Chris Hani: Nature, History and Culture

Chris Hani appeals to travellers who want to combine nature, historic sites and cultural history. Its varied attractions include Mountain Zebra National Park, old churches, heritage sites and museums. Traditional horse races and local dishes are also part of the region’s character. When planning your trip, it helps to decide first which of these interests you would most like to focus on.

Nature and rock art

Mountain Zebra National Park protects Cape mountain zebras in the Bankberg mountain range, with its rolling plains and deep valleys. The combination of a protected area and striking scenery gives nature lovers a specific focus for planning their trip. You can hire a park guide to visit rock paintings in the park; the guide will show you the way.

Another natural attraction is the Mabelentombi Hiking Trail. The trail was developed and opened on 21 September 2024. If you plan to hike it, check the latest trail conditions before your visit. This keeps the historic opening date separate from the practical question of the conditions under which a hike is currently possible.

Churches, history and cultural sites

St Marks Old Anglican Church has been standing since 1853. You can also visit rock paintings nearby. The Tsomo Old Methodist Church, built in 1875, is preserved in Tsomo Mission. The two churches provide points of reference for the history of religious buildings: St Marks has stood since 1853, while the building in Tsomo Mission dates from 1875.

The site was the home of Xhosa King Sarili, who was associated with the liberation struggle. Check the visiting arrangements before you go. Another historical connection can be found at the Ngqwarhu Hills, also known as Amabele Ntombi: a battle took place there on 14 November 1880. The Vuyisile Mini birthplace is described as the birthplace of the first MK commander to be executed in South Africa during apartheid.

Cradock: streetscape, museum and activities

In Cradock, Market Street is designated a National Heritage Street and was laid out in 1847. The houses have largely retained their original fabric. The Olive Schreiner House Museum has exhibitions about the life and work of Olive Schreiner. She lived in the house for a time in her youth and had a strong personal connection to Cradock. Together, the street and museum offer different points of interest: the preserved building fabric on the one hand, and an exhibition about someone with a biographical connection to the town on the other.

Tubing, rafting, canoeing and abseiling are associated with Cradock. Traditional horse races are held at the Mathola’nyile Racecourse and St Marks Horse Track. As no current race schedule is available, check event dates before planning a visit around them.

Getting around and local food culture

For road travel, the R61 is useful: it runs from Queenstown via Cofimvaba and Tsomo to Umtata, passing through Cofimvaba and Tsomo. Traditional foods in Intsika Yethu include Umngqusho and Inkobe, as well as Umqombothi, a traditional beer. These dishes and the drink add a distinct cultural focus to the area’s historical and natural attractions.

When looking for a hotel for your trip to Chris Hani, first decide whether you want to focus more on nature and hiking, historic buildings and museums, or cultural history. Then check the location of the options you are considering against the specific places you want to visit.

Discover more destinations: Middelburg, Queenstown, Cradock, Molteno, Stormberg District, Transkei District, Joe Gqabi, Western District.

For the broader travel overview: Eastern Cape.