Eastern Cape : Interior
Overview
The Interior of the Eastern Cape province has a varied landscape, from the semi-arid
Great Karoo to the snowy mountains of the south-western Drakensburg, and the rolling
grassy plains in between. Most of the province is hilly to very mountainous, particularly
between Graaff-Reinet and Rhodes (including the Sneeuberge - Afrikaans word meaning
'Snow Mountains', Stormberge,
Winterberge and Drakensberg).
Much of the land of the Eastern Cape is very fertile, and agriculture is important. The Langkloof Valley in the southwest has enormous deciduous fruit orchards,
while sheep farming predominates in the Karoo. The area also produces
pineapples, chicory and dairy products, coffee and tea.
Things to do and see
The province is the location of South Africa's only ski resort, Tiffindell, which
is situated near the hamlet of Rhodes in the Southern Drakensberg on the slopes
of the highest mountain peak in the Eastern Cape (3001 m). Tiffindell has a few
specially prepared flat beginner slopes, and the main slope that has a steep upper
section which can challenge even the best skiers. In the same region is the town
of Elliot. Gorgeously situated in an open valley at the foot of the Drakensberg,
Elliot has the impressive orange-hued buttresses of the Drakensberg as its scenic
background. Some of the more impressively-shaped peaks include Giants Castle and
The Pillars, which create an illusion of the ruins of some ancient stronghold high
up in the mountains. The area is indeed a nature lover's treat and besides very
beautiful drives, there is also a nature reserve at Thompson Dam. The 80m high Gillie
Cullem Waterfall, 18km from town, is possibly the most lovely in the country and
the surrounding forests are great for walking around and taking in a bit of Mother
Nature. The area is renowned for the brilliant mushrooms that grow profusely here,
and visitors are reminded of this fact constantly via signboards and numerous farm
stalls selling the fungi.
Aliwal North, lying on a splendid agricultural plateau on the southern bank of the
Orange River, is one of the country's most popular inland resorts and is famous
for its hot springs. Visitors the the Great Karoo will experience the life of desert
sheep farming (the economic backbone of the Great Karoo) - with other forms of agriculture
taking place in areas where irrigation is possible. The beauty of the sparsly vegetated
area is spectacular.
If you want game viewing luxury, the Eastern Cape has some of the best Game Reserves
not just in Africa, but in the world. Shamwari, Kwantu and Kwandwe specifically
spring to mind.
Visitors the the Graaf-Reinet area must visit the Valley of Desolation, a geological
wonder of weathered dolerite pillars which was declared national monument. It has
magnificent views over the Karoo plains. Also in the area is the Camdeboo National
Park of 200 km², with its interesting flora and fauna. In the town itself is 'Stretch's
Court', a picturesque restored street of Karoo cottages with brightly painted shutters
and doors. Don't forget the Agave Distillery - a distillery producing tequila from
the agave plant. For those who enjoy church architecture, take a tour of the Dutch
Reformed Church in the centre of Graaff-Reinet - a prominent stone building
in the high street with seating accommodation for 1500 people. The building is said
to be a reproduction of the Salisbury Cathedral in England.
Then there is Hogsback - high up on the Amatola mountains and surrounded by
centuries-old indigenous Afro-montane forests, this town has a dramatic natural
beauty. Look towards the mountains and escarpment and you will see several
waterfalls. In the other direction you will see the Tyume valley and beyond. From
the top of Gaika's Kop (1700 m) you have a panoramic view of the Elandsberg mountains
and the Seymour valley, and on a clear day even to the coastline some 120 km away
as the crow flies! The gardens of Hogsback are an attraction that brings several local
gardening tour groups from as far as Cape Town and Johannesburg every year.
Also part of the Amatola mountain area, the town of
Stutterheim is
situated at the foot of the eastern slopes of the Kologha Mountains, a spur of the
Amatola range. Blessed by an abundant natural beauty of its surrounding dams, hills,
indigenous forests, farmland and forestry areas, Stutterheim is perfect for hikers,
mountain bikers, boating, fisherman, birders and campers. The Kubusie River and
Wriggleswade Dam is popular for boating, fishing and swimming.
Climate
Climate is highly varied. The west is dry with scarse rain during winter of summer,
with frosty winters and hot summers. Further east, rainfall becomes more plentiful
and humidity increases, becoming more subtropical with summer rainfall. The interior
can become very cold in winter, with heavy snowfalls occurring at times in the mountainous
regions between Molteno and Rhodes. Average temperatures:
January - Max 28°C, Min 11°C; July - Max: 14°C, Min: -7°C.
Accommodation
A range of excellent accommodation is provided by wonderful Hotels, Bed-and-Breakfast
establishments, Self-catering Cottages, and Backpackers and Camping facilities.
Something to suit every taste and every budget in each of the sub-regions of the
interior.
Towns in the area
Aliwal North, Cradock, Hogsback, Stutterheim, Graaff-Reinet, Somerset East, Middelburg,
King Williams Town.