Explore The Historic Towns Of The Eastern Cape – South Africa
Tucked away in the south-eastern corner of South Africa lies the province of Eastern Cape, a vast and beautiful region known for its rich history and stunning landscapes. From stunning coastal towns to rolling hills and quaint country towns, the Eastern Cape has something to offer every kind of explorer. Here, we’ll take a deeper look into the Eastern Cape’s historic towns and outline why you should make a visit for yourself.
Port Elizabeth
Officially known as the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, Port Elizabeth is the main coastal city of the Eastern Cape, and the fifth largest city in the country. For visitors, there are plenty of attractions to explore including the Fortaleza de Sao Pedro de Alcantara, a Portuguese fort dating back to 1799, and the beautiful Donkin Heritage Trail that allows visitors to explore the city’s rich history. Port Elizabeth has an abundance of outdoor activities such as fishing, cycling and sailing. The city is also home to some of the best restaurants and nightlife venues in South Africa.
Grahamstown
The historic city of Grahamstown is located about 75 miles North East of Port Elizabeth and was founded in 1812. It was once known as the 'Athens of South Africa' and is the main academic hub of the Eastern Cape Province. It is home to the famous Rhodes University and the National Arts Festival. The Summer Weekend Festival and the Grahamstown National Arts Festival, also known as the “Fringe”, draw more than 500,000 visitors each year. The city also boasts a great selection of stylish eateries, boutique accommodation and stunning views of the rugged coastline.
King William’s Town
King William's Town lies deep in the Eastern Cape and is the former capital of the region. This small town is one of the oldest European settlements in the region, and features a number of early 19th century houses and buildings, which are all beautifully preserved. Aside from its magnificent historical attractions, the town is home to the East London Museum and the Grey Library, making it an ideal destination for travelers interested in the history of South African culture. King William’s Town is also located close to the gorgeous Nahoon Beach and the Nahoon Nature Reserve.
Uitenhage
Uitenhage is made up of several towns and is located south of Port Elizabeth. It is home to the automotive giant Volkswagen, which is housed in one of the most modern industrial facilities in the country. The city also boasts several beautiful parks such as the Donkin Reserve, Van Staden’s Wildflower Reserve and the Dias Cross Historical Reserve. No visit to Uitenhage would be complete without stopping by the sprawling Uitenhage Market, where you’ll find traditional African crafts and unique souvenirs.
Graaf Reinet
Graaf Reinet is the fourth oldest town in South Africa and a great destination if you’re looking to explore more of the Eastern Cape’s history. The town is located in the Karoo and boasts a plethora of natural wonders and incredible views. Some of the main attractions here include the Valley of Desolation, the Valley of Desolation, the Cango Caves, and of course the Graaf Reinet Country Club. For those looking to relax, the town also has spots like the Hot Springs, where one can indulge in a natural hot bath.
Qiktruck – The Convenient Way To Travel
No matter where you’re headed to explore the Eastern Cape, you should make sure you have a reliable way of getting around. Qiktruck solves your travel worries. Qiktruck is South Africa’s leading on-demand truck and driver hire service. Now, you can easily transport your goods and travel around in a safe and comfortable way. With just a few clicks you can book one of their reliable trucks and drivers for your needs. And when you’re finished, Qiktruck offers an easy payment system to make sure the process is hassle-free for you. Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, Qiktruck makes the trip a breeze.
Conclusion
The Eastern Cape is made up of a region of vibrant and beautiful towns and cities. From the sprawling city of Port Elizabeth to the quaint country towns of Graaf Reinet and King William’s Town, the Eastern Cape has something to offer every traveller. Whether you’re looking to experience the vibrant towns and culture or just soak up the history and scenery, the Eastern Cape can provide you with a variety of activities and attractions to explore. And when you’re done exploring, you can rely on Qiktruck to provide you with a convenient and reliable transportation system.