buildings, 

some of which are open to visitors as house museums. 

Hood Point Lighthouse: The lighthouse has been in service since 1895, 

warning ships to steer clear of Nahoon Reef. The “keyhole” windows, the 

upper gallery, the upper structure made of steel and the weathervane on top 

are typical lighthouse features. 

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John Gately House: This house was once the home of John Gately, an Irish 

Settler who became mayor of East London in 1875. The house is an historical 

museum and was declared a national monument in 1973. 

Lock Street Gaol: The first prison for women in South Africa, Lock Street Gaol, 

was built in 1880. It is one of East London’s oldest buildings. The building was 

recently put to a more positive use when it was turned into a shopping 

complex where crafts and curios can be bought. The original gallows and the 

cells on death row are still on view. The infamous Daisy de Melker, who 

poisoned three of her husbands, was hanged here. Winnie Madikizela- 

Mandela (former wife of Nelson Mandela) was also jailed here during the 

Apartheid years. 

Pier at Orient Beach: The Russian ship, Orient, sank off the coast in 1907. 

The pier at Orient Beach was built over the wreck of the Orient. 

St Peters Church: This is the oldest church in the city and was completed in 

1857. 

Signal Hill Memorial: The memorial marks the spot where the Union Jack was 

hoisted in 1836 to proclaim the town British territory. 

Steve Biko Statue: The statue was only recently unveiled and pays tribute to 

one of the great heroes of the Black Consciousness Movement in South 

Africa. Steve Biko was born in Ginsberg on the outskirts of town. He inspired 

black people to throw off the mental shackles of Apartheid and to start 

believing in themselves and their right to control their own destinies. Sadly, he 

died under suspicious circumstances while in police custody, before he could 

see his dreams come to fruition. His tiny house and his grave are open to the 

public and is part of an accompanied tour that will take visitors to many other 

related places of interest. 

War Memorial: The memorial was built to honour the memory of the brave 

soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War. 

FORT BEAUFORT (including Hertzog and the rural area of Mpofu) 

Fort Beaufort, in the Kat River Valley, is set in the horseshoe formed by the 

Kat River on the one side and the Brak River, on the other side. It was the site 

of one of the most effective forts set up to serve as a buffer between the 

Settlers and the Xhosa people during the Frontier Wars and was often used 

as a place of refuge. The fort was established in 1823 and named after the 

Duke of Beaufort, father of Lord Charles Somerset, the Governor of the Cape 

at that time. In 1842 a military road, known as the Queen’s Road, was built by 

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the famous road engineer, Andrew Bain, between Fort Beaufort and 

Grahamstown to give British troops rapid access to the frontier. This road was 

the first properly-constructed road in South Africa. The present tarmac road 

between Fort Beaufort and Grahamstown follows the same route and the stone 

bridges over the Kat and Great Fish Rivers are still in use. 


Katberg Hiking Trail: The trail covers over 51 km of spectacular scenic terrain, 

forests and grass-covered hills between the Mpofu Game Reserve and the 

Benholm Forest Station. 

Water-sport: The Kat River Dam, the largest concave dam in South Africa, 

offers excellent fishing, boating, picnic and barbecue facilities. 


Aquarium: The sophisticated aquarium houses over 400 marine and 

freshwater species. 

Fort Fordyce Nature Reserve: This small but beautiful reserve, situated 1 170m 

above sea level, overlooks the Hogsberg Mountains. The reserve 

incorporates forests of yellowwood, milkwood and pine trees where many 

species of birds and game reside. Four circular day-trails crisscross the 

reserve. There is also as a more strenuous two-day trail with overnight 

accommodation. A new rock-climbing project has been initiated in the reserve 

that includes abseiling and other rock-climbing activities. 

Katberg and Katberg River Valley: The mountain and valley, in the vicinity of 

town, is an area of great natural beauty, a patchwork of indigenous forest and 

aromatic pine plantations, fynbos and grasslands. Several nature reserves as 

well as game farms have been established in this area to preserve the natural 

beauty. There are ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, 

biking, horse riding and climbing. 

Mpofu Game Reserve: Situated north of Fort Beaufort in the Winterberg 

Mountain Range, this reserve offers abundant wildlife in a delightful setting of 

mountain grassland and valley bushveld on its lower slopes. Various caves 

with San rock art are found in this mountainous area. The reserve is close to 

the Kraal of the local Chief Maqoma. The Katberg Hiking Trail passes through 

the reserve. 


Dutch Reformed Mission Church: The church was completed in 1845 under 

the direction of William Thomson. Since then, the church has often been at the 

centre of racial and theological controversy. 

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Fort Beaufort Historical Museum: The museum was originally the mess for the 

officers of the garrison. Today its exhibits include an overview of local history 

and culture, ranging from the military history of the area to a collection of 

Xhosa art and crafts. One of the relics from the Officers’ Mess is a squareshaped 

piano. 

Fort Beaufort Library: The original land-grant documents in the library tell the 

interesting tale of land-ownership in the area. For example, during the Frontier 

Wars, the British gave the Khoi-Khoi some villages in the hope that they would 

support them against the Xhosas. The villages were named after prominent 

men of the London Missionary Society. Then, when the Khoi-Khoi sided with 

the Xhosas, the British took back the land and the Khoi-Khoi were tried for 

treason. 

Graveyard: Stroll through the graveyard where you will find gravestones 

dating back to the time of the earlier Frontier and Settler Wars. 

Kat River Citrus Cooperative: The town is situated in a prime citrus-producing 

area and the cooperative dates back to 1922. Guided tours can be arranged. 

Martello Tower and Military Museum: The impregnable Martello Tower, Fort 

Beaufort’s most famous landmark, stands to this day. It was built in 1847 and 

is one of only two such towers in South Africa (the other is in Simon’s Town in 

the Western Cape). The museum displays a collection of relics dating from 

clashes between the Xhosas and the Settlers. 

Prophet Ntsikane’s grave: The well-known Xhosa prophet, Ntsikane, spent 

most of his life in the Kat River Valley. His grave is still visited by worshippers. 

Victoria Bridge: This triple-arch bridge was built by Andrew Geddes Bain in 

1844. 

HAGA-HAGA 

This charming seaside village lies 75 km north-east of East London. The warm 

summers and sunny winters offer ideal conditions for outdoor enthusiasts. The 

town and its surrounding area have been declared a conservancy to protect 

rare indigenous species of animals, such as the Cape clawless otter and the 

blue duiker (a small antelope). 


Angling: Haga-Haga’s rocky coast has several spots where anglers can try 

their luck from the coast. 

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Deep-sea fishing: Various operators in the area offer deep-sea fishing 

charters. 

Hiking and beach-combing: Try the rocky 8-km walk past Rooiwal to Cape 

Henderson for a start and enquire at Hibiscus Farm about other hiking trails in 

the vicinity. 

Power-boating: There are two access points from which to launch powerboats 

from the beach. Please remember that no vehicles other than those used to 

launch boats, are allowed on the beach. 

Water-sport: Because the Haga-Haga River is quite shallow, local water 

enthusiasts board-sail and paddle-ski in the surf. Canoeing is another popular 

activity. 


Mtwentwe Beads: Beautiful traditional Xhosa beadwork is sold here as part of 

a proactive community initiative to generate an income for local inhabitants. 


