Stutterheim: Forest Trails, Culture and History

Stutterheim lies at the foot of the eastern slopes of the Kologha Mountains, an offshoot of the Amatola Range. The town is in an area of the Eastern Cape formerly known as British Kaffraria. The landscape and history provide a setting for different discoveries: trails take centre stage in Kologha Forest, while cultural and historical topics can be explored in the wider area. If you are looking for a hotel in Stutterheim, these highlights can help you plan the focus of your stay.

Forest Trails in Kologha Forest

Kologha Forest is described as South Africa’s second-largest indigenous forest and offers visitors a scenic picnic spot. Three hiking trails start and end at a sheltered picnic area. The Blue Route is 1.5 kilometres long and leads to three waterfalls; their water flow varies seasonally. The Yellow Route measures 7 kilometres, and the Red Route 17 kilometres. The routes can therefore be compared by length: the Blue Route is the shortest and the Red Route the longest. Their shared starting and finishing point provides the same reference point for all three hiking trails. There is also a horse-riding and mountain-biking trail in Kologha Forest.

Getting Your Bearings Nearby

The Forestway Outdoor Centre is on the edge of the Kologha Forest Reserve, 8 kilometres from Stutterheim on the N6.

Culture and Local History

Mgwali Cultural Village is 25 kilometres east of Stutterheim. Visitors can see a museum there featuring photographs, historical artworks and crafts relating to local history and customs. If you plan to visit, check visitor information in advance. About 50 kilometres from Stutterheim, the Cata Community Museum tells the story of the dispossession of rural land and the community’s successful fight for its restitution. Check current visiting information in advance for this visit too.

The two museums focus on different subjects: Mgwali connects local history and customs with photographs, artworks and crafts; Cata addresses dispossession and restitution. If you are choosing between the topics, this difference in focus may help you decide.

Regional History and Events

The wider region’s history includes arrivals in 1858 and 1859: 34 German families came to the area in several groups aboard six sailing ships. All the ships docked at the port of East London. The figures describe a series of different arrivals over two years.

The Stutterheim Farmers, Arts & Crafts Market is scheduled quarterly at Eagles Ridge Country House in Stutterheim. The Stutterheim Park Run is scheduled for 8 a.m. every Saturday at Stutterheim Country Club. The events follow different schedules; check the current market dates and the run date before your trip or participation.

Discover more destinations: Morgan Bay, Komga, Kwelera, Rockwood, Glen Gariff, Kei Mouth, Amatola Coastal, Xwangu.

For the main travel overview: Amathole.