Eastern Cape Provincial Article - South African Vacations

(“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.
ADVENTURE AND SPORT
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.
ARCHAEOLOGY AND PALAEONTOLOGY
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 AND CRAFTS
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.
FAUNA AND FLORA
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.
HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE
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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