Haga-Haga Farm Store: Visit the Haga-Haga Farm Store for a treasure trove 

of the essential and the “not-so-essential”, all sold under one roof. 

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Haga-Haga Library: For those interested in local and provincial history, a visit 

to the Haga-Haga Library will be very informative. 

HAMBURG 

This village, originally called Tooi, was founded in 1857 to settle veterans of 

Britain’s disbanded German Legion. The name of this small seaside town on 

the Sunshine Coast was later changed to that of the German city Hamburg. Its 

position next to the ocean and on the banks of the Keiskamma River has 

earned it a reputation as a popular adventure tourism destination, especially 

for water sports. 


Canoeing: The Keiskamma River offers excellent angling and other water- 

sport opportunities, including canoeing. 

Cruises: Various river- and deep-sea cruises are conducted, if the weather 

permits. 

Fishing and surfing: Some of the best coastal-fishing and surfing opportunities 

exist along the miles of beautiful beaches. 

Hamburg Nature Trail: The trail offers beautiful views of the bluegum 

plantation, the Umtata River Mouth and the coastline. Sunset barbecues lend 

a special flavour to the occasion and should be arranged in advance. 

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Mpekweni Sun Marine Resort: Nature still reigns supreme at the Mpekweni 

Sun Marine Resort. Guests may choose to hike along clearly-marked trails, 

canoe up-river or spend the day lounging in the lagoon. The endless water- 

sport activities, inviting golden beaches and fascinating marine- and land life 

make this one of the most popular destinations in the country. Deep-sea and 

surf-fishing are also popular. Guests also enjoy the full use of the Fish River 

Sun facilities. 

Water sport: All types of water sports, such as sailing, power-boating, 

board-sailing and water-skiing are possible around town. 


“African Experience”: The experience includes an evening visit to a local 

township and shebeen where visitors can taste the local food and enjoy 

traditional Xhosa dancing. Advance booking is essential. 


Bird Watching: Wetland bird life, including various species of waders, seaeaters 

and migratory marine birds, abound in the area. 

Great Fish River Reserve Complex: The complex includes the Double Drift, 

Sam Knott and Andries Vosloo Game Reserves, each with its own unique 

attractions. Do not neglect to visit and stay over in this vast natural area with 

its many large game species and hippopotami, recently successfully reintroduced 

to the Fish River. Fishing, hiking and birding as well as hunting are 

allowed in certain areas. 

Oyster Farm: Situated on an island, the Oyster Farm hosts tours of the 

facilities, demonstrating how these creatures are farmed. Appointments 

should be made well in advance. 

HOGSBACK 

Opinions differ as to the origin of the name of this picturesque little town, 

situated at the western end of the great Amatola Mountain Range and 

surrounded by enchanting indigenous and pine forests. Some say the town 

may have been named after Capt. Hogg of Fort Mitchell, the first European 

settlement in the area but most believe that it was named after the nearby 

Hogsback Mountain Range with its three distinct mountain peaks, resembling 

a bristled-backed wild hog. 


Forest walks: Various colour-coded, one-day trails are marked through the 

forests surrounding the town. Some lead to beautiful waterfalls with magical 

names such as “Madonna and Child” and “The 39 Steps”, while others 

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continue high up the mountain to sites such as the 1 565-m-high Tor Doone 

Peak, from which the town and the surrounding areas can be surveyed. 

Hogsback Hiking Trail: Follow this 32-km, 2-day circular trail through the 

beautiful indigenous and pine forests of Hogsback, augmented by natural 

mountain fynbos vegetation. 

Mountain-biking: There are several well-mapped-out mountain biking trails in 

the vicinity of the town and the Hobbiton Mountain Bike Race is held every 

year. 

Trout-fishing: The area with its many pools and streams, is an ideal spot for 

trout fishing. Trout Lake is one of the most popular sites. 


Hogsback Arts Festival: Voted one of the ten best art festivals in the country, 

the Hogsback Arts Festival, hosted every September (Spring), is renowned for 

the way in which the barrier between audience and performers is broken down 

by employing the medium of interactive workshops. 

Local art: The town is renowned for its community of artists whose works are 

exhibited and sold in the shops and galleries in town. 


Auckland Nature Reserve: This 218-ha reserve with its indigenous forests, lies 

on the road to Hogsback along the Tyume River Valley. 

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The Buff Picnic Site: The site offers peace and beauty and is the perfect 

backdrop for a relaxing barbecue or picnic. 

Forests: Sparkling streams meander through the forests, their banks covered 

in white arum lilies, ferns, mosses, edible berries and bracken. Do not be 

surprised to find azaleas, rhododendrons, daffodils and other “European” 

plants and fruits growing profusely alongside their indigenous cousins. This 

variety is thanks to the efforts of one Thomas Summerton, a British market 

gardener who settled in the area more than 100 years ago. The forests 

resound with the sound of birdsong and, if you listen carefully, you may be 

able to recognise the song of the elusive Knysna lourie. Cape parrots and 

many other birds also hide in the branches of huge yellowwood and other 

indigenous and pine trees. As for the famous “mystical forest atmosphere” – 

just wait until the late afternoon mists come up to shroud the forest in their 

grey blanket! 

Hogsback State Forest: Various walks and trails afford visitors the opportunity 

to enjoy the beauty and protective shade of the Hogsback State Forest. Trout- 

fishing, picnicking and camping are allowed in certain areas. 

Little Timbers Garden and Arboretum: The beautifully laid-out gardens of the 

Little Timbers Garden and Arboretum and the nearby Trout Lake have a 

profusion of plants from all over the world. They form beautiful surroundings 

among which to enjoy some refreshments at the tea garden and are definitely 

worth a visit. 

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Gaika’s Kop (Hill): This was the former home and headquarters of the fierce 

Xhosa chief, Ngqika(Gaika). A popular story told about him is that he 

sentenced offenders to “death by jumping” - in other words, they were thrown 

from a high hill. The Hogsback area was a mountain stronghold for the Xhosa 

people during the Frontier Wars. 

Historical Route: Follow the road from Hogsback to the Amatola Basin and 

Fort Cox and to other sites connected with the Frontier Wars and the history of 

the area. 

Saint Patrick-on-the-Hill Church: Many modern couples choose to commit to 

each other in this charmingly cosy thatched-roofed church on the hill. 


Eastern Monarch: The 

monarch is a 30-m-high, 

9-m-wide tree that has 

survived for many years. 

It is on the way to the 

Madonna and Child 

Waterfall. 

Waterfalls: There are 

many waterfalls in the 

area, each with a very 

descriptive name, such 

as “The 39 steps”, 

“Madonna and Child”, 

“Kettlespout”, 

“Swallowtail” and the 

Bridal Falls. As the 

names indicate, each 

waterfall has some 

unique features and 

characteristics. 

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IDUTYWA (including Willowvale) 

Most motorists regard this little town only as the place where one turns off the 

N2 main road to reach the Dwesa Nature Reserve, Kobb Inn and Mazeppa 

Bay. However, the town has several hotels, sporting facilities and a camping 

site. It is also famous for hosting the ”Abakhwetha” dances that form part of 

the initiation ceremony of young Xhosa boys. 

