Somerset East – Plenty of Attractions from Golf to Nature Reserves
The picturesque town of Somerset East, in the Eastern Cape, was established in 1825 by Lord Charles Somerset. Its history can still be revisited at its numerous national monuments, buildings and museums, while the wildlife and nature of the surrounding landscape can be explored through a variety of activities. As a part of the Blue Crane Route, Somerset East is extremely conservation conscious, with the magnificent forested mountains and waterfalls leaving visitors breathless.
With the Bosberg Nature Reserve located on the doorstep of the town, visitors are invited to take part in bird watching, mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, fishing, abseiling, para-gliding, gorge gliding, horseback riding and 4×4 driving. When it comes to historical sites, Somerset East has a list of noteworthy buildings to visit including the Walter Battis Gallery, the Somerset East Museum, William Oats School, Voortrekker Hall Museum, Mill House, Langenhoven Library and number of structures on Paulet Street that have been named national monuments.
Golf enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy the nine hole golf course. The town is also host to a variety of festivals which are attended by visitors from Port Elizabeth and surrounding areas. The Biltong Festival is probably one of the most popular of the events, with flower lovers descending on the town during the annual Spring Rose & Flower Show. Fitness fanatics can participate in the Bruintjieshoogte Cycle Tour or the Bruintjieshoogte Marathon, while spectators can enjoy the less strenuous festivities. Somerset East is a beautiful town, filled with activities, brimming with attractions and overflowing with unexpected surprises.
