Eastern Cape Provincial Article - South African Vacations

HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE
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.
FAUNA AND FLORA
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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