Willowvale, not far from Idutywa, is the traditional seat of the paramount chief 

of the Gcaleka. This picturesque little town gets it name from the wild willow 

trees that once grew in the valleys along the rivers. The road through 

Willowvale leads to Qora Mouth and Nqabara Point on the Wild Coast. 


Golf: Idutywa has its own golf course. 

Wild Coast Horse and Hiking Trail: The Dwesa/Cwebe Trail passes through the 

Dwesa and Cwebe Nature Reserves, a special area enclosing large tracts of 

indigenous forest, coastal grasslands, rivers and estuaries and abundant 

game and birds. The trail allows meetings with the local inhabitants and other 

community-and cultural-based activities. Activities such as birding, canoeing, 

whale- and dolphin-watching and scuba-diving are possible in certain areas. 


Cwebe Nature Reserve: The 2 140-ha Cwebe Nature Reserve encloses 

forest, grassland and quiet beach areas. Follow the well-marked hiking trails 

and see a magnificent wonder of nature, the Mbunyana Falls. The lagoons 

provide a safe haven for many species of water birds, including the majestic 

fish eagle. Fishing is allowed on Shark’s Island. 

Dwesa Game Reserve: This reserve lies on the south side of the Mbashe 

River, opposite the Cwebe Nature Reserve. Many species of plants found in 

the Western Cape also grow here. This phenomenon can be explained by the 

fact that the sea currents deposit many of the plants here. Large game such 

as rhino, buffalo, antelope, zebra and many different species of birds can be 

seen in the reserve. 

KEI MOUTH 

The village of Kei Mouth was founded during the Frontier Wars to serve as a 

staging post. The Great Kei River is up to 200 m wide in places and flows into 

the Indian Ocean. The pontoon at Kei Mouth ferries vehicles across the Great 

Kei River to the road leading to the Kentani and Willowvale beach resorts. 

Today, the village boasts numerous hotels, bungalows, caravan sites as well 

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as several shops and a library, indicating its increasing popularity as tourism 

destination. 


Golf: The village has a pleasant nine-hole golf course. 

Water sport: Ample opportunities exist to swim, fish, do some river boating 

and other water sport activities. 


Hazel Jeffries Shell Museum: The museum houses a collection of more than 

2 500 shells from all over the world. 

KEISKAMMAHOEK 

Keiskammahoek lies in a curve of the Keiskamma River, protected by the 

Amatola Mountains and Hills. The town has several charming Victorian and 

German Settler buildings and various other buildings of national historical 

interest. A modern hospital takes pride of place, albeit in stark contrast to the 

ruined but still impressive stone Keiskammahoek Post, an extensive military 

complex. 


Amatola Hiking Trail: The challenging Amatola to Hogsback Trail starts at 

Maden Dam, is 160 km long and takes six days with five overnight stops. This 

trail is one of the most popular and demanding trails in the country. It winds 

through plantations and primeval forests, over grasslands and up into some of 

the higher peaks of the Amatola Mountains. 

Piri/Evelyn Hike: This two-day hike through the beautiful Piri Forest and 

Amatola Mountain area is ideal for the less experienced hiker. Enjoy an 

overnight stay at Evelyn Hut, a farmhouse. For the very inexperienced there is 

a 4-hour, 9-kilometre walk through the Piri Forest, following the route of an 

old railway line built in 1910 to transport logs from the forest. 

Sandile Walk: The less strenuous Sandile Walk starting from Maden Dam is 

suitable for day visitors and will take you to the cave where, in 1878, the 

Xhosa chief, Sandile, took refuge from pursuing British troops. 

Zingcuka Trail: The trail is a two-day hike with overnight accommodation in a 

comfortable wooden log cabin. 


Yellowwood furniture: A factory in town produces various articles made from 

yellowwood. Orders can be placed and articles bought. 

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Natural fauna and flora: The natural plant- and wildlife of areas, such as the 

Amatola Basin, the Cata, Wolfridge and Dontsa Forests, Emnayameni Gorge, 

Sandile Dam and the Keiskamma River is without equal. There are several 

hiking trails and trout-fishing opportunities in the area. 


Ballantyne’s Wagon Works: The remains of the largest wagon-making factory 

in the Eastern Cape can still be seen. 

Fort Cox Monument: A military outpost was established here in 1835 and the 

fort was built in 1847. 

Fort Eyre: The ruins of Fort Eyre, a British military outpost established after 

the War of the Axe, are in this area. 

Frontier Wars sites: Many historical events took place in this area during the 

nine Frontier Wars. Reminders of these wars are scattered over the area and 

some historic buildings and sites from this time can still be seen. 

Ngqika’s Grave: The turn-off to the grave of Ngqika (Gaika), father of Chief 

Sandile, is reached after passing the 994-m-high Mount MacDonald. He was 

killed on the nearby plains of Amalinde during one of the bloodiest battles in 

Xhosa history. 

KING WILLIAM’S TOWN 

After the London Missionary Society’s mission station on the banks of the 

Buffalo River had been destroyed, the Governor, Sir Benjamin D’Urban, 

wanted to rebuild it and establish a town named after King William IV of 

Britain. When the British Government turned down his application to extend 

the territory of the Cape, the land was returned to the Xhosa nation. However, 

the mission station was subsequently rebuilt, local traders soon started 

meeting around the station and a town eventually developed. The town boasts 

a large number of historical buildings. Today, King William’s Town is part of 

the greater Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. 


Hiking: Several hiking trails traverse the countryside. 

Trout- and bass-fishing. International trout-fishing competitions are 

often hosted at the Maden Dam. 

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Bass-fishing, sail-boating and board-sailing can be enjoyed at the Rooikrantz 

Dam. 


Botanical Gardens: King William’s Town is justifiably proud of its botanical 

gardens and its nature reserve where many species of indigenous flora grow 

unhindered. 


Amatole Museum: The Amatole Museum, formerly the Kaffrarian Museum, 

was founded in 1884 by the local naturalist society. The second largest 

collection of mammals in South Africa, 40 000 in total, can be seen here. One 

of the most interesting exhibits is Huberta, the legendary hippopotamus, who 

made a journey of over 800 km from the Richards Bay area in KwaZulu-Natal 

to Port St Johns where she stayed for about six months. Travelling 

southwards, she was eventually shot by hunters on the banks of the 

Keiskamma River. Huberta had been on the road from 1928 until 1930. The 

museum also houses exhibits on the history of the German population and the 

indigenous Xhosa people. 

British Kaffrarian Savings Bank: The British Kaffrarian Savings Bank has 

housed the local financial institution since the nineteenth century. 

Canons: The four muzzle-loading cannons at the base of the Queen Victoria 

Memorial, unveiled in 1800, were added years after the memorial was built. 

Engineers Lane: A trip down Engineers Lane includes a visit to the old military 

hospital and blacksmith shop housed in the former Royal Engineers Officers’ 

Mess. 

Fort Murray: The fort was built on the banks of the Buffalo River, in 1848, after 

the Seventh Frontier War. 

Grey Hospital: The hospital was built in 1859 by the then Governor of the 

Cape, Sir George Grey. 

Old cannon: The old cannon on the Old Military Reserve was presented to the 

town by Maj. Gen. Frederick Eardley-Wilmot, in memory of his brother, who 

was killed during the Eighth Frontier War. 

Old Residency: The former home of the Governor, Sir Harry Smith, was built 

in 1826. 

