King Williams Town, Amatola
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.
Travellers' Reviews
1 Review from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
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)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Twins Guesthouse
Twins Guesthouse provides luxury accommodation in a tranquil residential area. With 24 tastefully decorated, en-suite rooms, full country style b...
Amatola Mountain View
Accommodation is offered in tranquil surrounds with bird filled gardens and uninterrupted views of the grand Amatola Mountains, this family owned...
Glencoe Guest House
Situated in King Williams Town, Eastern Cape, Glencoe Guest House offers bed and breakfast accommodation in seven rooms. The Guest House has a sw...
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 ...
Panorama Guesthouse
Located in the beautiful old settlers town of King Williams Town, Panorama Guest House is the ideal accommodation for those needing a nights rest...
Hubertha Guest House
Hubertha Guest House offers accommodation in 10 en-suite rooms in King Williams Town. All rooms have microwaves, bar fridges, a TV with DStv, iro...
Things to do in the area
Amathole Museum
The Amatole Mountain Range stands tall and proud over King William’s Town in the South Africa's Eastern Cape. This part of the country is quiet, ...
Amatola Hiking Trail
Start: 22 km from King William's townFinish: 3 km from HogsbackDuration: 100km over 6 daysFitness: not for the unfit; considered toughOur tip: ta...
Pirie Forest Hike
Start: southern end of the Maden DamFinish: back where you started, as it's circularDuration: 9kmFitness: it's an easy walkOur tip: look out for ...
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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