Tourist Information

Tourism and Heritage Profile

The legendary Tata Raymond Mphakamisi Mhlaba, was born on the 12 February 1920 in a village known as Mazoka in Kwanondyola, Fort Beaufort, he is the son of the soil of the Eastern Cape. In 1994, Raymond Mhlaba became the first Premier of the Eastern Cape Province.

Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality is named after this legendary; the municipality comprise of the following historical towns of Adelaide, Alice, Balfour, Bedford, Fort Beaufort, Hogsback, Middledrift and Seymour.

The municipality forms part of Amathole District Municipality, in the Eastern Cape; it is situated about 140km North - West of East London  on the R63 and is approximately 200km North – East of Port Elizabeth. The area is a country side municipality that sits at the foot of the ever – imposing and majestic mountain range of the Winterberg.

This webpage will provide you with adequate tourism information to whet your appetite so that one day you may walk our land as one of our valued tourists. The municipality boasts with small towns that have significant history and magnificent heritage sites, attractions, trails, adventure spots, eco – tourism, hospitality, arts and crafts which may be discovered during your visit in the area.

It is a great place, from the picturesque town of Hogsback to the rich heritage of the eight Wars of Resistance waged against the colonial conquest. The municipality pride itself with the distinct educational institutions that meaningfully contributed to the development of our society by producing quality leaders who shaped and sharpened the world outlook. The University of Fort Hare, Lovedale College and Healdtown College are not only our treasures but globally renowned academic institutions.

The municipality is hosting the Bedford Garden Festival which mainly focusing on showcasing the most beautiful gardens in the world, local handsome crafts and local artist’s performances which attracts national and international visitors to Bedford. At the Katberg Hotel and Mountain Spa, visitors can experience the world class golf course, the clear sparkling rivers, soft green valleys, laughing waterfalls and forested ravines.

The municipality is the home to the Music in the Snow Jazz Festival, which takes place at Hogsback annually in July; the event is filled with lot of fun and entertainment for the family. The municipality hosts Cultural Heritage Festival annually in September; in order to celebrate heritage and promote tourism. The Maqoma Heritage Route takes visitors on a journey into the spirit of self – assertion, the configuration of self – respect and nature of dignity. The community of Raymond Mhlaba is our biggest attraction with a friendly, hospitable and welcoming attitude. Our visitors are guaranteed a warm and professional reception which becomes a memorable and enjoyable. Come and visit us soon.

Adelaide Tourist Information

Adelaide Museum

The heritage museum in Adelaide is a national monument dating back to the 1860's. A colonial era house, it has numerous collections of glass, porcelain, silver and more, showing how people lived in those times.

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Bedford Tourist Information

Garden Tourism

Mrs Lilian Nkomo is one of many ardent rose lovers in Bedford. Her garden is among 40 township gardens open to visitors during the annual Garden Festival which takes place in late October each year.

Glen Lynden Church

The old church was built in 1828. The plaque reads, “The church was built in 1828 by the government through the influence of Thomas Pringle for the Scottish Settlers and their Dutch neighbours.” It became a Dutch Reformed church in 1829.

Eagle Hout

Local artisans are trained and employed at the Eagle Hout furniture factory where sturdy solid wood heirloom pieces are displayed along with smaller domestic items in a large showroom which is very popular with visitors.. Customised pieces are delivered all round the country.

History of Bedford

The area is rich in stories and architectural gems that bear mute testimony to events of the past. Tourists interested in local and/or family history can arrange walks and talks on demand with Bedford's historical guide.

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Hogsback Tourist Information

The Big Tree

Take a walk from main road to the Big Tree, a majestic 800 year old Yellowwood in the lush indigenous forest. The Narina Trogan, Orange Thrush, Bush Cap and other bird species have been spotted in the area.

Horse Trails

Choose an easy or more challenging trail through the beautiful forests and mountains or the quaint village of Hogsback. Ride during the day, at sunrise, sunset or under the full moon with friendly well-trained, easy to ride horses.

Hobbiton

Founded in 1950, the Hobbiton Association provides outdoor education opportunities for all. It promotes environmental and social awareness, cross cultural appreciation and the development of life skills.

Madonna & Child Waterfall

People visit Hogsback to be closer to Mother Nature and a great many who arrive as visitors would surely want to stay. There is something about a waterfall that captivates the human spirit and draws you near. Set against such spectacular scenery, it makes for an unforgettable experience.

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Seymour Tourist Information

Elandʼs Post

One of the entry and exit points for the Xhosa into the Kat River Valley was the tiny Elands stream found in the northeast corner of the amphitheatre formed by Katberg Mountains.

Mpofu Game Reserve

The reserve straddles the peaks and valleys of the Katberg Mountains, situated about 25km north-west of Fort Beaufort. The terrain and varied rainfall ensure a rich, diverse local ecosystem and an amazing variety of plant and animal life.

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Alice Tourist Information

KKʼs Shisanyama

An easy, casual place to “meat and eat” while visiting Alice. Choose you favourite cuts of meat and KK will prepare it over the coals.

Other traditional dishes are also available. Join him for a memorable local dining experience.

Cecelia Makiwane

She was born in 1880 at the MacFarlane Mission in the Victoria district of Alice. She obtained a teachers certificate from Lovedale Girls School. In 1898, an experimental nurse's training school was opened for black nurses at the Lovedale Mission Hospital.

Stewart Memorial

Dr James Stewart, affectionately known by African people as Somgxada (father), is honoured for providing a restorative and uplifting focus on education for black people in the aftermath of the Frontier Wars.

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Fort Beaufort Tourist Information

Victoria Bridge

In 1837 the construction of the road to connect Grahamstown with Fort Beaufort and Post Retief commenced. Named after Queen Victoria, the bridgeʼs foundation stone was laid in 1840. The bridge, designed by Major CJ Selwyn, was completed in 1843.

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Middledrift Tourist Information

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Raymond Mhlaba Municipality