South African Missionary Museum: The museum was established in the 

former Methodist Church that dates back to 1855. Exhibits focus on the 

eventful missionary history of the area. 

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Steve Biko’s Grave: Steve Biko’s Grave at Ginsberg is the last resting place of 

this famous political martyr. 

Town Hall: The stately Town Hall was built in 1867 and often hosts events in 

its small theatre. 

KOMGA 

The scenic village of Komga –“Place of Clay”, lies 64 km from King William’s 

Town and was established near an old military camp. Komga is attractively 

set in rolling, green grasslands with fertile soil in an area with a high rainfall. 

Farming is the mainstay of the local community. 


Hiking: Information on hiking trails can be obtained from the library. 


Anglican Church: The elegant Anglican Church was completed in 1866. 

Colonel Moore Memorial: Situated at Draaibos, this memorial is dedicated to 

Colonel Hans Garrett Moore, the first person to be awarded a Victoria Cross 

on South African soil. 

Library: The library building was completed in 1893 and is a national 

monument. 

MORGAN’S BAY 

This small town, just 16 km from Kei Mouth, is situated on the banks of the 

Ntshala River. The bay boasts a landscape of dramatic high cliffs and 

“kranzes”, a lovely lagoon, some 200 species of bird and fascinating 

indigenous flora. The town and its neighbour, Cape Morgan, both take their 

name from AF Morgan, master of the Barracouta, the ship that was used for a 

survey of the coastline in 1822. 


Hiking: Various hiking routes are demarcated in the area. Routes include the 

coast between Morgan’s Bay and Kei Mouth; from Kob Inn to Morgan’s Bay 

(the 6-day Wild Coast Meander); from Qolora, north of the Kei River to Glen 

Garriff in the south (Wild Coast Amble) and along the northern Pondoland 

Coast (Wild Coast Pondo Walk) as well as further inland through indigenous 

forest valleys. Ultimately you can tackle the renowned 5-day Strandloper 

Hiking Trail from Cape Morgan/Kei Mouth to Gonubie/East London. 

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Mountaineering: Scaling the high cliffs is a dangerous activity and is 

recommended only for very experienced climbers. 

Strandloper Hiking Trail: This 5-day hiking trail, the ultimate coastal adventure, 

starts at the Strandloper Ecotourism Centre at Cape Morgan and ends at 

Gonubie. The route promises scenic views, sandy beaches and beautiful 

estuaries, coastal forests, soaring cliffs, as well as opportunities for bird 

watching, fishing and swimming. 

Water-sport: The lagoon formed by the Ntshala River is ideal for swimming, 

canoeing, water-skiing, board-sailing and fishing. 

PEDDIE 

The historic little town of Peddie lies 50 km south-west of Bisho, on the 

Grahamstown road. In 1835, during the Sixth Frontier War, a fort was built at 

this spot and named after Colonel John Peddie of the Seaforth Highlanders. A 

village developed around the fort, which was built to protect the British and 

their allies, the Mfengo Tribe, against the indigenous Xhosa tribes. A road 

through the nearby Double Drift Game Reserve, now part of the Great Fish 

River Complex, links Peddie with the town of Alice. 


Anglican Rectory: The building was once used as a military hospital and 

mortuary during the Frontier Wars. The Church itself was formerly part of the 

original earthwork fort. 

Cavalry and Infantry Barracks: The old cavalry barracks is now the residence 

of the magistrate of the town and the old infantry barracks have been converted 

into the town’s courthouse. 

Resettlement Memorial: A bronze plaque on a milkwood tree commemorates 

the resettlement of the Xhosa tribe, the Mfengo, who cooperated with the 

British during all nine Frontier Wars. Each year, on May 14, Mfingo 

descendants visit this site, honouring their ancestors. 

Watchtower: The old watchtower on its hilltop was built in 1841, just in time to 

withstand a 4 000-strong Xhosa attack. 

SEYMOUR 

This little town, situated beneath the slopes of the Katberg and Elandsberg 

Mountain Ranges was built in 1862 and started off as a military outpost called 

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Elands Post. It was later named after Colonel James Seymour, the private 

secretary to the Governor of the Cape. A small village soon developed around 

the fort. Today, the village lies close to the Kat River Dam and is the terminus 

of a branch line from Fort Beaufort. 


Colonial Hotel: The ornamental colonial hotel building was built as an Officer’s 

Mess for the British Troops. 

Elands Post: A fort, built in defence of the colony in 1846, is still intact. 

History of Afrikaans: Seymour and the Kat River Valley are closely associated 

with the history of the development of the Afrikaans language. A Seymour 

magistrate, Louis Henri Meurant, wrote one of the earliest published works in 

Afrikaans. Also, the renowned “Kaatje Kekkelbek from Kat River”, the 

character created by Andrew G Bain and John Rex in their humorous song, 

instantly became a household name and her fame lives on to this day. 

STUTTERHEIM 

The historic little town of Stutterheim, situated in a scenic setting 

encompassing mountains, rivers and woodlands, is a strong reminder of the 

German Settler influence in the region. It was named after Major General 

Baron Richard von Stutterheim, Commander of Britain’s disbanded German 

Legion, which had fought in the Crimean war. In 1857, after the war, the 

General and his men settled near the Bethal Mission Station, established 20 

years previously by Pastor JL Dohne. The eccentric General immediately set 

about building himself a castle (it subsequently blew down during a storm). 

After returning to Germany, he squandered the family fortunes and later 

committed suicide. 


Boating, yachting, wind-surfing and angling: Enjoy a picnic and some boating 

(not motor), yachting and wind-surfing at the Gubu Dam, west of town. Angling 

and trout-fishing are allowed. International trout-fishing competitions are hosted 

here every year. The trout-fishing season extends from September to May. 

Kologha Hiking Trail: This two-day, 34,5-km trail takes hikers to areas of 

breathtaking natural beauty in the Kologha State Forest at the eastern end of 

the Amatola Mountains. Day visitors have a choice of several delightful short 

walks through the forest. Walks are colour-coded and all start at the Kologha 

picnic site. 

Kubusie State Forest Hiking Trails: There are various hiking trails in the 

Kubusie State Forest. 

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Water sport: Wriggleswade Dam offers bass-fishing, boating, picnicking and 

camping. 


Haddon Museum: Discover the world of San rock art and learn to interpret art 

sites with the help of a comprehensive photograph display at this private Rock 

Art Museum situated at the junction of the N6 and the R63, near Stutterheim. 

Visits are by appointment only. 


Bethal Church: Some of the older Mission buildings have survived. The 

present church dates from 1865. Other church buildings in the town are just as 

old. 

Dohne Post: The lock-up part of the old Dohne Post, in the Caravan Park, was 

built before 1861. 

Fort Cunynghame was built in 1878 towards the end of the Ninth (and last) 

Frontier War and named after General Cunynghame. A small graveyard with 

several unmarked graves is situated near the fort. 

Grave of Chief Sandile: The grave of an honoured chief of the Ngqika (Gaika) 

Xhosa tribe lies in the area and has been declared a national monument. 

Old Mill: An Mill built in 1861 stands on the land granted to the eccentric 

German General. 


Waterfalls: Follow a meandering path under a canopy of stately yellowwood 

and white stinkwood trees to the various lovely waterfalls in the Kologha 

Forest. Linger awhile to enjoy these wonders of nature. 

