King Williams Town, Amatola
Once you've booked your King Williams Town accommodation explore our pages for info on attractions and what to do in King Williams Town.
Considered one of the most interesting towns to visit in the region, along with Grahamstown, King Williams Town began its life on the banks of the Buffalo River as a mission station in 1834. About 50km west of East London, King William's Town is renowned for its beautiful stone buildings, many of which date back to the Frontier wars.
King Williams Town has a number of interesting museums - one of which houses the body of Huberta the hippo who walked some 1500 kilometres across KwaZulu Natal to the Eastern Cape in the early 1900’s and the Amathole Museum has the biggest collection of mammals in Africa. King Williams town is also associated with political unrest during the apartheid era. Inextricably linked with Bisho - the two are regarded as one - because of its part in recent freedom liberation, King William’s Town is closely tied to Steve Biko, leader of the Black Consciousness movement, whose grave is just outside Ginsberg and is now a Garden of Remembrance. Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki hail from the area (it is just a short trip along the N2 to Umtata) and many tourists now follow the Nelson Mandela Route, which starts in King William’s Town, to Umtata and the Nelson Mandela Museum.
Today King William’s Town is the administrative capital of the Eastern Cape. Despite this, the town is worth visiting for its natural beauty. The botanical gardens are renowned and Jacarandas that line the streets come into flower in spring. Nearby are the Rooikrans and Maden Dams, which serve as great places to fish and pursue water sports and, should you be attempting the 100 km Amatola Hiking Trail, the town is only 22 km from its start and serves as an ideal base.
Get the Scoop
King Williams Town Reviews
"King Williams Town is all about jacarandas and history. The road in and out of the town has pretty scenery and the museums are good to see. ..." - Zinhle, Mpumalanga
Visitorials: We Love South Africa
King Williams Town Visitorial
I Love King Williams Town because ...
Featured in: Visitorials: We Love South Africa
We’ve asked those in the know to share their favourites things about King Williams Town. Find out where locals go for the best cup of coffee, lunch suggestions and much more. We’re letting you in on all of their secrets ... I Love King Williams Town because ...
Related Links
Featured Attractions in (or near) King Williams Town
Fort Fordyce Nature Reserve
Set close to the little community of Blinkwater, Fort Fordyce Nature Reserve lies on the Post Retief road, almost equidistant between Adelaide and the historical town of Fort Beaufort, in the Amatola escarpment. This roughly 2 000 hectare reserve conserves scarce Dohne ... more information
King Williams Town Golf Course
There are four excellent three-pars at the King Williams Town Golf Course as well as trees, bunkers and water hazards that will challenge all levels of golfers. The Amatola Sun Classic, which forms part of the South African Winter Championship was established at King Williams Town Golf Club. The course has great ... more information
Nelson Mandela Museum
The Museum offers visitors an inspiring journey through the life of Nelson Mandela. Known affectionately as 'Madiba', he is loved and respected world-wide for his tireless energy to bring about a better life for all. Mandela has insisted that the Museum should not be a tribute dedicated to him, but should rather ... more information
Steve Biko Garden of Remembrance
Bantu Steven Biko, one of the most recognised leaders of the Black Consciousness Movement, is regarded as one of the greatest martyrs of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa. Born in the township of Ginsberg just outside King William’s Town, Steve Biko was to die whilst in police custody in 1977, after being held ... more information
Related Links
Things To Do in King Williams Town
Amathole Museum
Where: King Williams Town
How much (per person): R1 to R100
The Amathole Museum is the home of Huberta, the world's most famous hippopotamus. More than seventy five years after her death, young and o ... more information
Amatola Hiking Trail
Where: King Williams Town to Hogsback
How much (per person): On Request
The good news about the Amatola Hiking trail is that you can do it in installments, or parts of it as day hikes or even longer. You don’t ha ... more information
Related Links
On Holiday in King Williams Town
• King Williams Town Map
• Visitorial - I ♥ King Williams Town because...
• King Williams Town Accommodation
• King Williams Town Hotels
• Amatola Accommodation
• Amatola Hotels
• Eastern Cape Accommodation
Visiting King Williams Town?
Also see Things To Do in Amatola or check out Things To Do in Eastern Cape to view activities by category, including watersports, sightseeing activities, arts & crafts and many, many more.
- Introduction to the Eastern Cape
- Destination Guide
- Accommodation Guide
- Eastern Cape Accommodation
- Eastern Cape Hotels
- Eastern Cape Guest Houses
- Eastern Cape Bed & Breakfast
- Eastern Cape Self Catering
- Holiday Apartments & Suites
- Holiday Cottages & Chalets
- Holiday Homes & Villas
- By Special Category
- By Star Grading
- By AA Grading
- By Alphabetised List
- Special Offers / Discounts
- Search by Map
- Eastern Cape Conferences
- Wedding Guide
- Touring the Eastern Cape
- Transport & Travel Arrangements
- Out and About
- Südafrika Reise
Für Deutsche Besucher
Suedafrika-Reise.net bringt Ihnen das umfangreichste Angebot an Links, um Südafrika zu "bereisen": hier und jetzt auf Ihrem Bildschirm.
Urlaub im Östlichen Kap
2. Search by Map
3. TGCSA Star Grading
4. AA Grading
5. Family Friendly
