Sandcastle’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Sandcastle is fairly remote, 45 minutes from the nearest town, but there is plenty to explore in the area!
Visit Hamburg's Keiskamma Art Shop to purchase some of their beautiful tapestries and small goods made by the local women.
The Keiskamma Trust was established in 2002 by Dr. Carol Hofmeyer in Hamburg, in an effort to uplift the local communities in the Eastern Cape with the vision of building healthy communities in all respects.
The mission of the trust states that, The Keiskamma Trust, aims to encourage hope and support for the vulnerable while working to address issues of poverty through comprehensive programs and partnerships.
Keiskamma Art Shop
Visit Hamburg's Keiskamma Art Shop to purchase some of their beautiful tapestries and small goods made by the local women.
The Keiskamma Trust was established in 2002 by Dr. Carol Hofmeyer in Hamburg, in an effort to uplift the local communities in the Eastern Cape with the vision of building healthy communities in all respects.
The mission of the trust states that, The Keiskamma Trust, aims to encourage hope and support for the vulnerable while working to address issues of poverty through comprehensive programs and partnerships.
Driving from Makhanda into the decidedly English-looking town of Bathurst in the Eastern Cape, one of the first signs you encounter is 'There’s no thirst like Bathurst.'
Welcome to the Pig and Whistle, said to be the oldest licensed pub in South Africa.
It stands at the heart of this lovely little historic settlement and, although it has changed hands many times, ‘The Pig’ still serves hearty fare and liquid refreshments to travellers exploring 1820 settler frontier country.
‘Pig’ refers to an ancient drinking peg, which determined how much monks and their guests could imbibe from a beer tankard. ‘Whistle’ is a corruption of the word ‘wassail’ (an old English word meaning an alcoholic beverage or to enjoy oneself heartily). In modern terms, ‘pig ‘n whistle’ means to ‘drink judiciously and party hard’. Hmm.
'The Pig' was originally opened in 1832. Also established locally in 1832 was the elegant Wesleyan Chapel, which was later besieged during the long series of frontier wars.
A quick stroll around the village will reveal very old buildings bearing Victorian-era names like Bleak House, Morley House and Bradshaw’s Mill.
Bathurst has become a village of retired academics, artists, eccentrics and pineapple farmers.
You will not fail to notice ‘The Big Pineapple’ on the outskirts of the town, a 16.7 metre, 3-storey high fibreglass pineapple.
This monolithic faux fruit looms over a field of real pineapples, the principal crop in the area.
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Bathurst
Driving from Makhanda into the decidedly English-looking town of Bathurst in the Eastern Cape, one of the first signs you encounter is 'There’s no thirst like Bathurst.'
Welcome to the Pig and Whistle, said to be the oldest licensed pub in South Africa.
It stands at the heart of this lovely little historic settlement and, although it has changed hands many times, ‘The Pig’ still serves hearty fare and liquid refreshments to travellers exploring 1820 settler frontier country.
‘Pig’ refers to an ancient drinking peg, which determined how much monks and their guests could imbibe from a beer tankard. ‘Whistle’ is a corruption of the word ‘wassail’ (an old English word meaning an alcoholic beverage or to enjoy oneself heartily). In modern terms, ‘pig ‘n whistle’ means to ‘drink judiciously and party hard’. Hmm.
'The Pig' was originally opened in 1832. Also established locally in 1832 was the elegant Wesleyan Chapel, which was later besieged during the long series of frontier wars.
A quick stroll around the village will reveal very old buildings bearing Victorian-era names like Bleak House, Morley House and Bradshaw’s Mill.
Bathurst has become a village of retired academics, artists, eccentrics and pineapple farmers.
You will not fail to notice ‘The Big Pineapple’ on the outskirts of the town, a 16.7 metre, 3-storey high fibreglass pineapple.
This monolithic faux fruit looms over a field of real pineapples, the principal crop in the area.
City/town information
Port Alfred is the nearest town to Sandcastle, about a 45 minute drive. Filled a handful of lovely restaurants Port Alfred is a great day out! Rent a boat, and take a cruise out along the Kowie River.
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Port Alfred
Port Alfred is the nearest town to Sandcastle, about a 45 minute drive. Filled a handful of lovely restaurants Port Alfred is a great day out! Rent a boat, and take a cruise out along the Kowie River.
Neighborhoods
Sandcastle Villa is situated within the Wesley Coastal Conservancy on the sunny Eastern Cape shoreline. The Eastern Cape is an area dominated by mountains with largely grassveld and coastal forest. As it is a malaria-free area throughout the year, it is the ideal area to visit for game viewing during both the summer and winter months. The two primary commercial hubs in the Eastern Cape are East London and Gqeberha, often a starting or ending off point for an infamous trip along the Garden.