OTHER ATTRACTIONS 

The Dohne merino-sheep breed, unique for its ability to eat the sour grasses 

of the area, was developed at the Dohne Agricultural Research Institute. 

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WILD COAST REGION 

Eastern Cape Tourism Board (Wild Coast Region) 

Street address: 64 Owen Street, Umtata, 5100 

Postal address: PO Box 52791, Umtata, 5099 

Tel: +27 (0) 47 531 5290/2 

Fax: +27 (0) 47 531 5291 

E-mail: ectbwc@ectourism 

Website: http://www.ectourism.co.za 

Imagine huge waves rushing at a wild and rugged seashore, wild cliffs where 

waterfalls tumble into the sea, kilometres of isolated, shell-strewn beaches, 

tranquil river estuaries, mysterious coastal forests complete with rare 

mangrove swamps and the shy mangrove kingfisher and rural areas 

seemingly left unpolluted by man. Now add a humid climate, (caused by the 

warm Mozambique Current that flows along the coast), a few whales and 

dolphins frolicking in the waves and a gentle ocean breeze whispering: “life 

cannot get better than this” and know that you have just experienced the 

magic of the one and only Wild Coast! 

The Wild Coast area stretches along the coast from Port Edward in the north 

to the Kei River Mouth in the south and inland to the Drakensberg and 

Stormberg Mountain Ranges. The wild and dangerous waves, currents and 

tides on the coast have overwhelmed many a seagoing vessel, thereby 

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earning the coast its name of Wild Coast. However, its inhabitants call it the 

“pearl” in the crown of the Eastern Cape. Former inhabitants include the 

ancient San and Khoi-Khoi, who hunted hippopotami in the area and left proof 

of their occupancy in the many rock paintings, the Nguni tribes from the 

north and European seafarers, who worked hard to make the coastline 

navigable and the land more accommodating, all left their indelible mark on 

the area. 

Notable landmarks of the region include the “Hole-in-the-Wall” near Coffee 

Bay; Umtata, an important centre of Xhosa culture and home of the new 

Nelson Mandela Museum; Mvezo, the birthplace of Nelson Mandela and Qunu 

where he grew up, now the site of the Nelson Mandela Youth and Heritage 

Centre and Community Museum. 

COFFEE BAY 

Many believe this seemingly untouched bay to be haunted by the ghosts of 

shipwrecked sailors after the treacherous Wild Coast proved to be their 

undoing. The town owes its name to a coffee-bearing ship that ran aground 

here and to the cask of coffee beans that washed ashore and quickly took 

root. Unfortunately none of the plants survived for long. The 1-km-long 

beach is littered with cowries and other exotic shells and is ideally suited 

for long walks, swimming and fishing. 


Golf: Enjoy a game of golf on the windswept nine-hole course, set high above 

the cliffs that guard the bay’s northern shore. 

Shelling: Coffee Bay beach is renowned for its many shells found, especially 

at rocky points where they pile up in pockets at the low tide mark. Be on the 

look out for rare cowries. 

Water-sport: Swimming, fishing, board-sailing, spear-fishing and power-boating 

(on the Nenga River) are among the most popular outdoor activities at Coffee 

Bay. Surfing is another popular pastime, with the breakers off the bay’s 

southern point providing one of the few consistent surfing waves on the Wild 

Coast. 

Wild Coast Horse and Hiking Trail: An exciting development in the region is 

the establishment of the 280-km-long Wild Coast Horse and Hiking Trail, a 

Wild Coast Community Tourism initiative and collaborative project between 

coastal communities, local government and the Provincial Directorate of 

Environmental Affairs. The popular, old Wild Coast Hiking Trail has been 

regenerated and upgraded to maximise the participation of coastal 

communities in tourism activities along the trail. The Wild Coast Horse and 

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Hiking Trail has five distinct sections: Amadiba Adventures, Pondoland Trails, 

Port St Johns-Coffee Bay Village Trails, Dwesa-Cwebe Trails and Mazeppa- 

Kei Trails. Amadiba Adventures operate in the northern 25 km of the Wild 

Coast and in the year 2000 won a Presidential Award for the best community- 

tourism project in South Africa. Pondoland Trails is a coastal camp trail with 

traditional village accommodation along an 85 -m stretch of the northern 

Pondoland Coast. Port St Johns-Coffee Bay Village Trails encompass a 

100 km hiking trail along the coastal villages in the area. Dwesa-Cwebe Trails 

explore large tracts of indigenous forest, coastal grasslands, rivers and 

estuaries and other cultural and historical attractions in and around the two 

reserves. The Mazeppa-Kei Trails traverse the southern Wild Coast area. 

Most of the routes offer hiking and horseback-riding facilities and activities 

such as bird watching, canoeing, whale- and dolphin-watching, scuba-diving 

and mountain biking are possible. Each section of the route has its own 

distinct character and, where possible, offers opportunities to meet the local 

inhabitants and/or to observe or take part in other community- and culturalbased 

activities have been incorporated into the trails. 


Eastern Cape Tourism Reserve: A stay at the Eastern Cape Tourism Reserve 

allows the visitor to appreciate the natural beauty of the rocky seashore, the 

vast beaches, the lagoon and the evergreen forest. The reserve lies between 

Coffee Bay and Port St Johns. The large bird- and wildlife population could not 

have found a lovelier home and visitors are guaranteed regular sightings. 

Fishermen can exercise their sport while they watch the dolphins and whales 

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frolic in the distance. A large salt marsh lies next to the lagoon and is home to 

the protected Cape clawless otter. 

Mtata Estuary: The Mtata River Valley, which forms the boundary between the 

Thembu and Mpondo tribal territories, lies a few kilometres inland of Coffee 

Bay. The river estuary is covered in white and black mangrove forests and 

hordes of fiddler and mud crabs can be observed scuttling around in the mud 

in search of food. If you look closely you may also spot a mangrove kingfisher 

or two. 


“Hole in the Wall”: The Hole in the Wall is one of the best-known natural rock 

formations in the Eastern Cape. It consists of a massive rocky outcrop with a 

large hole through it. The relentless pounding of the wind and the waves 

supposedly eroded the hole over the millennia. The local people call it 

“esiKhaleni” – “Place of Sound” and attribute this phenomenon to something 

quite mystical. Legend has it that the hole was made by a male water spirit to 

reach his beloved, a lovely Xhosa maiden who lived on the other side of the 

mass of rock. 

Mbanyana Falls: The nearby forest is home to Mbanyana Falls, which will hold 

you in their thrall as you witness the awesome power of the volumes of water 

rushing down the steep cliff. 

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ELLIOTDALE 

The small village of Elliotdale lies approximately 50 km south of Umtata. It was 

established in 1878 and named after Sir Henry George Elliot, the Chief 

Magistrate of Thembuland and who, from 1891 to 1902 was the Chief 

Magistrate of the Transkeian Territories (the area covered by the previous 

Homeland of Transkei). Elliotdale is strategically situated on the route to the 

popular Wild Coast resort of Coffee Bay and is connected by gravel road to 

The Haven and the Cwebe and Dwesa Nature Reserves. The Mbashe River, 

once the traditional boundary separating the southern Xhosa and the northern 

Thembu people, lies close by and reaches the sea in a wide estuary flanked 

by white beaches. 


