Queenstown is firmly placed on the Karoo Calata Route in the Eastern Cape, which incorporates Middelburg, Molteno, Tarkastad, Sterkstroom and Cradock, and is an ideal stopover or base from which to explore the many smaller game and nature reserves in the area.
The town itself lies on the Komani River and is renowned for its roses and pretty surrounds, with the Hangklip Mountain as a backdrop. It is the commercial centre for the local farmers with good amenities and shops.
Activities in the town
Lovers of nature and gardens will enjoy the year-round beauty of the Memorial Gardens in Shepstone Street and the quiet tranquillity of the Walter Everitt Gardens and Park.
The JC Marshall Gallery which exhibits numerous works by mainly local artists – 12 Ebden Street: Telephone: 045 838 2676 / 082 597 1024
The Ruth Lock Shell Art Gallery which exhibits intricate scenes and images of nature that Miss Lock created from seashells without the use of paint or artificial colouring – 1 Lamont Street: Telephone: 045 839 4385
The Frontier Museum which exhibits a fully rebuilt and furnished frontier cottage, that documents life in frontier times exceptionally well.
Queen’s College – this school has been declared a national monument. It is one of the oldest schools in the country and in autumn is a magnificent sight in its mantle of Virginia creeper.
The Queens Casino has a focal railway theme and is a hub of entertainment in Queenstown that caters to the whole family.
Activities in the surrounding area
With so many reserves offering beautiful scenery and an array of antelope and some bigger animals, it is no wonder that the outdoor life includes such activities as hunting, trails, rivers, rocks, mountains, hiking, climbing, fishing, mountain biking and canoeing.
Lawrence de Lange Game Reserve is situated on the slopes of the Madeira Mountain, which overlooks the town from the west and provides panoramic views of Queenstown and its surrounds. The species of game roaming the reserve includes eland, gemsbok, kudu, blesbok, springbok, ostrich, zebra, Indian water buffalo, wildebeest, rhinoceros and giraffe.
Longhill Nature Reserve is on the northern boundary of Queenstown. Several species of antelope and other wild animals can be seen in the reserve. Entry to this area can be obtained through a gate opposite the Lawrence de Lange entrance and the drive includes delightful picnic spots offering pleasant views of the town. There is also a walking and running trail up the mountain that allows one to escape into real nature.
Roydon Game Reserve is 6km on the Tylden Road. It is privately owned and includes a variety of accommodation – self-catering and 10 exclusive caravan sites each with a separate bathroom, power points, additional sleeping facilities and braai areas.
Wildschutsberg Game Reserve is a privately owned game reserve situated 48km from Queenstown on the Tarkastad Road and offers a variety of accommodation as well as an numerous activities to tourists such as game drives, bird watching, hiking and mountain biking.
Imvani Game Reserve is privately owned game reserve, located 20km from Queenstown on the N6, between Cathcart and Queenstown. The reserve offers accommodation as well as a basket of activities to visitors.
Just 5km outside town is the Bongola Dam which not only supplies the town with its water, but is a lovely spot for the day out, whether you would like to have a picnic or enjoy the water sports – the dam is utilised for power boating, water-skiing, swimming and wind surfing and is also stocked with Black Bass and Bluegill for fishing.
The Berry Reservoir is the start and finish of two Aloe walking trails. Well laid out and signposted, there’s a shorter trail, taking about three-quarters of an hour for the casual stroller and a longer walk of about two and a half hours for the more serious hiker. Both trails offer marvellous views of Queenstown.
For more information on the Eastern Cape, visit ShowMe Eastern Cape.
