Despatch - An Atmosphere All of Its Own

A lonely brick chimney stands silently as a reminder of a lucrative era in the history of Despatch. Once part of a successful brickworks industry and built in 1882, the chimney now merely remains as a monument to what was a booming industry. But where one industry’s closure brought the end to an era, Despatch grew into a quaint little town on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth.

The town of Despatch is located between the bustling city of Port Elizabeth and the industrial centre of Uitenhage. Even though it is considered to be a new town, as it was established in 1942, Despatch has a true small town atmosphere and many residents have relocated to the town to enjoy its peacefulness after a hard day’s work in one of the nearby cities. It has many fascinating sights and attractions such as the Despatch Museum, but due to it being situated so close to Port Elizabeth, it shares most of its attractions with the larger city.

It is also known to be the town of roses, with these wonderful fragrant flowers found around most of the municipal buildings and structures. This affectionate nickname is celebrated at the end of each year at the Despatch Carnival, where the Rose Show attracts hundreds of visitors who come to enjoy the beauty, color and smell of the roses. Despatch might be a small town, but its friendly locals and interesting sights make it a town worth visiting.

User Comments & Reviews

Leave a comment:



















Sign up to our Newsletter

Latest Travel Articles

Boosmansbos Wilderness Area

Rugged, captivating and awe inspiring, the Boosmansbos Wilderness Area is one of the best kept s...

Journey along the Caracal Ecoroute

Stretching from Groen River in the south, to Skilpad in the northeast, the new Caracal Ecoroute ...

Flower Valley Conservation Trust

Located on the Agulhas Plain, north-east of Gansbaai in the Western Cape Province of South Afric...

The Southern Line Rail Route

Starting at the main train station in central Cape Town, the Southern Line rail route stops off ...

Buddhist Retreat Centre in Ixopo

For more than twenty years the Buddhist Retreat Centre, located at Ixopo in KwaZulu Natal, has b...

More Articles