Situated near the border of Kwa Zulu Natal and the Eastern Cape at Brooks Nek pass is the small town of Kokstad, the southern gateway to the Drakensberg.

Previously well known for its cattle farming and excellent dairy produce, namely cheese, Kokstad was put on the map when well known international television personality Oprah Winfrey decided to design a school for the nearby Shayamoya township.

Fishing
Kokstad has grown in popularity due to its many rivers and dams which set the scene for excellent trout fishing. Crystal Dam located within the Mount Currie Reserve is fed by the pure water of Crystal Spring, the main source of Kokstad's water supply, and is well stocked with bluegill, bass and trout, providing visitors with decent opportunities for fishing and boating. There are a number of other well stocked dams in the area, including the Hebron Dam, where rainbow trout up to 4,5 kgs have been caught.

Hiking
The area is also home to three nature reserves, the serene Mount Currie Reserve where a number of buck and antelope species can be sighted, Wilfred Bauer Reserve, and the Mountain Lake Nature Reserve which is a slightly smaller reserve with various short paths and trails allowing for excellent short hikes.

Birding
The Kokstad area is also a bird watchers heaven, as more than two hundred and twenty various species can be spotted in the region.

4x4
Every year around June or July the annual Kokstad 4x4 Rally which runs for a period of two days is also held here.

Cultural Attractions
The history of the town dates back to 1872 when the Griqua leader Adam Kok III and his followers settled here. Inside the town on can visit the St Patrick's Cathedral and the Kokstad Museum, a national monument which focuses mainly on the Griqua people.