Where to go in Alexandria, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Alexandria

The little village of Alexandria is 99km east of Port Elizabeth. Besides being the gateway to Greater Addo National Park (which now extends down to the ocean), Alexandria is a friendly farming town, known mainly for its chicory farming and also for its dairy and pineapple farming. The town is situated on the coastal road between Port Elizabeth and East London, and also lies half way between Cape Town and Durban.

About Alexandria
Alexandria is the home of the chicory industry, and also serves a dairy farming and pineapple region. It is the 2nd largest chicory producing area in the world, and is home to Chicory SA. Alexandria lies only 10 minutes from the nearest beaches, with a wonderful drive through indigenous forests.

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What to do in Alexandria
Arts and Culture : Visitors can see the Karel Landman Monument, as well as the Dutch Reformed Church (1896) and The Old Jail, which are both provincial heritage sites.
Science and Nature : The Alexandria Dunefield, one of the largest active dunefields in the world, is situated in the area.
Hiking : There are a number of hiking trails in the area - try the famous Alexandria Hiking Trail, or the popular Hidden Valley Hiking Trail. Click on the Trails icon below for more.
Sport : Visitors can enjoy a game of golf at the local 9 hole course - it is a wonderful country course. There is also a squash court at the club.
Drives : Route 72 has a tourist loop route through Woody Cape to the coastal villages of Cannon Rocks and Boknes - an easy walk along the beach from here to the Diaz Cross.
Bird Lovers : For bird lovers, the rare damara tern can be seen, as well as the jackass penguin, fish eagle, Knysna loerie as well as an abundance of other birds.
Art : Within the town the art lover can visit the Quinn Sculpture Gardens and The Art Centre, purchase unusual handicrafts at the Old Curiosity Shop next door, as well as take a leisurely walk round the block to view the historical labourer's cottages, Courthouse and jail, Catholic Church and Dr Drew's house. These historic buildings date back to Settler times.
Addo Elephant National Park : Only 80km away is the Addo Elephant National Park, which is regarded as the best elephant viewing park in South Africa. The park is a malaria-free area. Besides the elephants, the park has black rhino, buffalo, eland, kudu, red hartebeest, bushbuck, grysbok and duiker. There are more than 170 species of birds and a bird-hide.
Woody Cape : Visit the Woody Cape Nature Reserve - with splendid pristine clean beaches and awesome sand dune forests. Horse riding on the beach and canoeing in the breakwater with whales and dolphins as likely playmates.
Game Lodges : Numerous game lodges are situated close by for viewing game in the wild and with offers of river cruises on the Bushman's River through indigenous forests abundant with bird life.
Chicory : The chicory processing plant may be visited in the drying season from mid November to end of May.
Nearby resorts : Visit Bushmans River Mouth - the quaint little holiday village across the Bushmans River from Kenton, ideal for river/beach activities. Varied accommodation in houses, B&B’s or a caravan park.

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History of Alexandria
Alexandria was established in 1840. It is named after the Reverend Alexander Smith, a minister in this area. Originally known as Olifantshoek, the town is steeped in the history of the Xhosa, Afrikaans, Portuguese and British people. Visit the historical grave site of the Xhosa maiden, Nongqawuse, or relax in the tranquil Quin Sculpture Garden and Gallery.

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Alexandria chicory centre Eastern Cape South Africa Accommodation hiking