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Peaceful and picturesque
The Chris Hani region
Attractions in the Chris Hani region include picturesque Elliot.
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
The acclaimed writer and feminist activist Olive Schreiner spent much of her childhood in Cradock.
The Chris Hani region of the Eastern Cape is a pretty place that will surprise and delight travellers. Magnificent mountain scenery, rural farm charm and abundant fauna and flora are just some of the attractions in the Chris Hani region.
Named after the assassinated freedom fighter, Chris Hani, the region offers stunning San rock art sites, game reserves, exquisite birdlife, farmstays and heritage experiences. These activities are characterised by two predominant Chris Hani region tourism routes: the Friendly N6 and the Karoo Heartland.
Follow the Friendly N6 to visit Queenstown, Elliot and Dordrecht.
History buffs will love Queenstown - the historical town named after Queen Victoria. It was founded in 1853 as a military outpost designed to protect the British during the many frontier battles that raged across the area. Attractions include the Hexagon, Town Hall and Frontier Museum.
If picturesque pastoral scenes are to your liking, take a drive through scenic Elliot at the foot of the southern Drakensberg - its rural charm will delight. Be sure to visit Elliot Beaders and Crafters for outstanding African beadwork, as well as the nearby Denorbin Farm, with its ancient San rock art sites.
Fly fishing enthusiasts should call on nearby Dordrecht; it's great for still water trout fishing and even has its own trout trail. This village also hosts the Freedom Trail mountain bike route.
The Karoo Heartland towns of Cradock and Middelburg are important agricultural hubs of the Eastern Cape, with the latter being renowned for its wool and mohair production.
Make sure you stop off at Cradock to visit Olive Schreiner House, former home of the famous Story of an African Farm author, and the renowned Mountain Zebra National Park, a reserve dedicated to the preservation of the rare Cape mountain zebra. The magnificent Tuishuise guest cottages in Market Street, Cradock, will take you back to the mid-19th Century.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
The Eastern Cape Tourism Board
Tel: +27 (0) 43 701 9600
Email: info@ectourism.co.za
SA National Parks
Tel: + 27 (0) 12 428 9111
Email: reservations@sanparks.org
How to get here
Fly direct from any of South Africa’s major cities to Port Elizabeth International Airport. If you’re driving; from Johannesburg take the N1 south and then the N9 after Colesberg. Pick up the N10 at Middleburg to Port Elizabeth. From Port Elizabeth, travel on the N2 to East London, where you can access the N6 motorway and Friendly N6 tourism route.
If travelling from Cape Town and Durban, take the N2 east and west respectively to East London, and access the N6 motorway and Friendly N6 tourism route.
Around the area
The City Of Port Elizabeth
The Eastern Cape Drakensberg
The Mountain Zebra National Park
Tours to do
Historic and heritage tours in Queenstown; San rock art tours at sites across the region; guided game drives in Mountain Zebra National Park; scenic self-drive tours including the Friendly N6 and Karoo Heartland; trout trails at Dordrecht.
Get around
The region is best explored by car
Length of stay
While rewarding day trips can be organised, you will neede about a week to explore the region fully.
Where to stay
The Crhis Hani region has plenty of centres with a range of accomodation from Hotels to B&B's and guest houses
What's happening
The Jeffrey's Bay Shell Festival in September
The Bedford Garden Festival in October
Best buys
Original beaded African arts and crafts from Elliot Beaders and Crafters.