Eastern Cape Provincial Article - South African Vacations
Eastern Cape Provincial Article - South African Vacations
Eastern Cape Provincial Article - South African Vacations
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ADVENTURE AND SPORT<br />
Water sport: The magnificent beaches, sand dunes, shallow lagoons,<br />
sheltered coves and rock pools of this coastal area offer ample sporting and<br />
adventure opportunities. An added attraction is the cool waters of the<br />
Bushman River, enhanced by the lush forest that surrounds it. The river is<br />
ideal for water-skiing, speedboats, canoeing, sailing, bathing and fishing.<br />
FAUNA AND FLORA<br />
Kariega Game Reserve: The reserve is set in a malaria-free, pristine<br />
wilderness area above the Kariega River Valley, only 14 km from Kenton on<br />
Sea. View more than 20 species of game including rhino, giraffe, zebra and<br />
wildebeest as well as more than 200 species of birds. Hiking, 4x4 game<br />
drives, river cruises, canoeing, mountain biking, fishing and swimming can be<br />
done.<br />
KIRKWOOD<br />
The town was established in 1913 to serve as a commercial centre for the<br />
citrus estates of the area and was named after James Kirkwood, the first white<br />
farmer in these parts. The streets of the town are lined with golden shower<br />
and bougainvillea, reminiscent of early British horticulture and town planning.<br />
Roses also do very well here.<br />
FAUNA AND FLORA<br />
Diverse natural fauna and flora: The divergent landscapes around town have<br />
created homes for an amazingly large and diverse animal population. Within a<br />
relatively short space of time, the visitor can travel through the different worlds<br />
of evergreen forests, bushveld valleys and the famous fynbos habitat.<br />
HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE<br />
Grave of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick: On a hill outside the town lies the grave of Sir<br />
Percy Fitzpatrick, the acclaimed author of “Jock of the Bushveld”, the timeless<br />
story of an intrepid dog and his master. What is less well known is that the<br />
author was also a pioneer of citrus farming in the Sundays River Valley.<br />
NIEU-BETHESDA<br />
The isolated little village of Nieu-Bethesda lies in a fertile valley of the<br />
Sneeuberg Mountains, at the foot of the 2 502-m-high Kompasberg. Modern<br />
life seems to have passed the town by and only in recent years was electricity<br />
introduced. The Rev Charles Murray deemed this spot the perfect site for a<br />
new Dutch Reformed rural community and promptly named it Bethesda.<br />
Today, the village is a popular retreat for artists who come from far to get<br />
inspiration from the Owl House and Miss Helen Martin’s extraordinary<br />
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