Eastern Cape Provincial Article - South African Vacations

FAUNA AND FLORA
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.
HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE
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.
ADVENTURE AND SPORT
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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