The Frontier Route in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa is possibly an area that has the richest and varied history in the country. There are lovely little towns with varied attractions and accommodation etc. all within easy reach of Grahamstown, Port Elizabeth and East London while touring South Africa.
Alicedale is a charming little Victorian village lying in the Bushmans River Canyon of the Eastern Cape Province that was virtually forgotten until the exciting development of The Bushmans Sands Country Estate and the Gary Player designed Bushman Sands Golf Course. This development and restoration of Alicedale with its magnificent surrounding Frontier Country scenery has put it right back on the tourist map.
The town of Alice is the home of Fort Hare University where many of today’s South African Political Leaders were educated and is the Alma Mater of Nelson Mandela. It is believed to have been named after Queen Victoria’s daughter Princess Alice. Fort Hare University is well worth a visit to view what is, probably, the most noteworthy collection of African Art on the entire continent.
Bedford only a 50 minute drive from Grahamstown and 2 hours from Port Elizabeth and East London is an appealing little settler village positioned on the fringe of the Heartland of the Karoo and Frontier country and affectionately thought of as the Hidden Treasure of the Eastern Cape Province.
In the Kat River Valley and surrounded by awe inspiring mountains lies the town of Fort Beaufort. The town dates back to 1822 when the British established a frontier post here and there are many interesting historic places to see in and around Fort Beaufort when touring the Frontier route.
There is little doubt that the beauty and magical enchantment of the village of Hogsback is unsurpassed and it is said that the South African born J.R.R. Tolkien, when writing his trilogy Lord of the Rings, was inspired by the absolutely magnificent and awe inspiring beauty of this place. Many Musicians, Poets, Potters and Artists are resident in the village of Hogsback.
There are other towns on the Frontier route to suit all tastes while travelling in the Cape Province. Activities including hiking, game viewing and bird watching are features available everywhere. accommodation in all the area is varied and plentiful.