Mbashe River Bridge: The old iron bridge over the river, now rusty red, is still 

standing and offers spectacular views over the valley below and the river 

writhing its way through the countryside. 


Collywobbles: A unique feature of the Mbashe River is its meandering series 

of twists and double-backs known as the collywobbles. It received this name 

in 1859 when Regional Magistrate George Colley, while surveying the area and 

viewing the river, was said to have remarked, ”My, how it wobbles”, 

whereupon one of his men replied: “Yes, sir, it Colley Wobbles." And the name 

stuck. During springtime the area around the river develops some scarlet 

patches as the coral trees come into bloom. 

FLAGSTAFF 

In 1875, the paramount chief of Pondoland granted trading rights in the area 

to two European settlers, Z Bowles and G Owen. They subsequently opened 

a trading store in the hills north of Lusikisiki. As business boomed they found it 

more and more difficult to keep away customers who wanted to be served 

seven days a week. In desperation they erected a flagstaff next to the store so 

that, when a white flag was hoisted, people could see from afar that the store 

was closed – hence the name Flagstaff. Today the town is an important 

trading and road-transportation centre. 


Hiking: There are several hiking trails in the area, for example, the 15-km 

Mkambati/Flagstaff Hiking Trail. 

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Wild Coast Sun: The R61 road via Bizana takes the visitor to the popular Wild 

Coast Sun resort hotel and casino. Entertainment, shopping and gambling are 

but some of the activities on offer. 

HLULEKA AND MPANDE 

The turn-off to the Hluleke Nature Reserve and Mpande lies just past the 

village of Libode, on the R61 to Port St Johns. Mpande, with its beautiful 

beach where two rivers flow into the sea, lies to the north of Hluleka. 


Fishing: Fishing is the main activity at both beaches, but harvesting mussels, 

oysters and rock lobsters is also popular. However, these activities are 

illegal without the necessary permits. 

Hiking: There are various longer hiking trails to choose from in this area but a 

short walk from the Hluleka chalets, past a lovely picnic spot on the verge of 

the forest, takes one to a semicircular beach with rocky points, crumbling cliffs 

and thick wild banana pickets. 

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Shelling: Shells are washed up on the beach and collect in the pools at 

Hluleka Beach, where you can also do some snorkelling when the tide and 

swell permit. 

Whale-watching: There are several vantage points in the Hluleka Reserve 

from which whales and dolphins can be watched. 

FAUNA AND FLORA. 

Hluleka Nature Reserve: The reserve was originally called “Straghan’s 

Grant” after its previous owner, who bequeathed this beautiful 772-ha tract of 

land to the government. Today, the reserve, a combination of rocky seashore, 

lagoon and evergreen forest is popular for its magnificent scenery (some of 

the chalets in the rest camp have been raised on stilts to give visitors a better 

view), easy rambles, as well as its prolific bird- and animal life along the 

Hululeka River. 

KENTANI (including Qolora Mouth) 

The picturesque village of Kentani was established as a military post during 

the Ninth Frontier War. More than 5 000 Xhosa warriors tragically lost their 

lives here when they attacked the British-held stronghold on the advice of their 

witch doctor, Xito, who told them that the soldiers’ bullets could not harm them. 

Qolora (River) Mouth lies south-east of Kentani and the small resorts nestled 

here boast a beautiful beach, ideally suited for swimming and fishing. Roughly 

an hour’s walk from the river mouth lies Kobonqaba Point, a popular rock 

fishing spot and the place where the Greek coaster, Jacaranda, came to grief 

in 1971. The wreck remains intact and firmly wedged between the rocks. Kei 

River Mouth lies 6 km south of Qolora. 


Pool of Nongqawuse: A 4-km stroll inland from Qolora Mouth will bring you to 

the Pool of Nongqawuse on the Gxara River. Here, a young Xhosa girl had a 

vision of how, if her people destroyed all their cattle and crops, they would be 

freed of the presence of the white man. Unfortunately her vision had tragic 

consequences and led to the mass starvation of her people, after they had 

obeyed her. 


Rock formations: The Boiling Pot and Gates are rock formations that decorate 

the beaches of the Qolora Mouth area. Shells and other remnants of marine life 

often wash up on the beach. 

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LIBODE 

This town lies about 25 km east of Umtata on the road to Port St Johns. 

According to legend the town got its name from Libode, an Mpondo Chief, 

who was killed in the area more than a century ago. Today the town is 

renowned for the beautiful beadwork created by the Mpondo and Mpondomise 

people who inhabit the town and the surrounding area. This traditional craft 

goes back many years and was used to compose many ardent love letters at 

a time when there was no written Xhosa language in which to communicate. A 

selection of these “love letters”, as well as other fascinating items dealing with 

traditional Xhosa culture, can be seen at the Port St Johns Cultural Museum in 

Port St Johns. 


Beadwork: The Mpondo and Mpondomise people are renowned for their 

exquisite beadwork, which they sell at most of the shops and stalls in the 

town. Come prepared to bargain and haggle over the price. 


Mhlengana Mountain Rock: The cliffs of the towering Mhlengana Mountain 

appear to hover protectively over the valley. One of its massive outcrops is 

shaped like a loaf of home-baked bread and was mistakenly christened 

”Executioner’s Rock” because English-speaking people in the area were 

under the impression that the cliffs had once been used for Xhosa executions. 

The executions were in actual fact carried out at a nearby cliff. 

LUSIKISIKI 

Lusikisiki, a trading, transport and labour-recruiting centre, about 40 km north 

of Port St Johns, derives its name from the Xhosa word for the sound of the 

wind rustling through the reeds at a nearby marsh and along the rivers in the 

area. The area between Lusikisiki and the coastal spots of Msikaba and 

Mbotyi are characterised by spectacular views of natural vegetation and lovely 

waterfalls. 


Mount Nelson: The home of Khotso Sethuntsa, a wealthy and respected 

herbalist, is in the area. Khotso is reputed to have fathered more than 200 

children. 

Seat of the Paramount Chief: Qawukeni, meaning “the elevated place”, the 

seat of the Paramount Chief of East Pondoland, is situated here. 

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Magwa Tea Estate: Take the turn-off to Magwa and drive through the 

1 000-ha tea plantation in the Magwa Tea Estate. 

Mkambati Nature Reserve: This 8 000-ha coastal reserve preserves the 

animal and plant species of the coastal area between the Msikaba and Mtentu 

Rivers. The automatic lighthouse on South Sand Bluff falls within the borders 

of the reserve. Other interesting and unique features of the reserve include the 

impressive Horseshoe Falls, the Msikaba Gorge, the Mzamba Fossil Beds 

(cliffs featuring fossils dating back some 60 million years) and the Pondo 

Coconut (Jubaeopsis caffra) – this is the only place in the world where it 

grows! 

Ntsubane Forest: It is quite an experience to pass through the twilight world of 

the Ntsubane Forest on the Lusikisiki/Mbotyi road. Be on the lookout for birds 

such as loeries, paradise flycatchers, bush shrikes, cuckoos and broadwinged, 

crowned eagles (the only forest-dwelling eagle) as well as small 

antelopes, bush pigs, monkeys and baboons. 

