Cathcart, Amatola
The little town of Cathcart, set in the foothills of the Amatola, is something of a sanctuary, although its popularity amongst the gliding fraternity means that numerous gliders take off from the nearby hills, their silent and somewhat eerie flight in no way hindering the quiet of the surrounds.
Cathcart is named after George Cathcart, governor of the Cape during the mid 1850s who is remembered for his somewhat abortive second major European-led invasion of the Sotho kingdom, during which his supreme arrogance came up against a formidable force in the form of Moshoeshoe and his men.
Residents swear that on a clear day you can see the Drakensberg from Cathcart, so it is no surprise to hear that nights are star-filled wonders and days are spent in a combination of bird watching, hiking - a number of trails begin at the historic Post Office - fishing, mountain biking - the town’s annual ‘Mean Cuisine Challenge’ takes place in November - and drinking in the surrounds, which include some beautiful and rare examples of wild flowers in season.
Cathcart, together with Hogsback and Bathurst, are inland towns that tend to be overlooked, a mistake when you consider the historical charm and easy access from East London - all can be reached within an hour.
Travellers' Reviews
2 Reviews from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
I live there. If you are hungry try the Blooming Daisy or The Wagon Wheel. Have a look at the old powder store from the 8th Frontier war.
Ross (Cathcart)
Verified review
Cathcart is pretty and secluded, surrounded by huge mountains that make you feel separate from the 'real world'. It's very small and quiet so it's not the place for tourists looking for attractions.
Rochelle (Cape Town)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Shabanga Guest Farm
Perfectly situated for the business traveler, Shabanga Guest Farm is ideally located just five minutes from East London Airport and the East Lond...
At One Lodge
At One Lodge offers excellent accommodation and is situated conveniently close to the Guild Theatre, Selborne Schools and Selborne Park. The esta...
Cove Rock Stay
Cove Rock Stay offers comfortable overnight and self-catering accommodation located in the secure Cove Rock Country Estate in East London, a shor...
The Paralian Exclusive Guesthouse
The Paralian Exclusive Guesthouse offers bed and breakfast accommodation in East London in 12 lovely rooms. From here you can admire beautiful oc...
Trengwainton Cottage
Trengwainton Cottage offers Hogsback accommodation that combines rustic, old world charm with modern comforts in a beautiful setting. Trengwainto...
At Eeezze Riversway Self Catering
At Eeezze Riversway Self Catering offers lovely accommodation in the green area of Nahoon in East London. Each of the self catering rooms has a T...
Devereux Lodge & Villas
Centrally situated, Devereux Lodge offers you a choice of luxury accommodation, with the added bonus of your own entrance and off street parking....
Rockford Lodge at Lowestoffe
Rockford Lodge on Rockford Farm is about 14km from Hogsback in a magnificent setting. The lodge has four bedrooms (one double and three twin room...
Things to do in the area
Thomas River Historical Village
Nestled between Stutterheim and Cathcart is the Thomas River Historical Village. The village is named after a British deserter, Thomas Bently who...
Ferndale 4x4 Trail
The Ferndale 4x4 Trails create a veritable playground for the adventurous. They are situated in the mountain ranges of South Africa, just outside...
Horse riding in Hogsback
The sheer beauty of the Hogsback area guarantees a memorable ride. At Lowestoof you can experience one of the most exhilarating two hours you'll ...
Noteworthy attractions
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...
King Williams Town Golf Club
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 lev...
East London Golf Club
The East London Golf Club, skilfully fashioned out of dense coastal bush, hills and dunes, just a few metres away from the warm water of the Indi...
West Bank Golf Club
The West Bank Golf Club, which celebrated its centenary in October 2007, has an 18 hole golf course rated as Number 93 in South Africa. Enjoy lov...
East London Museum
The East London Museum has the world's only dodo egg, a large natural science collection, collections ranging from the prehistoric times of South...
East London Beaches
Think warm Indian Ocean waters and sub-tropical weather that allow visitors to enjoy the climate all year round - East London basks gloriously be...
East London City Hall
The foundation stone of the stately East London City Halll was laid in 1897. The clock tower commemorates the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria. ...
East London Coast Nature Reserve
The East London Coast Nature Reserve is a gorgeous stretch of coast that extends from the Great Kei River in the north east all the way to the Ty...
Amalinda Nature Reserve
The Amalinda Nature Reserve is situated less than 10 kilometres from the ever-growing city hub of East London in the Eastern Cape. Established in...
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