The eScape Route About the eScape Route
| About the eScape Route |
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Stutterheim lies approximately 75kms north of East London and 108kms south of Queenstown on the main route from Johannesburg to the coast on the Friendly N6. At first glance this little town appears no different to any other in the Eastern Cape. During the course of the month, it is a quiet place but at month end it becomes a hive of activity with the population of the outlying areas all descending on the town to buy their groceries. But there is more than that to Stutter heim, for you have reached the heart of the eScape Route, so stop, look and share the beauty and experiences we have to offer you. For the nature lover there is no shortage of things to do and see. The Amahlati area boasts four different biomes. From rolling grasslands to Kei Escarpment thicket, mountains and forest, each with their own individual ecosystem. For those who enjoy walking there is the Amatola Hiking Trail, or choose between three routes of different lengths and stroll through our pristine indigenous forest. Cool down beside waterfalls and gently flowing streams soaking in the sounds of nature. This area is home to no less than 138 species of birds including the Knysna Loeri and the endangered Cape Parrot. Bush buck, duikers, Samango monkeys, butterflies, flora and fauna, giant tree ferns, ancient yellowwood and lemonwoods exist together in an area as yet unspoilt by man. Should you prefer, you can choose to take a 2 hour trek on horseback to ex perience the beauty of the forest. “Gubu Dam has been well stocked with both brown and rainbow trout, so obtain your permit from the Fly fishing Club and as there are no motorized sports allowed at Gubu, the only sounds to break the silence may be the haunting shriek of a fish eagle or the bark of a buck in the dis tance. There is a camp site and braai area on the waters edge with a full ablution block so the entire day can be spent in peace. Should you prefer more adrenalin pumping sports you will not be disappointed. Choose be tween abseiling from a 7m platform or for the really brave, from a 100m cliff. Rock climbing, bouldering, mountain biking, archery, canoeing, eScape offers all these things. Or go to Wrig gleswade Dam and try water skiing, wake boarding, para sailing, Bass fishing or simply enjoy a sunset cruise. A small but thriving art and craft community exists in Stutterheim and has opened their doors to the public so visit the galleries and work shops and share the experience and joy of firing your own pot in the traditional African Fire Pit. Exquisite hand made silver jewellery, oil and water colour paintings, traditional bead work mixed with modern embroidery, pottery and ceramics are all on display. The eScape Route is also an eclectic mix of culture and history from the San and their beautiful rock art, to proud and famous Xhosa chiefs and the history of the German and British settlers. Monuments stand proudly, telling their stories of the past. Visit Mgwali Cultural Village and be greeted by singing and dancing, be entranced by the sangomas and sample a meal cooked in traditional pots on an open fire. Step into the little museum and learn the history of the area or into the craft shop and view the handmade wooden pipes and stick, bead work and clothing. Or step back in time and pop into the Engine Museum, the largest stationary engine museum in South Africa where all exhibits are operational. At the end of the day, having seen and done so many things, you will realize that you have only scratched the surface of our beautiful route so come again soon and share more experiences.. |