Somerset East (Afrikaans: Somerset-Oos), renamed KwaNojoli in March 2023, is a town in the Blue Crane Route Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The “East” suffix was added 30 years later to differentiate it from Somerset West in the Western Cape. This picturesque town, friendly and quiet with little traffic, is easy to explore on foot.
Somerset East has much to offer visitors, including a wide range of accommodation options, from budget self-catering to luxury four-star guest houses. This history can be explored both in the town and the surrounding area.
Historical Overview
During the reign of Governor Van Plettenberg (1771 - 1785), this land came into the possession of its first owner, Willem Prinsloo. The first settler in this area was Willem Prinsloo, who settled under the Boschberg, close to where the Museum is today. Prinsloo was the unofficial field cornet of the district where at least 20 other families had settled by 1774. At some stage, Prinsloo gave up parts of his farm and a farmer named Jakobus Cornelius Ismael Safanya Otto moved into the corner now known as Bestershoek.
Lord Charles Somerset, taking up the ideas promulgated by Cradock and Caledon that there should be a settlement on the Eastern Frontier, initiated a plan for an experimental farm in the area. The farm was established in 1815, for the purpose of improving stockbreeding in the Cape Colony and providing produce for the soldiers at the Frontier. American botanist Dr. Mackrill was given orders to find a suitable farm, and was told to look at three places, the Gamtoos Valley, the Swartkops Valley and Boschberg.
Lord Charles Somerset - Governor of the Cape between 1814 and 1826 - established it as an experimental farm in 1815, partly to feed the troops on the borders, and to provide their horses with feed, and partly to cultivate tobacco for export purposes. This is the same Louis Trichard who was the first Voortrekker to cross the borders of the Colony in 1833. Louis Trichard farmed with 6000 tobacco plants. However, as a refreshment station for the troops, it was partially successful, especially from 1817 when Robert Hart took over the running of the farm.
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In 1821, Wesleyan Reverend Shaw arrived in Somerset East. He built a church in the town and the ministry was continued by Reverends Kay and Ayliff. At the beginning of 1825, a new Drosdy named Somerset was established, after the Sub-Drosdy of Cradock was dissolved. This stretched from the Orange River in the north to the Zuurberg in the south, and from the Sundays and Kleinriet River in the west to the Koonap, Swart Kei and Stormspruit in the east.
On the 31st of January 1825, Mr William Mackay was appointed as the first Magistrate of Somerset, assisted by his Heemrade (the members of his Court) Messrs. Hart, Paul du Plessis and Antonie Botha. The magistrates office was situated in the old Somerset Farm buildings, which were altered into offices and living quarters.
In 1825 the project was cancelled as it was cheaper and easier to get provisions via contracts from farmers, than it was to cultivate it. The farm was no longer needed, as it was cheaper and easier to get provisions via contracts from farmers, than it was to cultivate it. A new Drostdy was declared, and the town of Somerset was established.
Somerset East established a municipality in 1884. The shield was divided horizontally. The upper half depicted a bushbuck on a golden background. The lower half was divided vertically, depicting a swallow on a red background and a sunflower on a black background.
In the early 19th century, Somerset East was a major center for the wool trade. The town was also home to a number of other industries, including tanning, wagon making, and brickmaking. In the years following the Anglo Boer War Somerset East continued to grow and prosper. The town is now a major commercial center for the Eastern Cape, and it is home to a number of industries, including agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.
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Gill College is one of the oldest colleges in the Eastern Cape, founded in 1869, after a donation from Dr. Aeroville School is a secondary school for grades 8 to 12, on the edge of Somerset East.
Attractions and Activities
Apart from its beautifully preserved buildings that are worth a visit in their own right, Somerset East is perhaps best known because it is on the Blue Crane Route in the Eastern Cape. As the route's name suggests, Somerset East is a bird-watching destination - other outdoor adventures include trout fishing on several local dams; both rainbow and brown trout fishing is available through the Bankberg Trout Fisher's Club, malaria free safari and hunting operations.
Historical annual events include the Biltong Festival, which was started in 1991, the Bruintjieshoogte Marathon, Bruintjieshoogte Cycle Tour (run between Pearston & Somerset East) and the Spring Rose & Flower show. Somerset East now hosts an annual Walter Battiss Art Festival, as well as the Somerset East Agricultural show.
Somerset East is one of the most picturesque places in South Africa due to its verdant hills and rolling valleys, rivers of crystalline blue, and crisp air. It has a unique beauty that can only be fully appreciated by seeing it. Somerset East is a must-visit destination for those seeking a tranquil escape from the bustle of the city or an opportunity to connect with nature. Somerset East, in addition to its natural beauty, has a rich history.
