The Frontier Country region in the Eastern Cape has its name rooted in the conflict that took place in this area in the 1800’s. Grahamstown was the launch pad for the 100 years of military skirmishes between the Xhosa nation and the new frontier farmer settlers. The conflict revolved around cattle – from land disputes and grazing ownership to cross border rustling.
To support this military initiative, Grahamstown became the centre of the region which includes the towns of Alicedale, Sidbury, Riebeeck East and Salem. It grew to become the second largest city in the Cape at that time and continued to develop an excellent infrastructure in the fields of education and law. The town boasts Rhodes University and many excellent schools and colleges.
Today, the world of wildlife tourism has taken full advantage of the beautiful, diverse and malaria free countryside and the area offers excellent game-viewing with a variety of private reserves which include the Big Five. Many tourists extend their visit to the Garden Route by including a game reserve in this area. Some of the better known reserves are Shamwari, Lalibela, Kariega, Kwandwe, Kwantu and the Great Fish River Reserve.
For the culture vulture, Grahamstown National Arts Festival, the country’s biggest and most respected, runs for a period of two weeks extending from late June into July.
Over 50,000 visitors enjoy the entertainment for adults and children and the other activities the area has to offer including the excellent museums, Golf at Bushman Sands, the train ride to Alicedale, a trip to Bathurst and the Sunshine Coast, a day at the Thomas Baines Nature Reserve and a walk around the University gardens.
Visit ShowMe Eastern Cape for the ultimate guide to visiting this area.
Towns of the Frontier Country Region
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