Aliwal North, the main town and gateway to the beautiful Eastern Cape Highlands district developed because of its position as a natural ford across the Orange River (now called the Gariep River) as well as its two mineral and gas rich hot springs. The town is still small, supporting a mainly a farming community, producing wool, maize, wheat, beef and dairy.
The town’s hot mineral springs, which are renowned far and wide for their restorative and curative abilities, particularly for illnesses like rheumatism and arthritis, continue to draw visitors.
Fish Eagle Spa is situated 38 km’s from Aliwal North on the R58 to Lady Gray. It is best to access this resort with a 4×4. The resort is really out of the way, with no cellphone reception or shops, so is ideal to get away from the stresses of urban life. The health spa water is at a constant 36 degrees. The Spa Holiday resort is unfortunately closed for upgrades until 2013.
Other places worth a visit if you are in Aliwal North are the Kerkplein Museum and the Anglo Boer War Garden of Remembrance which includes a British Blockhouse.
Buffelspruit Nature Reserve, just out of town off Barkly Street, has many species of antelope and plenty of buffalo set in fantastic grassland scenery.
There are another two nature reserves nearby – Tussen twee Riviere Game Reserve and the JAK Strydom Nature Reserve.
Tussen die Riviere translates as “between the rivers”, is situated where the Caledon and Gariep rivers converge. The 22000ha game reserve with its spectacular rock formations supports numbers of animals such as springbok, blesbok, red hartebeest, black wildebeest and blue wildebeest, steenbok, impala, mountain reedbuck, gemsbok, kudu, zebra, eland and white rhino. The nocturnal animals in the reserve include the aardwolf, aardvark and the bat-eared fox.’ In winter, surplus game is offered to the public through various hunting outfits.
The JAK Strydom Nature Reserve is situated ten kilometers downstream from Aliwal North on the banks of the Orange River. This exclusive malaria-free private Game Reserve offers 1000 hectares of indigenous beauty. Enjoy picnicking at one of the tranquil riverside picnic spots with lapa and braai facilities. Take a game drive and view our 21 species, including rare wildlife such as buffalo, rhino, giraffe, bontebok, tsessebe, njalas, gemsbuck, waterbuck, eland, zebra, kudu etc. The reserve also has an abundance of bird life. Take a scenic walk to the ancient rock art or enjoy fishing for the elusive Yellow fish. End your day with a relaxing soak in the nearby hot water sulphur spring.
For more information on the Eastern Cape Highlands, visit ShowMe Northern Ukhahlamba.
