The Amatola and Stormberg region of the Eastern Cape encompasses the Frontier Country which has seen more than 100 years of frontier wars and extends northwards to include the Karoo plains and majestic mountains of the far north of the region. The small town of Adelaide was established as a military outpost in the Frontier Wars and sits at the base of the Winterberg mountains. The town is named after Queen Adelaide, consort to King George IVth.
By far the largest town in this region is East London, sitting on the banks of the Buffalo River. East London is South Africa's only river port and is the gateway to the Sunshine Coast. The town has developed into a holiday resort and an important commercial and industrial centre with cosy pubs, good restaurants and a vibrant night-life. Visitors to East London have the whole of the Frontier Wars areas to explore and can enjoy some of South Africa's most beautiful countryside. The prosperity of the city is built on vehicle assembly, electronics, citrus, wool and pineapples. It is adjacent to the holiday resort of Gonubie situated on the lagoon of the Ganubie River.
The Amatola town of Port Alfred sits on the banks of the Kowie River. Some commercial fishing is carried out from here but the town has undergone a rapid expansion in recent years in the development of holiday homes, sometimes at the expense of the local amenities. Just a few kilometers inland from Port Alfred is the old English village of Bathurst, boasting both the oldest pub and the oldest Anglican church in South Africa. Just outside Bathurst is Bradshaw's Mill, a water-wheel driven wool mill built in 1820. Bathurst was initially intended to be the administration centre for the 4000 British settlers who immigrated to the area in the 1820s, a task that later fell to Grahamstown. The nearby community of Martindale was witness to a rail disaster in 1911 when the local train from Port Alfred to Grahamstown plunged off the Blaauwkrantz Bridge killing 26 souls. Martindale is now a centre for pineapples and cattle farming.
Grahamstown is now the administration centre for the Amatola region of the Eastern Cape. Every year, in July, is held the world famous Grahamstown National Arts Festival, the largest cultural event in the southern hemisphere, where upwards of 400 separate performances of dance, music and theater can be seen during the 11 days of the festival. The 1820 Settler National Monument is set in a wildflower reserve next to the Botanical Gardens, and the Cathedral of St Michael and St George with the tallest spire in South Africa is the city's most prominent landmark.
Perhaps the most well-known village in the Amatola and Stormberg region of the Eastern Cape is Hogsback, set in a fairytale landscape of mountains and ancient forest. The village is a very popular holiday destination, and the visitor can enjoy walks through the forest past giant ferns and massive yellowwoods. Here you can enjoy hiking, horse riding, climbing, swimming and fishing, and can relax in the evening in front of a large log fire. The area around Hogsback with its wonderful old forests was the inspiration for JRR Tolkien s books.
Stormberg in the very North of the region is the site of the Battle of Stormberg fought on 9th December 1899 and won by the Boers a disastrous defeat to the British who lost 90 men and had a further 600 taken prisoner. The whole of the Amatola and Stormberg region of the Eastern Cape is steeped in history. The region is ideal for hiking, climbing and mountain-biking as well as fly-fishing and canoeing.
Cape Cod Accommodation is positioned approximately 800metres from the beach on the hill overlooking the Chintsa Bay and River Mouth. Surrounded by Indigenous Vegetation and greenbelt. Chintsa boasts one of the best beaches …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
De Oudewerf guesthouse situated in a beautifully manicured large garden at 65 Berry st Queenstown was originally a farmhouse in the district 120 years ago and now finds itself conveniently situated near the towns schools …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Situated in the picturesque Morgan Bay, Ankervas offers a high standard of luxury accommodation to the tourist and holiday maker. The apartments are spacious and tastefully decorated in Cape Cod furniture, a relaxing holiday style. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Set in a tropical garden in the heart of Bunkers Hill, See More Guest House is centrally located, with views of the valley and Ocean. Guests can enjoy country living, while being just a stone's throw away from East London's premier ... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Maylodge hosts extend a warm welcome, inviting you to share the beauty and uniqueness of Hogsback - you leave it but it never leaves you. Privately situated self catering cottages in an acclaimed, tranquil, park-like garden which are well equipped... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
We offer secure, off street parking, six elegantly appointed rooms each with en-suite bathrooms & air conditioning. Each of our 6 rooms is equipped with a plasma screen, DSTV and a tea/coffee tray for your convenience …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Haga Haga Resort offers every facility and comfort to make your stay an unforgettable one. It offers single and double rooms as well as fully equipped and serviced self catering cabanas with sun deck's, and all with unspoilt views over the ocean. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Downderry is self-catering cottage situated at Haga Haga on the beautiful Eastern Cape Wildcoast of South Africa. The elevated house is right on the ocean, looking out to the horizon. There is a main house and an adjoining double-storey flat ... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Stumble-Inn has a large lounge/dinning room, 3 bedrooms of which 2 have sea views and 2 full bathrooms as well as a large fully equipped kitchen with a stove & microwave. There is a fridge and a deep freeze available as well. With a sleeper couch …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Situated in a quiet cul-de-sac in Morgan Bay, Ocean Valley view offers comfortable, relaxing self catering accommodation within very easy walking distance of the sea. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
It has 5 bedrooms, 4 of which have double beds, and one room with a single bed and a double bunk bed. There is also a camp cot available if needed. All bedrooms are equipped with side tables, dressing tables and cupboard. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Beach house is situated on the river with magnificent uninterrupted views of the ocean, river and beach. One of the best sites Cintsa East has to offer. The house is with-in one minute walk to the ocean... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
A stunning home situated in a cul de sac, with private & very sheltered garden, only 400m from the beach. A comfortable, self-catering, open plan house to enjoy a relaxing, wonderful holiday. The main bedroom with double bed is full en -suite. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
This rambling home sleeps 10, comfortably, and has one full bathroom (bath, shower, basin, wc), as well as a separate shower (with basin & wc). For your convenience an experienced domestic will service the cottage daily, at an additional cost... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
A modern 4 bedroom, main & 4th bedroom en suite, beach house sleeping 8. Spacious bathrooms. Open plan dining room, lounge, kitchen (includes dishwasher and washing machine).Plus a coffee corner to relax while the family is watching TV ... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
This Luxury Double Story Guest House is located 500m from the beach in beautiful Cintsa East on the Wild Coast of South Africa. It's elegantly decorated and fully equipped for all your needs. Wake up to the sounds of the Ocean and enjoy spectacular views …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The closest convenience store is located 12 minutes from the cottage in the village of Wesley. There you will find a cafe selling a variety of delicacies as well as general trading stores in the vicinity. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
This privately owned seaside Beach House offers you a self-catering holiday. 5 bedrooms in all - 2 en-suites plus 2 bathrooms (4 bathrooms in all), large open plan kitchen, 2 lounges …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.