The town of Somerset East is picturesque, friendly, and quiet, with little traffic, making it easy to explore on foot. The forested, mountainous backdrop frames the town (which is within sight of 16 waterfalls after good rains).
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Boschberg Nature Reserve: The wooded Boschberg Nature Reserve is in the area, and has a number of hiking trails. The Boschberg - once described as “the most beautiful mountain in southern Africa” by an early explorer - has a myriad of tree species; exciting flora, some of which are endemic to the area; and at least 325 bird species to be spotted by the birding enthusiast. Soon to be completed mountain bike trails will make the mountain accessible to riders and walkers. The Boschberg Trail, out of commission at the moment for upgrading, will offer a challenging two-day hike. Due to the densely forested mountain, it is advisable to only attempt these with a local familiar with the area.
Boschberg Nature Reserve
Blue Crane Route: This picturesque and quaint town is at the foot of the Boschberg Mountains that provide both a forested and mountainous backdrop to what is a rather dramatic setting - there are no less than 16 waterfalls within sight of the town. The Blue Crane Route meanders along the R63 from Pearston, via Somerset East, to Cookhouse and was created as part of an alliance of farms on the route to save the Blue Crane from extinction. As South Africa's national bird and part of the country's heritage, collisions with power lines and fences, agrochemicals, getting caught in baling twine and being stolen for the pet trade are still reason for concern with regards to the bird's conservation.
Blue Crane
Somerset East Museum: In the town itself are a number of noteworthy buildings: The Old Wesleyan Chapel, which is now the Somerset East Museum, is a gorgeous example of Georgian architecture and unique because it forms part of the Boschberg Nature Reserve. Built in 1818, the stately house served as a residence, a drostdy (magistrate's court) and as a parsonage. Also of interest is the Somerset East Museum, with its splendid rose garden and oak trees.
Walter Battiss Art Museum: KwaNojoli (formerly Somerset East) is most known as the birthplace of the critically acclaimed 20th-century artist, Walter Battiss. The Walter Battiss Art Museum is dedicated to Prof. Walter Battiss bequeathed a collection of his work to the people of Somerset East. This was the largest Battiss collection in South Africa before the Jack Ginsberg collection was given to Wits Art Museum 2016. He enjoyed a long career as an artist devoted to the study of man in his environment, first in the context of Africa and Rock Art, later, in the interpretation of his this concept in its broadest sense. His versatility and influence as an innovator and the incentive he provided many aspiring artists secured him a special place among leading South African artists.
Other Activities: Tennis, Bowls, Athletics and Cycling clubs abound, and hunting and game viewing are offered on outlying farms. Other activities in the area include trout fishing in two of the local dams; a highly rated 9-hole golf course, said to be one of the most beautiful in the country and local game farms provide malaria-free safaris.
Your Somerset East accommodation is right on the doorstep of pretty landscapes and some unusual Eastern Cape attractions. Bushman Sands Game Reserve is situated on nearly 4000 hectares of former farmland. Shamwari Game Reserve is the southernmost, Big Game, private reserve in Africa - Malaraia Free. In the heart of the Karoo, deep in the South African province of the Eastern Cape, lies the fun and excitement of the Hoeksfontein 4x4 Trail.
Somerset East
Accommodation Options
Somerset East, located in the Eastern Cape, is a charming and picturesque city with a rich cultural history. The town provides visitors with a variety of lodging options, ranging from luxurious lodges to inexpensive guesthouses. There are several game reserves in the area that offer luxurious safari-style lodges with every modern amenity imaginable if you're looking for a luxurious stay. Somerset East also offers numerous guesthouses and self-catering apartments at reasonable rates for those on a budget. These accommodations provide visitors with basic yet comfortable amenities, making them ideal for those who prefer to spend more time outdoors. The majority of these accommodations include kitchens or kitchenettes, allowing guests to easily prepare their own meals if they so choose.
Experience the opportunity to get away from everything and everyone while staying at the rustic but charming Kuduland Shack. The Angler and Antelope is situated in the town of Somerset East in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Witmos Oxwagon Camp offers an African outdoor experience, back in time. Guests are accommodated in restored oxwagons. Somerset Guest Lodge offers accommodation in Somerset East, a charming and historic little town.
Conclusion
Somerset East, in the Eastern Cape, is a gem that has not yet been fully appreciated. Those who do visit, however, are rewarded with breathtaking landscapes and a wealth of outdoor activities. Each visitor will be enchanted by the town's combination of natural and cultural attractions. In conclusion, exploring Somerset East is gratifying for those who wish to appreciate South Africa's natural beauty beyond the country's most popular tourist destinations.
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