Alicedale
The charming Victorian-inspired town of Alicedale is one of the Eastern Cape’s most famous enclaves as it was the Central Railway Junction for all rail transport in South Africa up until the 1990s. Today, you can still board one of its classic steam trains from the newly refurbished train station at Grahamstown and enjoy a journey of a different kind.
Meander past some of the very best scenery in the country and sweep through an eclectic array of the Eastern Cape’s top attractions all from the comfort of your train seat. This train sojourn en-route to Alicedale passes through a game reserve, which is a real treat as passengers can enjoy game viewing in a unique way; the train ride also journeys through an historical tunnel and past landscapes of dazzling rock strata, which definitely rivet all who see them. One of the more entertaining stops during this train ride though is the one that goes through the championship-style Gary Player Golf Course – that’s right; the train passes through the course before finally disembarking at Alicedale. If this was not enough, there are a number of exciting activities to enjoy while holidaying here.
The Cultural Xhosa Village is a must for those travellers who want to experience a true rural village while those that want to pamper and indulge themselves with a range of decadent spa treatments would do well to spend a day at the appropriately named Leisure Centre. Do not forget to have a look around the Weaving Museum or the Abafazi Crafts and Design which is well known for its ornate beading and beautiful basketry. With all this and more to enjoy, your trip to Alicedale promises to make you fall in love with the Eastern Cape.
