Alicedale is an hour away from Grahamstown and worth a visit, not only for what you will find there, but because getting there is half the fun. If you drive, it is a scenic route on dust roads through beautiful scenery. If you take the train from Grahamstown, you can enjoy spectacular landscapes of ancient rock formations; pass through an historic tunnel and a signature golf course, all the while observing the wildlife from your comfortable seat.
See the Cultural Xhosa Village, a rural township experience, the olive groves, admire untouched Bushman Cave and Rock Art and snack on delicious light lunches at the beautifully refurbished historical Railway Station. And, if you arrived on the train, just take the return trip in the late afternoon.
Not to be missed is the Weaving Museum, which is part of the oldest Mohair Factory in South Africa. Abafazi Crafts and Designs is a delightful outlet for beautiful local bead and basket work. An internationally renowned Interior Decor and Designer furniture outlet is also worth a visit.
If you would enjoy a round of golf on the superb Bushman Sands Golf Course, stay over – there is accommodation on the golfing estate.
Directions: Alicedale is an easy hour drive from Grahamstown on the old N2 to Port Elizabeth. Turn right at the Alicedale sign 25 km from Grahamstown and take a further 30 km scenic drive on gravel road to enter this delightful little hideaway.
To take the train, buy tickets at the Grahamstown station. The trip is about 1.5 hours.
For more information on what to do in Grahamstown, visit ShowMe Grahamstown
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