Stutterheim

Stutterheim - Eastern cape South Africa

Stutterheim is situated at the foot of the eastern slopes of the Kologha Mountains, a spur of the Amatola range, in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

Blessed by an abundant natural beauty of its surrounding dams, hills, indigenous forests, farmland and forestry areas, Stutterheim is perfect for hikers, mountain bikers, boating, fisherman, birders and campers. The Kubusie River and Wriggleswade Dam is popular for boating, fishing and swimming. Being situated on the N6 to East London makes for easy access to the town and its surroundings.

In the last decade Stutterheim received widespread recognition for its achievements in community building, community development and sound local government.

Stutterheims primary industries are the surrounding farming (cattle, fine woolled sheep and citrus) and forestry areas and associated industries such as saw milling. The Dohne Merino sheep breed was developed at the Dohne Agricultural Research Institute just north of Stutterheim. The last several decades have also seen the development of a successful light manufacturing industry and recently the establishment of a growing tourist industry.

Stutterheim lies at the foot of the eastern slopes of the Kologha Mountains, a spur of the Amatola range, in an area of the Eastern Cape which the British named ‘ British Kaffraria’. The natural beauty of it’s surroundings provides a magnificent outdoor wonderland of forests, mountains, rivers and streams, with some exquisite waterfalls. The town has a interesting history with a strong German background. It was founded in 1837 as a Berlin Missionary Society station. Originally called Bethel, the name was later changed to Stutterheim in honour of Major General Baron Richard von Stutterheim, commander of the King’s German Legion who fought in the Eighth Frontier War (1850 – 53). Today Stutterheim is a centre of diary, sheep, citrus and forestry production. The locally developed sheep breed, the Dohne Merino, has an international reputation. Stutterheim has special significance for Xhosas, as the grave of the Xhosa chief, Sandile, is close to the town.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Aliwal North 276 km, East London 75 km, King William’s Town 42 km

Banks

Allied, Fnb, Standard

Mountains

Kologha Mountains

HISTORICAL VIEW

Engine Museum

Sandile’s Grave

The grave of Sandile, the Xhosa chief who died in 1878 in the last of nine frontier wars, is reached by turn off on the road 6 km south of town.

NATURE

Gubu Dam

A forest drive leads to Gubu Dam, set in a beautiful valley ringed by trees at the foot of Mount Kubusie. The crystal clear water has rainbow and brown trout and there are many waterfowl. A SAFCOL caravan park is located at the northeast end of the dam in idyllic surroundings, with gentle walks in the forest. This expanse of water is suitable for boating (rowing and sailing only).

The Kologha and Kubusie Forest

Situated on the eastern edge of the Amatola mountain range, 15 km by gravel road from Stutterheim. Timber from the commercial pine plantations of 4200 ha supplies saw timber to the local timber industry and poles for preservation to the S.T.P.P. plant in Stutterheim. Outdoor recreation is an integral part of the area which includes a 19 km stretch of the National Hiking Way System with overnight facilities and a picnic site situated in the indigenous forest at Kologha with day walks. The climate at Kubusie is warmer than that at Hogsback as a result of lower altitude and snowfalls occur on the high peaks. Higher points in the reserve offer panoramic views of the Stutterheim and Ciskei areas. The forests are alive with butterflies and birds, including crowned cranes and Knysna louries. This is the only place where the Cape Sugarbird (Promerops cafer; Afr. Kaapse Suikervoël) and Gurney’s Sugarbird (Promerops gurneyi; Afr. Rooiborssuikervoël) are found together.

Scenic Drives

A number of scenic drives in the area, leading through the indigenous forests to Gubu Dam and Fort Cunynghame.

ATTRACTIONS

Arts & Crafts

Gifts & Fabrics, Sakhisizwe Designs and Kologha Craft, Savuka Classical Weaving, The Craft Wild Bulb Nursery, Vusisiszw Handweavers

Mgwali Village

Experience Xhosa tradition. Bookings essential

Picnic Place

Kologha Forest Short walks through indigenous forest

Wriggleswade Dam

A popular recreational area, and fresh water tourist attraction, with a huge stretch of water in beautiful surroundings.

ACTIVITIES

Bird Watching

Abundant birdlife in the area, at the dams and in the indigenous forests.

Fishing

Gubu Dam (trout), Stutt Aquatic Club, Wriggleswade Dam (Bass)

Hiking

Forest Walks

From the Kologha picnic site through indigenous forest, past numerous waterfalls. Walks vary in duration from 30 minutes to several hours.

Kologha Hiking Trail

The popular two day trail starts at the Isidenge Forest Station 24 km from Stutterheim and ends at the old Kologha Forest Station, now Kologha Avontuur Park. Overnight accommodation at Gubu Hut at the edge of the Gubu Dam

Horse Riding

Horses can be hired

Mountain Biking / Cycling

Scenic routes through the indigenous forest to Gubu Dam and Fort Cunynghame.

Accommodation in and around Stutterheim