Located at the foot of the Amathole Mountains, the Escape Route includes the town of Stutterheim, commonly referred to as the hidden jewel of the Amathole Mountain range. Stutterheim is located 75km from East London just off the N6 highway in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province.
The area has much to offer including a wide range of adventure and cultural attractions, arts and crafts and scenic landscapes.
Reasons to visit:
Stutterheim boasts the second largest indigenous forest in South Africa, the Kologha Forest. The Kologha Foresat offer visitors picturesque picnic spot and well sign posted and scenic walks of varying lengths and difficulty. A timber boardwalk with wheelchair access has been constructed in the forest to everyone to experience the forest.
In addition to the natural scenery and climate, Stutterheim offers a range of activities for everyone to enjoy. Since the route is located around the Amathole Mountains popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, bouldering and 4×4 trails. Water sports such as sailing, trout and bass fishing can be enjoyed at the Gubu Dam or Wriggleswade Dam, while birders can spot the endangered Cape Parrot among other interesting birdlife.
The Rock Art Museum offers rock art tours while the Stutterheim Stationary Engine Museum has one of the largest collections of restored stationary engines in South Africa. For those interested in local culture, visits can be arranged to the Mgwali Cultural Xhosa Village or art lovers can check out local art at Eagles Ridge, or buy locally-produced silverware and raku pottery.
Accommodation ranges from rustic camping to luxury hotels and there is also a variety of restaurants on offer in the area.