Lupatana Nature Reserve: Take the Mbotyi turn-off on the road from Lusikisiki 

to Mkambati to reach the delightful Lupatana Nature Reserve with its 

Milkwood Forest, Lupatana River and wild waves. Walk to Waterfall Bluff, the 

Cathedral Rock formations and the Mfihlelo Falls. 


Magwa Falls: A magnificent, 140-m-high waterfall, complete with rainbows, 

white plumes and “roaring smoke” that resembles the Victoria Falls in 

Zimbabwe, albeit on a smaller scale and only after good summer rains, is 

situated in the middle of the Magwa Tea Plantation. 

Mfihlelo Falls: These 160 m high falls, situated approximately 5 km north of 

Mbotyi, drop straight into the sea and are the highest falls in the world to do 

so! Walk to the falls from the Lupatana Nature Reserve. 

Waterfall Bluff: The main waterfall crashes into the sea near vertical 

sandstone cliffs, from a height of more than 100 m. However, the most 

exciting feature of the falls is that one can walk behind the cascading wall of 

water. The bluff extends about 5 km along the coast and contains two of the 

few waterfalls in the world that plunge directly into the sea. It is a place of 

exceptional beauty. 

Cathedral Rock: Years of erosion of the sandstone cliffs along the coastline 

has resulted in the formation of Cathedral Rock, a towering rock formation 

butting out of the sea, reminiscent of the flying buttresses of Gothic 

cathedrals. 

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MATATIELE 

The town of Matatiele was founded on the edges of a marsh in the southern 

reaches of the Drakensberg Mountain Range. The marsh was given the Sotho 

name of “Madi-I-Yila”, meaning “The Ducks have Flown”, after the marsh had 

been drained. Until 1874 the area was the hideout of a collection of lawless 

smugglers, cattle and horse rustlers and other renegades. However, in that 

year the Cape government annexed the area and started to clean it up. Law 

and order were only really established in 1880 when the town was garrisoned 

by a detachment of the Cape Mounted Rifles. Today’s Matatiele is a pretty 

little town with lovely summer gardens and superb views of the mountains. It is 

the centre for a prosperous farming district in which horses are bred and 

where polo is the local sport. 


Mehloding Horse and Hiking Trail: This 4-day trail traverses the foothills of the 

southern Drakensberg Mountains at the junction of the Eastern Cape (former 

Transkei area), KwaZulu-Natal and Southern Lesotho. Attractions include the 

fresh mountain air, views of unexplored peaks and crystal-clear streams, 

ancient San rock art sites, medicinal plants, indigenous trees, birds and 

wildlife, as well as local Xhosa and Sotho hospitality. 


Bauer Nature Reserve: This pristine reserve plays host to various species of 

buck as well as the endangered oribi antelope. 

Mountain Lake Nature Reserve: This favourite spot for trout-anglers and 

nature lovers is set high in the mountains above the town. 


Catholic Church: The stone Catholic Church, set in a lovely garden, has an 

especially attractive cool, white interior. 

MAZEPPA BAY 

Mazeppa Bay, a small resort, 50 km north-east of Kentani, on the edge of the 

Manubi Forest, has some of the Wild Coast’s most idyllic beaches. The three 

beaches are all fringed by dense groves of wild date-palms and boast giant 

sand dunes, prehistoric shell middens and rich oyster beds. The bay was 

named after the Mazeppa, a nineteenth-century coastal trader, with an 

exciting nautical history. In 1839 the ship was used to transport a party of 

malaria-stricken Boer Trekkers from Delagoa Bay to Durban and, in 1842, it 

did service for the British during the Boer invasion of Durban. 

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Hiking: There is a 6-km walk from Mazeppa Bay along the beach to the resort 

at Qora Mouth. By road the route is over 100 km long. 

Shark fishing: If shark fishing is to your taste, Mazeppa Bay is the place to be; 

sharks weighing up to a record 791 kg have been hooked here. Cross the 

suspension bridge on First Beach to reach The Island, one of several ideal 

locations for deep-sea fishing and hooking sharks. The other spots are at 

Shark Point and The Boiling Pot. 

Swimming: First Beach, which fronts the hotel, is the best swimming beach. 

Shelly Beach and Second Beach on the southern side of the lagoon are 

well-suited for walking, swimming, picnicking, collecting shells and 

surfing - despite the presence of sharks! 

Wild Coast Horse and Hiking Trail: The Mazeppa to Kei part of this trail is in 

the southern Wild Coast area. Visitors can take part in hiking and horseback - 

riding, birding, canoeing, whale- and dolphin-watching and scuba-diving in 

certain areas, on the route. Meeting the local inhabitants and other community 

and cultural-based activities is also possible. 


Manubi Forest: Huge yellowwood and sneezewood trees dominate in the 

Manubi Forest with its abundant bird- and animal life. 

MOUNT AYLIFF 

Mount Ayliff lies about 140 km north of Umtata and was probably named after 

the Rev John Ayliff who ran a missionary station nearby. However, two other 

men named Ayliff, William and James, who were government employees in 

the area during the 1870s, may also lay claim to this honour. Of these two 

James Ayliff is by far the best known, especially for his frankness and honesty 

concerning his part in the Battle of Gwadana in 1877. Apparently he 

confidently led the Mfengu into battle against the Gcaleka until his cannon 

burst and then, by his own admission: “I ran”. Today the town is a busy trading 

post and on a busy day looks like a scene from a “Wild West” movie, with 

horses tethered to hitching posts in front of every store and building. 

MOUNT FRERE (KWABHACA) 

This small village, 100 km north of Umtata on the N2, known by the locals as 

KwaBhaca – ”The Place of the Bhaca”, was established in 1876 and named 

after Sir Bartle Frere, Governor of the Cape. Today, the village, surrounded by 

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green, indigenous forests, is the commercial centre of the local Bhaca people. 

The Bhaca people are noted for their colourful traditional costumes and 

intricate beadwork. The vast Mzimvubu River valley lies south of the town. 


Isinamva Cultural Village: Delicious traditional dishes can be enjoyed at the 

Isinamva Cultural Village where visitors can meet and mingle with local Xhosa 

people. The village was not developed for tourism purposes and reflects the 

true circumstances of these people. Guests are greeted with enthusiasm and 

entertained with folk tales and stories depicting the history and traditions of 

their hosts. Guests may also learn and help with daily tasks such as milking, 

herding and fetching water. 

PORT GROSVENOR 

Port Grosvenor is situated on Lwambasi Bay where two rival traders 

attempted to establish a port for Pondoland in 1885. The undertaking was 

doomed to failure but the spot stayed in the news as numerous attempts were 

made to salvage the so-called treasures of the “Grosvenor”, a ship that sank 

here in 1782. The legend that the Grosvenor was laden with treasure, 

including the famous Peacock Throne of India, persisted, even though nothing 

of value was ever found. Large swells and strong currents make diving here 

very difficult. 

PORT ST JOHNS 

This beautiful coastal town is situated on the banks of the Umzimvubu River 

among spectacular, densely forested cliffs. It is commonly believed that the 

town was named after the Portuguese vessel, “São João” which ran aground 

at the mouth of the Umtamvuna River, about 80 km further north, in June 1552. 

