The Garden Town’

‘The Garden Town’

Uitenhage, the 5^th oldest town in South Africa, has a long and colourful history reflected in it’s fine historical buildings. It is often referred to as the ‘Garden Town’ because of it’s beautiful parks and gardens. Uitenhage is a major motor manufacturing centre.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Port Elizabeth 38 km

Average Rainfall: 400 mm

Average Temperatures

Summer 27°c; Winter 21°c

Banks

Absa (ATM’s 12), Boland (ATM’s 2), Fnb (ATM’s 4), Peoples (ATM’s 3), Standard (ATM’s 3)

HISTORICAL VIEW

In 1804 JA Uitenhage de Mist, Commissioner General of the Batavian Republic, instructed Captain Alberti of Fort Frederick to select a suitable site for the new Eastern Cape district. Alberti chose ‘Rietvallei’, the farm of the widow Scheepers, on the banks of the Swartkops River. He based his choice on enduring principles – the central location, an abundant supply of water, and a temperate climate. The wisdom of this is still apparent, for Uitenhage became the thriving industrial and commercial town which it is today. De Mist allowed the use of his family coat of arms as the official seal of the town.

Cuyler Manor

Built as a homestead for General Jacob Glen Cuyler, Landdrost of Uitenhage from 1806 to 1827, this Cape Dutch style house has been restored and furnished in the style of it’s day. As a living museum, demonstrations of traditional activities such as soap and candle making, baking and weaving can be arranged, thus enabling the visitor to appreciate the lifestyle enjoyed in the early days of the 19^th century. A spinning and weaving craft industry has been established as part of the museum. The old Millhouse, a herb garden and a variety of farm animals add to the pastoral atmosphere. A mohair demonstration farm with a flock of Angora goats was established in 1987. demonstrations of all the related activities, including spinning and weaving, can be arrange in season.

Heugh ‘Slave House’ (circa 1834)

Situated in Caledon Street, the ‘Slave House’ was built by pioneer Pieter Heugh in typical Colonial Settler style. There are plans to have it preserved as an historical monument.

Old Nederduits Gereformeerde Kerk (1834)

In 1967, on the 150^th anniversary of it’s establishment, this beautiful Dutch Reformed Church in Caledon Street was declared a national monument.

Old Station Museum

Built in 1875. This is one of the oldest railway stations in South Africa, built on Market Street in the year of the opening of the railway from Port Elizabeth. It was later replaced by a more modern station in another part of town, but the old building has been restored as a railway museum. At this quaint museum two vintage locomotives, a variety of coaches, period furniture and equipment capture the atmosphere of the early days of steam. The buildings house a residence, waiting room and tea room in addition to the station office.

The Old Drostdy

Built in 1908, the building houses the Africana Museum and the Volkswagen Museum of early model cars.

The Scheepers House (Cira 1815)

The cottage in Cuyler Street that was owned by the daughter of the widow Scheepers, known as ‘ the Mother of Uitenhage’, is one of the very oldest buildings in Uitenhage. In addition, many examples of early houses in a variety of architectural styles, including Cape Dutch, Settler and Victorian, may be seen in the oldest parts of the town. The Pro Ecclesia Building on the corner of Church and Caledon Street, is a fine example of Art Nouveau architecture.

The Volkswagen Museum

A unique museum, where all the VW models produced over the years are on display

Town Hall (1822)

The Uitenhage Town Hall and Municipal offices overlook Centenary Square, which forms part of the Old Market Square, which forms part of the Old Market Square. The Neo-classical façade was declared a National Monument in 1988.

Victoria Tower (1898)

On the corner of Caledon and Church Streets stands the old Government public buildings, the tower of which is built in a Victorian Gothic style unique in South Africa.

NATURE

Elandsriver Mountain Route

This gravel winds through one of the most scenically attractive areas of the Eastern Cape. Stop at the highest point near Cockscomb Mountain and enjoy an unobserstructed view from Cape Recife to Cape St Francis and beyond. From there the route continues through the fertile Gamtoos Valley to Hankey, Loerie, Thornhill and back to Uitenhage.

Groendal Dam

The Swartkops River is now open to fresh water fishermen on a limited basis. Two groups of not more than four persons per week may apply to the Town Clerk for permission to use the municipal boat on the dam. A municipal boatman accompanies the group.

Groendal Wilderness Area

Vegetation varies from fynbos, including proteas and heather, as well as typical Uitenhage valley shrub, to Karoo type vegetation. There are also deep kloofs covered with indigenous forest of the Tsitsikamma variety. Animal life includes bushbuck, rhebuck, bush pigs, vervet monkeys, baboons and many other smaller mammals. It is also the home of Knysna louries, crowned and fish eagles. As is proper in a wilderness area, hikers are limited to groups of 12 persons per day. There are no formal trails or overnight sleeping facilities and open fires are prohibited. Many city weary people appreciate the opportunity to test themselves against the rigours of nature and advance booking is therefore essential.

