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

Leopard Tree B&B
Leopard Tree Bed and Breakfast sleeps 10 guests in 5 units. A lapa with a braai area is available for guests to use as well as the swimming pool ...

Dreamers Guest House
Spoil yourself with 4 star graded accommodation, excellent cuisine, a large pool or the historical sights of King William's Town when staying at ...

Casa Gonubie
This modern apartment offers accommodation in Gonubie for four guests, in two bedrooms. The kitchen is fully equipped with a two plate stove, a c...

Modern Executive Apartment
Modern Executive Apartment is a self catering apartment with two bedrooms offering accommodation in the Beacon Bay district. The apartment is cen...

Nahoon Eco Lodge
Nahoon Eco Lodge is a stroll away from the very popular Nahoon Beach and East London Golf Course as well a being close to local malls and restaur...

Hornbill's Nest
Discover the quiet appeal and unspoiled scenery of Chintsa in the Eastern Cape with a stay at Hornbill’s Nest. This self-catering retreat, situat...

The Shire Eco Lodge
As refreshing as it is unique; an extraordinary and truly unique space, captivating with its innovative design and magnificent forest setting. Th...

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...

Zuri Place
Zuri Place offers guest rooms and is located in Berea, East London. The property is ideally situated 13km from King Phalo Airport and 4km from sh...
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...
Noteworthy attractions

Steve Biko Garden of Remembrance
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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...

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 an...
Find accommodation in Cathcart
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