📍 A leafy view Alexandria and the Dutch Reformed Church
📸 Ron Mackenzie

Follow the R72 from Nanaga in the west and wind your way through dairy, chicory, and pineapple country, past the spectacular dune fields at Woody Cape and ancient coastal forests at Alexandria to pristine tidal rivers and magnificent beaches on the Sunshine Coast.

Rich in history and natural beauty, Alexandria is situated 100km east of Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) and is known for both chicory and dairy farming, and is one of the most important chicory-producing areas in South Africa.

The Khoi San and Khoi Khoi were living in the area when the Portuguese sailors of Dias arrived at Kwaaihoek in 1488.

Hunters came to the wooded forests and valleys during the late 1700s and were followed soon by several “trekboere” – farmers who trekked with their cattle and settled in the area as far east as the Fish River.

In the early years, the Alexandria district was known as Olifantshoek, aptly named after the big herds of elephants that roamed this part of the country.

📍 Maureen Quin’s Sculpture Garden and Gallery
📸 Tourism Files

Alexandria is home to numerous historical buildings, world-renowned Master Sculptor, Maureen Quinn, and the extraordinary Maureen Quin’s Sculpture Garden & Gallery, Heritage Guest House Alexandria, UmBoNo Lodge and the Alexandria Golf Club.

📍 Old Maria Hall, later used as a school house
📸 Marie Greyvenstein, Alexandria Tours
To book at the Heritage Guest House in Alexandria, contact Kathleen on Cell: +27 (0)82 487 1129

Alexandria is popular with hiking enthusiasts and has great ecological importance as the largest active shifting dune field system in the world.

The stretch of pristine indigenous forests at Woody Cape is home to many naturally occurring mammals and a diversity of birdlife. Woody Cape forms part of Addo National Elephant Park.

📍 The Golden Mile and Woody Cape’s shifting sand dunes
📸Bernard Mackenzie Photography

Book a Historical Walking of Alexandria with Alexandria Tours, contact Marie on 068 584 7653.

Book a guided walking tour to Diaz Cross with either Alexandria Tours as above or contact Ncumisa from Mzaza Education & Tours on 071 047 6260.

Sunshine Coast Tourism Consultant, Nolu Mbuyazwa, has spent several days over the past couple of months visiting our Business and Tourism members and we look forward to bringing you more news on #Alexandria soon!

📍 Dolphins surfing the waves off Woody Cape
📸Lloyd Edwards, Raggy Charters – Marine-Eco Cruises
Nanaga Farm Stall, Sunshine Coast ZA

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