Discover Chris Hani: Rock Art and History

Discover Chris Hani through its nature, rock art and multifaceted cultural heritage. In Mountain Zebra National Park, the park protects Cape mountain zebras in the Bankberg mountain range; rolling plains and deep valleys shape the landscape. Churches, historic streets and museums offer further ways to explore the area’s history. To choose a holiday rental, first decide what your trip will focus on: nature and wildlife, Xhosa culture or historic sites.

Nature and Rock Art

Visitors to Mountain Zebra National Park can view rock paintings by hiring a park guide to show them the way. This makes rock art a distinct activity within a visit to the park. If you plan this outing, check the latest booking details for a park guide. The Mabelentombi Hiking Trail was developed and opened on 21 September 2024. If you plan to include it in your itinerary, check the latest conditions before setting out.

Churches and Xhosa Culture

St Marks Old Anglican Church has been standing since 1853. The surviving building of Tsomo Old Methodist Church at Tsomo Mission was built in 1875. These dates provide a clear historical context for both churches; the preserved structure at Tsomo Mission makes the building’s history tangible on site.

At Hoita Heritage Site, visitors can experience Xhosa culture in practice. The site was home to Xhosa King Sarili, who was associated with the liberation struggle. If you plan to visit, check the current visiting arrangements in advance. The Ngqwarhu Hills, also known as Amabele Ntombi, are associated with a battle that took place on 14 November 1880. These clearly situated historical connections complement the churches with another way to explore the area’s history.

Cradock: Streetscape and Biography

Market Street in Cradock is designated a National Heritage Street and was laid out in 1847; the houses have largely retained their original fabric. At the Olive Schreiner House Museum, exhibitions tell the story of Olive Schreiner’s life and work. She lived in the house for a time during her youth and had a strong personal connection to Cradock. Here, both a historic street and a biographical connection take centre stage.

Horse racing at the Mathola’nyile Racecourse and St Marks Horse Track is part of the regional tradition. If a race is important to your trip, check whether one is taking place, and when, before making plans.

Food Culture and Getting Around

In Intsika Yethu, Umngqusho, Inkobe and Umqombothi are among the traditional foods and drinks; Umqombothi is a traditional beer. These names also add a culinary perspective to planning a cultural trip.

For getting around, the R61 runs from Queenstown via Cofimvaba and Tsomo to Umtata, passing through Cofimvaba and Tsomo. If Cofimvaba or Tsomo is on your itinerary, this sequence of towns can help structure your route planning. When looking for a holiday rental, you can first decide whether your trip will focus mainly on nature, cultural history or a combination of both. Choose your base according to the experiences that matter to you.

Discover more destinations: Middelburg, Queenstown, Cradock, Molteno, Drakensberg District, Cacadu, Port Elizabeth, O.R. Tambo.

For the main travel overview: Eastern Cape.