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District Alfred Nzo (Cap-Oriental - South Africa)

Added: Thu 29 Oct 2020 - 08:50 | Updated: Sun 28 Mar 2021 - 12:57 | 154

Geography and History

At just 7 952km², the north eastern region of Alfred Nzo is the smallest district in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The region's boundaries stretch from the Lesotho border in the north to KwaZulu-Natal in the east. The region is bordered by OR Tambo district in the south and Ukhahlamba district in the west.

The Alfred Nzo region has quite a small population of approximately 544 000 people but a high density of 69 people per square metre. The first language is Xhosa, but the use of Sesotho and Zulu is spoken in some areas.. The seat of Alfred Nzo is Mount Ayliff . Key towns are: · Mount Ayliff, Matatiele, Mount Frere

Rainfall in the region is high and winters can be bitterly cold. It is one of the few areas in the Eastern Cape that experiences snow in winter!

Activities

Tourism is unfortunately very limitedin the region, but there is definitely great potential for growth. This region has some of the most majestic mountain scenery in the southern Drakensberg. A trans-frontier park between South Africa and Lesotho is envisioned for the Maluti area of the southern Drakensberg, but will require greatly improved access roads.

Although tourism is limited, the district’s major towns offer first-class accommodation and opportunities to learn about the first tribes to settle there, plus other points of interest.

The Alfred Nzo region is peaceful with lush green forested areas and towering, majestic mountains. This is what makes the Eastern Cape such a rare and magical place....from endless stretches of golden beaches to arid plains, snow-covered mountains and lush forests! You will be treated to a spectacular tapestry of scenery all in just one province!

Accommodation

Accommodation facilities include the following – lodges, self-catering, bed and breakfasts, hotels etc

Business

Agriculture is the mainl economic activity and provides 12% of formal employment. High rainfalls and the temperature ranges between summer and winter make the area suitable for forestry and there are extensive plantations in Umzimkhulu and Maluti.