The Amatola and Stormberg region in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa's includes the Karoo plains and scenic mountain ranges toward the north. The most important town in the region is East London which is home to South Africa's only river port. East London is a popular holiday destination and has become an important commercial and industrial centre in the Amatola and Stormberg region of the Eastern Cape.
Situated on the banks of the Buffalo River, East London is the biggest town in the Amatola & Stormberg region of the Eastern Cape and home to South Africa's only river port. East London is a popular holiday destination and an important commercial and industrial centre in the Eastern Cape. The economy of East London is built on vehicle assembly, electronics, citrus, wool and pineapples.
Port Alfred, situated on the banks of the Kowie River, is another town in the Eastern Cape Amatola & Stormberg region that is worth a visit. Port Alfred has undergone a rapid expansion in recent years and it has seen an increase in the development of holiday homes. The nearby town of Bathurst is home to the oldest pub as well as the oldest Anglican church in South Africa. Bathurst was initially intended to be the administration centre for the 4000 British settlers who immigrated to the area in the 1820s, a task that later fell to Grahamstown.
The Eastern Cape town of Grahamstown is well known for being the host of the annual Grahamstown National Arts Festival. The festival is the largest cultural event in South Africa with performances of dance, music and theater on show during the 11 days of the festival. Other important attractions in Grahamstown are the 1820 Settler National Monument and the Cathedral of St Michael and St George featuring the tallest spire in South Africa.
The Eastern Cape town of Hogsback is a popular holiday destination in the Amatola and Stormberg region. The town has a beautiful forest area where you can enjoy hiking, horse riding, climbing, swimming and fishing. The whole of the Amatola and Stormberg region of the Eastern Cape is steeped in history. The Stormberg area towards the north of the Eastern Cape was the site of the Battle of Stormberg where the British experienced a heavy defeat by the Boers
