Salem as a touring centre |
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Kenton-on-seaKenton-on-sea, the jewel of the Sunshine Coast, is a village with breathtaking views of the coast. It's 20 minutes drive away. Two rivers reach the sea here, the Kariega and the Bushman's River. The Kenton estuaries attraction a variety of fish for hopeful fishermen! There are seabirds a-fishing too. Kenton-on-sea has safe swimming spots for children. The sand-dunes are as high as a house and great fun for climbing up and rolling down. There are endless clean beaches and interesting rock pools. Dolphins and whales are sometimes seen cavorting in the waves. One man took his dogs for a walk along the deserted beach and God put on a dolphin show just for him! Read story Horse riding on the beach at Beachcombers Horse Trails. The drive from Salem to Kenton is lined with game reserves. From the road one may spot zebra, giraffe, buffalo, buck, wildebeest, monkeys, rhino, tortoise & elephant. Bring your camera! Check the website for game-viewing drives and things to do in the area.
Bushmans River MouthAcross the river from Kenton-on-sea, is another village called Bushmans River Mouth. There are beautiful beaches and walks. Take a canoe ride on the river, or dine at a floating restaurant.
GrahamstownGrahamstown, 20 minutes drive away, is well-known for the July National Arts Festival. Artists, singers, actors, musicians, TV personalities, and crafters flock to the city. Book your accommodation early if you plan to do the Festival! The science festival is another attraction. Be sure to visit the observatory in Bathurst Street and see the camera obscura. The whole town is reflected on a table-top. You may even see your car parked in the street! Grahamstown is a quaint historic town which has changed little over the years. Museums depict the history of the area. In the centre of the town stands a cathedral which is always open for visitors. Rhodes University is a lively centre of learning. Coffee shops and restaurants abound to refresh the weary traveller. In September there is a KUSA dog show.
Assegaai TrailsHiking and mountain biking is fun at the Assegaai Trails. There are short trails and longer riverine hikes for the seasoned walker. www.assegaaitrails.co.za Alexandria (Alex)Alexandria is the hub of chicory farming. Chicory is used to flavour coffee, or may be cooked as a vegetable. The Alexandria Forest is an indigenous forest bordering one of the largest active dune fields in the world. The Woody Cape Nature Reserve is part of Addo Elephant Park
Thomas Baines Nature ReserveA game reserve nearby is stocked with buffalo, rhino, warthog, tortoise, etc. There is a dam with picnic spots. Admission free!
BathurstBathurst boasts an agricultural museum, pic-nic spot, pottery, curio shop, and a toposcope showing the history of the early settlers. The Bathurst show takes place annually in April. Visit the "big pineapple" and learn about pineapple farming, which is one of the main activities of the area. World class pineapples are grown in the Eastern Cape. Take pineapples home with you! Citrus trees are also abundant.
Port AlfredPort Alfred is a resort at the mouth of the Kowie River. It has great beaches and luxurious mansions. Two piers offer good fishing. Hire sand boards & go "tobogganing" down the steep sand dunes! Hilarious fun! It's 45 mins drive away. Play golf at the golf course.
Port ElizabethPort Elizabeth is two hours drive from Salem. Port Elizabeth is a large town with lots of attractions for the whole family. The highest bungy jump in the world is near Port Elizabeth. Sheer terror! If bungy jumps are not your thing, it's fun to watch others doing it!
Addo Elephant ParkThe famous Addo Elephant Park is about 1hr's drive away. See elephants in natural surroundings! Once a year in October Addo hosts the Rose Festival with stunning displays of roses. On the way, pop in to Bushman Sands Hotel & see the golf course designed by Gary Player.
Shamwari Game ReserveShamwari is a sprawling natural park which has been visited by British royalty. See game in the natural beauty of Africa.
East LondonEast London, a large coastal town, is about three hours drive away. If you are traveling from E. London to Port Elizabeth, Salem can be a stop-over. |
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Bushman's river entering the sea. Calm swimming area.
Grahamstown
has many old churches and a cathedral. Commemoration Methodist in Cathedral
Square, is gothic architecture.
