Alexandria (Olifantshoek)

Coastal Town in the Eastern Cape

Alexandria town is situated on the coastal road R72 between Port Elizabeth and East London, and also lies half way between Cape Town and Durban. Alexandria is the home of the chicory industry and also serves a dairy farming and pineapple region. The chicory processing plant may be visited in the drying season from mid November to end of May. Woody Cape Nature Reserve, with beautiful forests and the unique Alexandria Dunefield stretches from the Sundays River Mouth to the Bushmans River. The Alexandria Dunefield is one of the largest active coastal dunefields in the world. The area boasts an abundance of birds and wildlife, with a wide variety of trees including yellowwoods. The Alexandria Hiking Trail is unique for its three ecosystems - high forest, desert-like dunes and spectacular beaches. From the dune cliffs one can see Bird Island and this is also a good viewpoint for dolphin and whale watching. For bird lovers, the rare damara tern can be seen, as well as the jackass penguin, fish eagle, Knysna loerie as well as an abundance of other birds.

Alexandria, with it’s unique coastal dunes and beautiful indigenous forest, is located 100 km east of Port Elizabeth and is a popular holiday destination for sun and beach lovers. The town is the home of South Africa’s chicory industry.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Port Elizabeth 100 km on the R72. (Between Port Elizabeth and East London)

Altitude: 214 m above sea level

Average Rainfall: 660 mm

Average Temperatures

Summer 24°c; Winter 12°c

Banks

Absa (ATM’s 2), Standard (ATM’s 2)

Rivers

Bushmans River

HISTORICAL VIEW

Nonquase’s Grave

Xhosa Maiden whose prophecies led to the mass suicide of 70 000 Xhosas in 1856. Visit by appointment.

NATURE

Woody Cape Nature Reserve

A 25 000 ha reserve including the Alexandria dune fields, one of the best examples of this habitat in the world. Most interesting is the fact that this area is home to the Trumpeter Hornbill (Bycanistes Bucinator; Afr. Gewone Boskraai), and it is believed that this is the westernmost population of these birds with their haunting cry. Also present are Crowned Hornbill, Narina Trogon and Damara Tern.

ATTRACTIONS

Artists Deon Lemmer

Painter of landscapes, figure studies, portraits, tutor in art to private students.

Hennie Delport

Designer, dressmaker and weaver. Well known for his beautiful hand dyed wool and cotton garments

Lyn Gilbert

Illustrator of children’s books

Maureen Quin

Sculpture garden and studio

Cannon Rocks Holiday Resort

A beautiful beach close to the Diaz Cross, commemorating Bartholomeu Diaz, who explored the South African coast for a new sea route between Europe and the Far East

ACTIVITIES

Hiking

Various trails meander through this area of great natural beauty. Overnight facilities provided. There are also several short day routes

Alexandria Hiking Trail

Distance / Duration: 36 km / 2 days. Three different environments – forest, dune & sea shore. Overnight huts

Horse Riding

Springmount

Beach and country rides by horse or trailer.

Accommodation in and around Eastern Cape