With some investigating of our own and help from many Eastern Cape experts, Madiba Action uncovered a host of hidden treasures that make our province so unique and special.
Quirky country life
Described by one guest as “a true Karoovian freak show, as remote as Pofadder but with style and a great sense of fun”, the Karroo Theatrical Hotel near Steytlerville is a must for those with a love for the theatrical. Here, on special evenings, after a fine dinner, hotel owner and former German supper-club pianist extraordinaire Mark Hinds and his partner Jacques Rabie entertain guests with “sophisticated supper-club cabaret”.
Another not to be missed “Karoovian” experience is a stay at the beautifully restored Victorian era houses - Die Tuishuise – in Cradock. Surrounded by the elegance and grandeur of colonial Africa, modern day guests may be fortunate enough to be entertained by the local dominee (priest) with piano and piano accordion recitals. Also, take a visit to the Schreiner House Museum in Cradock – and be greeted by a “real life” Olive at the entrance.
Rare gems
Driving into the small town of Humansdorp one would not expect to find a boutique style café and gift shop of world class standard. LeChameléon – famed for its stunning display of unique and upmarket gifts, also offers hearty meals and decadent cakes – to be enjoyed in sumptuous surrounds. There's also an elegant wine room.
For those looking for a bit of culture and relaxation combined - Hopefield Country House and Guest Farm in the Sundays River Valley regularly plays host to some of the best local and nationally acclaimed classical musicians. A real treat!
If you fancy stepping back in time, sleep over at the Witmos Oxwagon Camp near Cradock. The traditional oxwagons (used by the 1820 settlers) offer luxury accommodation.
Listen to the sounds of the sea at Penguins Coffee Shop at the Cape St Francis lighthouse. The menu here changes according to the fresh fare that the chef can source in the area - or according to his culinary mood. Visit the adjacent penguin sanctuary or take a tour up the lighthouse.
Sip a glass of ginger beer or freshly squeezed pineapple juice at the Daggaboer farmstall, 48km from Cradock on the N10. It is renowned for its sheepskin slippers, homemade pies, prickly pear preserve, game biltong and Isobel Neethling’s freshly made milk tart and lemon meringue pie.
The Sneeuberg Brewery at the Two Goats Deli in the arty Karoo town of Nieu Bethesda offer patrons a combination of locally made ales and organic goats’ milk cheeses. The milk for the cheese is derived from Saanen goats that are hand milked.
Chug along on the Kowie Chu Chu through scenic countryside from Port Alfred to historic Bathurst. Enjoy half day or overnight trips with game drives or various tour options.
The Lavender Blue Country Market – a market style store between Gonubie and Beacon Bay offers a wonderful selection of organic products, fresh produce from local farmers and a restaurant.
Arty treasures
Eat out at a restaurant, enjoy a music show and learn how to make pottery at the same time at Potter’s Place in Jeffrey’s Bay – it’s a great place for the whole family.
Tucked away at the popular holiday resort of Kenton-on-Sea is the Red Apple farm stall, which stocks a variety of local and imported gifts, arts and crafts and eats.
Juju Arts and Artefacts opposite the Bushman’s River turnoff on the R72 is a great place to search for art and artefacts from the African continent. Among the many treasures to be found are Ngwenya glassware, pewter, embroidered and pottery products.
The small town of Alicedale is home to Abafazi Crafts and Designs – a delightful outlet for intricate local bead and basket work.
Nature’s jewels
Put your walking boots on and do the Eden to Addo Mega Hike – the longest supported hike (400km over 18 days) in South Africa. The hike traverses mountains, rivers, wilderness areas, farms, private game reserves and national parks – from the Knysna Forests, over the Baviaanskloof to the Addo Elephant National Park.
The tracks of a large, four-footed dinosaur and a smaller, two-legged one can be seen imprinted in rock along the banks of the Pot River on Oakleigh Farm near Rhodes. The tracks are among the earliest evidence of dinosaurs on the subcontinent, dating back some 180 million years.
Kasouga farm, nestled between Port Alfred and Kenton-on-Sea has been proclaimed a natural heritage site as it is home to the largest population of endangered Oribi antelope in the southern hemisphere. Stay at the Oribi Haven Guest Cottages.
Pristine Wild Coast with its rolling green hills, plunging cliffs and deserted beaches, hides many hidden treasures.
Perched on a cliff, The Edge self-catering cottages in Hogsback offer awesome views, chilled mountain air and mystical forests.
