Somerset East, Eastern Cape

Battiss Gallery and Tourism Info office, Somerset East.

© Chris Marais

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Tucked into the forested Boschberg Mountains of the Eastern Cape, the historic little town of Somerset East used to be a key agricultural food source for the newly-arrived 1820 Settlers.

The Cape governor at the time, Lord Charles Somerset, bought a farm below the Boschberg and for more than 10 years it supplied both the military and civilians of the area with livestock and victuals.

Part of that old farm is now 1 of the leading heritage assets around Somerset East. Glen Avon Farm, still owned by Settler descendants, has been carefully preserved and restored, offering accommodation, interesting walking trails and at least 3 good fly-fishing pools.

But if you want the low-down on local fishing conditions, drive into Somerset East and visit Alan Hobson of the Angler & Antelope Guest House. He knows all the great places to cast your fly and land a trout of note.

People visit Somerset East for many reasons. Firstly, it is replete with museums telling the story of times gone by in the Eastern Cape, which has seen no fewer than 8 Frontier Wars. The main museum stands in the midst of a magnificent display of indigenous trees and rose gardens. Visitors quickly realise that Somerset East people are very proud of their roses.

The other museum you should visit is dedicated to Walter Battiss, 1 of South Africa’s most original and eccentric artists. Lose yourself in his imaginary world of Fook Island and read about how Battiss depicted life and the universe using his art.

Ros Turner, the local tourism officer, will show you the Somerset East Heritage Trail, which takes in a series of churches, schools and private homes built nearly 2 centuries ago.

There are various walking trails on offer in and around the Boschberg Nature Reserve. And there’s a very beautiful 9-hole golf course nearby.

Somerset East stages a successful Biltong Festival (mid-July), a Rose and Art Festival (mid-October), the Bruintjieshoogte Marathon (late April) and the Bruintjieshoogte Cycle Tour (end March) to the village of Pearston and back.