Magennis Park

In the heart of Uitenhage, is one of the oldest municipal parks in the country. It was established in the days when ‘the sun never set on the Union Jack’, with the result that many fine examples of flora from the outposts of the British Empire are present in it’s vegetation.

Rocky Ridge Bird Park

Has a great variety of indigenous and exotic birds on display and for sale. This privately owned bird park lies on the road to Humansdorp, 10 km from Uitenhage.

Strelitzia Park

Is the natural home of three types of Strelitzia indigenous to this area. Many water birds nest in the reeds of the dams in the park.

Uitenhage Nature Reserve

Located 6 km north of Uitenhage. Beautiful valley bush vegetation and fynbos, including ericas and proteas. More than 300 plants and 50 bird species occur. Four nature trails. Overnight facilities at the Springs Pleasure Resort.

Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve

400 ha, about 27 km from Uitenhage on the Humansdorp road, is magnificently situated on the edge of the Van Stadens River gorge. Indigenous wild flowers such as proteas and ericas grow in profusion and the reserve is particularly attractive in spring, from August to October. Picnic sites are provided but no fires are allowed.

ATTRACTIONS

Annual Events

Art in the Park – Montly

An arts and crafts exhibition is held at Willow Dam on the last Sunday of each month. ‘Little Bess’, the little steam engine, runs every half hour

Prickley Pear Festival – February

The prickly pear is a well known fruit in the Eastern Cape and a variety of ancillary products are being manufactured such as Prickly Pear jam and Prickly Pear sweets. Other products are also available at these stalls. The famous ‘Witblits’ with the ‘knock-out punch’ is being brewed and tasting is definitely worthwhile. More than 20 different prickly pear products are on sale, including items such as pickled leaves. Farm activities of yesteryear are also demonstrated, while children are kept busy with pony rides, sling shot contests, etc.

Birthday of ‘Little Bess’ - July

The birthday of the little steam engine, ‘Little Bess’, is celebrated during the last weekend of July with a street procession, displays and the crowning of Little Miss Bess, a beauty competition for under 6’s. ‘Little Bess’, originally used in the construction of Lake Mentz, has been lovingly restored and is one of only two of her kind in the world.

Round Table Melodrama – August

Jolly adult entertainment in aid of charity

Street Carnival – December

On the first Saturday in December, the main street is closed to traffic for an all day street carnival. The same evening the decorative Christmas lights are switched on, officially opening the festive season. A local amateur dramatic group, UADAMS, presents a Nativity Pageant in Magennis Park from the first Thursday to Saturday of December.

Carols by Candlelight – December

At the Willow Dam, is organized by the Lions, early in December

Cannon Hill Park

Offer a magnificent 360° view of over Uitenhage. As it is in a more arid area, succulents and hardy indigenous shrubs make a fine show in late winter. A look out tower commemorates the coronation of King George VI, while the decorative main gates were erected after the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The cannon from the shipwreck Amsterdam, which in the past was fired on festive occasions, can be seen in front of the look out tower.

Springs Pleasure Resort

Named after the abundant flow of pure sparkling, spring water that gushes out of the earth, this resort is situated in a rugged nature reserve only 3,5 km north of the Uitenhage central business district on the road to Graaff-Reinet. Close to popular hunting resorts and en-route to the wildlife attractions of the Addo Elephant Park, Shamwari Game Reserve and the Karoo, the Springs Holiday Resort is well placed to take advantage of the keen demand for eco-tourism destinations. The resort boasts two spring water swimming pools, a restaurant, recreation hall, chalets, caravan sites, barbeque facilitiesm tennis courts and trampolines. There are numerous hiking trails and horse trails through the 1500 ha reserve

The Willow Dam

Originally a marshy area, has been developed into an area of great natural beauty which attracts many water and other birds. Birds nest without fear and disturbance on the island provided in the middle of the dam.

The Wide Horizon Animal Reserve (24 ha)

Is a privately developed attraction 18 km to the southwest of Uitenhage. Approximately 200 different indigenous and exotic wild animals are housed in security runs and open paddocks.

Volkswagen Factory

Tours arranged by appointment

Water World

Located 18 km from Uitenhage on the Humansdorp road, has an amazing collection of tropical and cold water fish. Fishing in the trout pond can be arranged. A tea garden serving light refreshments is in operation over weekends.

ACTIVITIES

Outdoors

Bird Watchers

Should not miss the municipal sites famous for their variety of birds.

Accommodation in and around Port Elizabeth.