Eastern Cape Provincial Article - South African Vacations

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).
ADVENTURE AND SPORT
Angling: Haga-Haga’s rocky coast has several spots where anglers can try
their luck from the coast.
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