East Cape Biltong Festival

In the heart of the Blue Crane Route, at
the foot of a beautiful mountain, lies a little town with a gentle spirit. Somerset East
is known for its beautiful gardens, historic buildings and the natural beauty that surrounds the town.

Lying on the fringes of South Africa's Karoo the area is malaria free and will invariably charm all who visit it.

Located as it is, a short distance from the N10 main highway between Port Elizabeth and South Africa's interior, as well as being on one of the main routes to Graaff-Reinet, Somerset East is both a convenient and a natural place to stop over; with many different accommodation options.
Those who do stop here will not be disappointed. The town of Somerset East is picturesque, friendly, and quiet, with little traffic, making it easy to explore on foot. You will find restaurants, coffee shops, and places to relax in Nojoli Street, the main street of Somerset East.

For those who are interested in history, the town owes much of its early years to the British military and settlers, as well as the Afrikaners who were farming the area prior to the arrival of the British. This history can be explored in both the town and the surrounding area. (The controversial Slachter's Nek rebellion took place in the district). The Slachter's Nek Exhibition in the Somerset East Museum is of great interest. Another draw card for the town is the Walter Battiss Art Gallery, housing the largest collection of this great artist's work to be found in Africa. Many of Somerset East's houses and buildings reflect this heritage with lots of houses still standing which date from the early 1800's. A walk down Paulet Street is a trip into the past, especially in November when the many heritage roses planted in Paulet Street are in full bloom.

The countryside around Somerset East is quite varied with impressive mountains, rich farmland, forest and open Karoo veld, all within a short drive of the town.

There is a fine variety of accommodation in Somerset East and its surrounds, ranging from the luxurious to value for money. Visitors wanting to find out about the various accommodation options will find them all listed on this website; from the various hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfasts and self-catering accommodation, back packers, farm stays and game farms, camping and a caravan park on the banks of the Little Fish River. There is accommodation for every taste and budget in Somerset East.

For more information on this town, and its accommodation, please visit: www.somerseteasttourims.co.za
*Information sourced: www.somerseteasttourims.co.za *

Gastronomical, Heritage & Architectural Tours of Somerset East