Amathola, which means ‘the calves of the Drakensberg’ (foothills) in isiXhosa, reflects a rural lifestyle where the Xhosa communities continue to take their Nguni cattle out into the veld. The area is home to a variety of game reserves and game parks, with abundant birdlife found in the Doubledrift Game Reserve, Dwesa Cwebe Game Reserve, Mpofu Game Reserve and Fort Fordyce Nature Reserve.
The district stretches from Hogsback in the north to the towns of Bedford, Cathcart, Dutywa, Elliotdale, Nqgamakwe and Seymour , to the Great Fish River in the south and the Dwesa/Cwebe Nature Reserve in the eat. Many different cultural and language groups have united in this melting pot, including groups of English, German, Dutch, Xhosa, San and Fingo people. The isiXhosa and western cultures both offer warm hospitality to visitors in the area.
The Amathole district is accessed by a good transporation network with the East London Airport, railway network and the N2 and N6 national roads. King Williams Town offers visitors a variety of accommodation options as well as guided township tours.
Komga is an agricultural and railway centre with friendly and hospitable people. The area around Komga is bliss for eco-tourists and bird lovers as it boasts a range of different bird species. Almost 60km away from King Williams Town, on the same road, is the small picturesque town of Alice.
The district of Alice is rich in struggle history as it is the birthplace of Steve Biko, as well as the first black university - Fort Hare. Nelson Mandela, Mangosuthu Buthelezi and Thabo Mbeki are all alumni of the university. Fort Hare is home to the ANC archives which contain a large amount of material on the struggle history and the De Beers Art Collection. This large African art collection is augmented by the craft found in local traditional villages.
From Alice, visitors can travel through the Amathole Mountains on spectacular passes and visit the mountain resort area of Hogsback. Overlooking the rivers and lands of the Tyume Valley, the region is dominated by three ridges said to resemble the bristles on a hog’s back – hence the name Hogsback. The famous author of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, J.R. Tolkien, was born in the Eastern Cape and the Hogsback forests, mountains and waterfalls are said to be where he found his inspiration. You will enjoy the magnificent views at the outlook points above the village, as well as the restaurants and outdoor activities on offer at hotels and resorts.
For a relaxing farm stay holiday, the area of Cathcart is a must. Cattle country with fertile grasslands ensure that the attraction of this town that lies at the foot of the picturesque Windvogelberg, is in relaxing, recreational outdoor activities. Country cuisine, trout fishing, hiking, bike riding and bird-watching are among the attractions of the area.
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