The Great Fish River is just 30km from Sandcastle Villa. The area was intended as an outpost of the British Colony during the 1820's. The Great Fish River became a battle site between the Xhosa’s and the immigrant English settlers. The regional hub during this period was Makanda (Grahamstown), which now hosts Africa’s biggest arts festival in June, The National Arts Festival.
Located in the former Ciskei, Sandcastle Villa is steeped in history and sits in the most rural part of the Eastern Cape. Many of South Africa’s freedom fighters came from this area with Nelson Mandela being born just east of East London in a village called Mvezo and Steve Biko’s grave found in King William’s Town.
Wesley
Sandcastle Villa is situated within the Wesley Coastal Conservancy on the sunny Eastern Cape shoreline. The Eastern Cape is an area dominated by mountains with largely grassveld and coastal forest. As it is a malaria-free area throughout the year, it is the ideal area to visit for game viewing during both the summer and winter months. The two primary commercial hubs in the Eastern Cape are East London and Gqeberha, often a starting or ending off point for an infamous trip along the Garden.
The Great Fish River is just 30km from Sandcastle Villa. The area was intended as an outpost of the British Colony during the 1820's. The Great Fish River became a battle site between the Xhosa’s and the immigrant English settlers. The regional hub during this period was Makanda (Grahamstown), which now hosts Africa’s biggest arts festival in June, The National Arts Festival.
Located in the former Ciskei, Sandcastle Villa is steeped in history and sits in the most rural part of the Eastern Cape. Many of South Africa’s freedom fighters came from this area with Nelson Mandela being born just east of East London in a village called Mvezo and Steve Biko’s grave found in King William’s Town.
Food scene
If you're enjoying a longer stay at Sandcastle and want to explore the area, head to Lavender Blue Market in East London. Loved by locals, Lavender Blue Market (open daily) is a wonderful, family-friendly farmer’s market, where you can enjoy browsing stalls, buying great, value-for-money eats and enjoying an all-round charming experience.
The market is spread between a large, vibey indoor space and a tranquil outside area, which is perfect for kids to run around freely in.
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Lavender Blue Market
Gonubie RdIf you're enjoying a longer stay at Sandcastle and want to explore the area, head to Lavender Blue Market in East London. Loved by locals, Lavender Blue Market (open daily) is a wonderful, family-friendly farmer’s market, where you can enjoy browsing stalls, buying great, value-for-money eats and enjoying an all-round charming experience.
The market is spread between a large, vibey indoor space and a tranquil outside area, which is perfect for kids to run around freely in.
M&Js Cottage Kitchen is an institution along the R72 between East London and Port Alfred.
You will see it as you turn off the R72 towards Sandcastle. Just 10 minutes from the villa, it is our closest restaurant and convenient store. Serving delicious freshly baked cakes, toasted sandwiches and selling South African delicacies, it is a great spot to chat with the locals that live in the holiday town Begha, and enjoy a blueberry cheesecake!
If you have forgotten any basics, they will be able to help you with fresh milk, vegetables and confectionary items.
M & J's Cottage Kitchen Westley
R72M&Js Cottage Kitchen is an institution along the R72 between East London and Port Alfred.
You will see it as you turn off the R72 towards Sandcastle. Just 10 minutes from the villa, it is our closest restaurant and convenient store. Serving delicious freshly baked cakes, toasted sandwiches and selling South African delicacies, it is a great spot to chat with the locals that live in the holiday town Begha, and enjoy a blueberry cheesecake!
If you have forgotten any basics, they will be able to help you with fresh milk, vegetables and confectionary items.
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The best way to get around is to hire a car from the airport
Sandcastle is about 45 minutes from East London Airport and we would suggest hiring a car from there. As we are fairly remote, this would be the best way to get around and see the area as there are is no Uber-style transport.
If you would like us to arrange an airport transfer, we would be happy to do so.
Alternatively, we have a private runway and a helipad, if you wish to fly in privately.
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Bring sunblock and comfortable walking shoes
Situated on the Sunshine Coast, Sandcastle experiences about 300 days of a sunshine each year! We have wonderful weather throughout the year. It is always advisable to bring swim wear, a light jacket, a hat and walking shoes if you wish to walk through the reserve. Additionally, as we have both bush and beach, we suggest you pack sunblock and insect repellent. The Eastern Cape is a very relaxed area, so casual clothes are all you will need.
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The Spar at Debi Lee
If you have opted to cater your stay yourself, we would advise that you do a grocery shop at the Spar in Debi Lee, East London. It is just 5 minutes from East London Airport towards East London and is a well stocked supermarket.
The Spar is your best spot to do a shop before coming to Sandcastle as there are no nearby supermarkets to the villa.