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  INFORMATION:
  GRAAFF REINET  | UITENHAGE |  ADDO ELEPHANT PARK 

 
Province: Eastern Cape
Region: Karoo Heartland
Route: Mohair Route


MOHAIR ROUTE - TOWNS- GRAAF REINET TO UITENHAGE

Named after the soft, silky and strong fleece of the Angora goat, one of the economic backbones of the Karoo Heartland, The Angora goat industry was founded 150 years with the arrival of 13 animals from Turkey, a gift from the Sultan. In South Africa, now the world's largest producer of mohair, most of the mohair is produced in the Karoo.
The route starts in historic GRAAFF- REINET (see R63 route), a centre for mohair farming. There is a mohair shop in the town for enduring hand-made articles. The route crosses the Sundays River on to ]ANSENVILLE, a small town which is the centre for the country's third biggest mohair producing district. A fort built on a hilltop outside the town dates back to the South African War. Sid Fourie House in the town houses has interesting historical papers, books and pictures. At Wolwefontein, the road turns off to Steytlerville.

Not on the route, but a tiny gem for lovers of Victorian architecture to discover, STEYTLERVILLE is 112 km from Willowmore on the R329 route. In a tranquil setting in the Winterhoek mountain, the small town preserves its rich heritage of buildings and has a special ambience. Bougainvillaea lines the town's streets, which are "wide enough to turn an ox-wagon". The Cockscomb, the highest peak in the Winterhoek, is popular with mountaineers.

DARLINGTON DAM 30 km from the Greystone turn-off is an important irrigation storage dam which feeds the citrus producing Sundays River Valley. It offers a variety of water sporting activities including river boat cruises and it is a national fresh water fishing venue. There are horse trails and a game camp. Hippo and rhino can be seen on land leased by the SA National Parks. Self.catering cottages and guest houses.

The route passes the Sundays Riveryalley with access to the Addo Elephant National Park. Just 11km from Uitenhage is the magnificent and rugged Groendal Wilderness Area. The route ends in UITENHAGE, which was proclaimed the headquarters of the Eastern Cape in 1804. Uitenhage is set on the Swartkops River, 35 km from Port Elizabeth.

There are exquisite views from the Strelitzia Dam of the Swartkops Valley and the Cockscomb mountains; Uitenhage has many fme buildings of historical interest, including the most easterly examples of Cape Dutch architecture. The town is now a major motor industry centre and the Volkswagen motor museum, part of the Drostdy Museum displays the old Beetles and other models. Cuyler Manor Museum the restored house of General Cuyler is furnished in period- style and has Angora Goats , an old Millhouse, herb garden and farm animals.

Demonstrations of shearing and old time farm activities such as soap making, candle making, spinning and weaving can be arranged. Cuyler Manor is the venue in February for the Prickley pear Festival - where 20 different products made from the humble Prickley Pear are stars of the show . Uitenhage is surrounded by the Uitenhage Nature reserve.