It was thought that the river was the Umzimvubu and the ship’s name 

was applied to the area Of the 540 people on board 440 survived and 

reached the shore, only to face the daunting task of walking 700 km to 

Lourenço Marques (Maputo). The first Europeans settled here in 1846 and, 

although very remote, it was the ideal location for a trading post. The British 

maintained a garrison here for many years. The town has retained much of its 

isolated character, but one wonders for how long. There has recently been an 

invasion of very different kind – several local and foreign film producers have 

discovered it and use it as location to shoot their films. 


Fishing: Deep-sea angling, rock-angling and shore-angling are excellent here. 

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Canoeing and boating: According to canoeing enthusiasts, a trip on the 

Umzimvubu River is a singular experience. The river is navigable for 10km, a 

fact that boating enthusiasts need to keep in mind. 

Hiking: There are numerous walks and hikes through the beautiful forests and 

hills or along the beach. Try the pleasant walk to the Cape Hermes Lighthouse 

at the southern end of the estuary. Hiking trails in the Silaka Nature Reserve 

lead through evergreen forests, affording close views of mosses, orchids, lilies 

and lichens, birds and game. 

Water sport: Swimming is best indulged in at First Beach. The stretch of sea 

along Second Beach is known for its many sharks. 

Wild Coast Horse and Hiking Trail: This part of the trail, the Pondoland Trail, 

takes visitors to some of the most spectacular but previously inaccessible 

sections of the Wild Coast. Overnight stays in remote but visitor-friendly rural 

villages offer the opportunity to get to know the local communities and their 

culture. Tours include multi-day horse- and hiking expeditions along this 

110-km stretch of the spectacular northern Pondoland coast. Entry and exit 

pointsare located at Port St Johns, Msikaba and Mbotyi. 


Oliver Tambo Craft and Marketing Service Centre: Visit the centre for an 

unbelievable variety of art and crafts produced by the local inhabitants. Items 

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on sale include handcrafted leatherwork, pottery, basketry, shell art, 

beadwork, furniture and much more. Crafters use “ugonothi” and “imbo”, 

bamboo-like reeds that grow along the Wild Coast, to weave their baskets and 

to make furniture. 


Silaka Nature Reserve: This beautiful coastal reserve, situated south of Port 

St Johns, lies in a forested valley facing the sea. A small, sandy beach is 

located below the rest camp with its thatched bungalows. The reserve, a 

nesting area for many species of birds, affords visitors a chance to view such 

elusive bird species as the cinnamon dove, the Knysna lourie, the grey cuckoo 

as well as the red-billed wood hoopoe, chorister robin and forest weaver. 

Zebra, blue wildebeest and blesbok have also been introduced into the 

reserve and if you are very, very lucky, you may just spot the shy blue duiker. 


Grosvenor Cannon: This cannon originally formed part of the armament of the 

“Grosvenor”, one of the many ships that have been wrecked on the coast near 

the town. 

Huberta the Hippopotamus: One of Port St John’s most endearing visitors was 

Huberta the wandering hippopotamus, the first to be seen in this area for more 

than 100 years. Huberta started her wanderings at Richards Bay in KwaZulu- 

Natal in 1928, arrived at Port St Johns in March 1930, stayed for six months 

and steadily ate her way through the local gardens and then moved on. 

Everyone in the area was sad to see her leave and even sadder when she 

was killed by hunters several hundred kilometres further south, on the 

Keiskamma River. Today, Huberta occupies pride of place in the Amatola 

Museum (Kaffrarian Museum) in King William’s Town. 

Port St Johns Museum: The museum’s main focus is on the cultural history of 

the area although it also has interesting displays of fauna and molluscs. 

Another interesting exhibit is a collection of beaded Xhosa “love letters." This 

traditional craft was used to compose many ardent love letters at a time when 

there was no written Xhosa language. The museum houses a selection of 

“love letters”, as well as several other items dealing with Xhosa culture. 

Town Hall: The stately Town Hall is adorned with a ship’s bell, reputedly 

gambled away by the captain of the “Clan Gordon”. 


Blow Hole and the Gap: North of Second Beach lies the Gap, a deep gully that 

has almost detached the headland from a rocky outcrop. To reach the Blow 

Hole, where the incoming tide sends plumes of spray into the air, you need to 

climb down the cliff with the help of a cable and wooden ladder. 

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Isinuka mineral spring: Visit Isinuka, 5 km out of town, for a relaxing soak in 

a warm mineral spring. 

UMTATA 

Umtata, set on the banks of the Umtata River, was the capital of the former 

homeland of Transkei. The town was established in the 1860s as a so-called 

“white buffer zone” between two warring Xhosa tribes, the Thembu and 

Mpondo and white settlers were encouraged to live along the Umtata River. 

Today, Umtata retains much of its historic charm despite being a modern 

town, boasting a university, several hotels and a casino. 


Golf: Enjoy a relaxing game of golf at the Umtata Golf Course. 

Madiba Hiking Trail: The trail is named after President Nelson Mandela’s clan 

(a branch of the Thembu Royal Family). The trail leads hikers through areas of 

natural beauty on their way to places of historical interest such as his place of 

birth in Qunu. 

Water sport: Enjoy boat rides and picnicking at the Umtata Dam. 


Nduli Game Reserve: The reserve is a peaceful refuge within the city limits 

with picnic sites and an attractive indigenous garden setting where zebra, blue 

wildebeest, eland and springbok graze. 

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Luchaba Nature Reserve: This reserve, situated approximately 5 km out of 

town, was established to protect local plant- and bird life, especially the rare 

Stanley’s bustard and the longtailed widow. Picnics, fishing and boat rides are 

possible at the nearby Umtata Dam. 


Anglican Cathedral: Do take the time to have a look at Umtata’s impressive, 

stone cathedral. 

Bunga Building: For more than half a century this graceful domed building 

served as the seat of the now-abolished Transkeian Parliament. Today it 

houses the Nelson Mandela Museum. 

Dick King Cairn: This monument commemorates Dick King’s historic 

horseback ride in 1842 from Port Natal (Durban) to Grahamstown to get help 

from the British garrison there when Port Natal was besieged by the Boers. It 

is situated next to the road near the small village of Mqanduli, about 45 km 

from Umtata on the road to Coffee Bay and Hole-in-the Wall. 

Nelson Mandela Museum: The museum is spread across three historical sites: 

the Mvezo site, the Qunu site and the Umtata site. The open-air Mvezo site 

(approximately 67 km from Umtata), birthplace of Nelson Mandela, has been 

developed as a minimal interpretation facility, a place of pilgrimage where 

intervention was kept to the minimum to protect the natural and cultural 

environment of the site. The Qunu site (approximately 32 km from Umtata), 

the area where Mandela grew up, is the location of The Nelson Mandela 

Youth and Heritage Centre, which is aimed at teaching young people about 

topics such as leadership qualities and personal and indigenous cultural 

values. The Bunga Building in Umtata will house the “Gift to the Nation” 

exhibition of personal gifts and awards presented to Nelson Mandela in 

recognition of the role he played in the struggle for peace, freedom and 

democracy. On receiving these gifts and awards he indicated that he did so on 

behalf of all the people of South Africa. However, the core exhibition of the 

museum will be the story of Nelson Mandela’s life as expressed in his 

autobiography, “Long Walk To Freedom”. 

Town Hall: Umtata’s graceful, sandstone Town Hall, set in beautiful gardens, 

was completed in 1908 and is well worth a visit. 

Umtata Museum: The museum depicts the cultural and natural history of the 

area and its people. 

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