Eastern Cape Provincial Article - South African Vacations

The primary economic activity of this area is agriculture, livestock farming
(mainly cattle, sheep and goats) and crop production (mainly maize, wheat
and potatoes). The area is also one of the largest wool producers in Southern
Africa. The large Gariep Dam is the main generous source of water that
sustains farming activities in the area. Visitors to this region can enjoy troutfishing,
bird-watching, hiking, hunting and viewing fascinating San rock art and
recently-discovered fossils. The area has the added distinction of being the
only place in South Africa that can offer snow-skiing!
This region falls under the Ukhahlamba and Chris Hani District Municipalities
and is divided into four magisterial areas/districts: Gariep, an area that
encompasses the Gariep Dam, Oviston Nature Reserve and Berg Game
Reserve and towns such as Venterstad, Steynsburg and Burgersdorp;
Maletswai, an area that incorporates Aliwal North with its hot-water spa and
holiday resorts, Buffelspoort Game Reserve and Jamestown; Senqu, an area
that includes the Witteberg Mission and the birthplace of renowned South
African author, Olive Schreiner, Holo Hlahatsi Dam, towns such as Lady Grey
and Barkly East, the “Switzerland of South Africa”, and Elundini, an area
renowned for its excellent examples of dinosaur footprints and San rock art.
Other towns in the region include Cradock, Middelburg, Elliot, Tarkastad,
Queenstown and Molteno.
ALIWAL NORTH
In 1849 Aliwal North was established as an administrative centre for the
recently annexed territory north of the Stormberg Mountains. It was named for
the town of Aliwal in India, the scene of a great victory over the Sikhs two
years earlier by Sir Harry Smith, the Governor of the Cape Colony. The town
was built around a strategic fort used by both the San and the “Boers”. It was
later upgraded and today serves as a service and educational centre for a
2 000 square kilometre wool-, maize- and wheat-production area. The town is
famous for its hot springs and is a popular inland holiday resort.
ADVENTURE AND SPORT
Canoeing, fishing, hiking, mountaineering and river-rafting: There are several
opportunities for these activities in the area.
ARCHAEOLOGY AND PALAEONTOLOGY
San Rock Art at Kalkoenkrans: This site in the Aliwal North/Jamestown region
has been declared a national monument because of the level, variety and
standard of the artwork displayed. The famous “White Lady of Kalkoenkrans”,
discovered in 1967, is part of this fresco of rock art.
San Rock Art at Sterkstroom: The rock art site on the farm, Sterkstroom, north
of the town, is well protected and is noted for its vivid colours.
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