Nqanqarhu

Nqanqarhu, Eastern Cape Highlands

The road into Nqanqarhu is framed by the vast, open grasslands that characterise this part of the Eastern Cape, with the distant blue-grey silhouette of the Drakensberg mountains providing a constant, dramatic backdrop. This landscape, part of the broader Grasslands National Park, defines the area with its sweeping plains and clear, high-altitude light.

The town’s modern story is shaped by a decisive colonial act: on 12 June 1876, the British Government annexed the entire territory between the Mtata and Mzimkulu Rivers, attaching it to the Cape Colony. This historical pivot formalised the region’s development, laying the groundwork for settlements like Nqanqarhu and its neighbour, Maclear.

Activity here is intimately tied to the terrain. The Naude’s Nek Pass (the R396) offers one of the country’s highest and most dramatic scenic drives, a route for 4×4 trails and landscape viewing. From this pass, networks of hiking and horse trails extend into the mountains, while the rivers and dams are dedicated to fly-fishing for trout. The Maclear Country Club & Golf Estate provides a contrasting, cultivated green space for golf, while the rock formations in the area hold opportunities for exploring San rock art and even dinosaur footprints.

With a Mediterranean climate pattern that brings dry, cool winters and summer highs around 30°C, the area suits travellers seeking active, outdoor exploration. July, with its cool, dry conditions, is particularly popular for wildlife viewing and water sports. The calendar is punctuated by community events like the Ugie Ladies Flyfishing Festival each September, drawing enthusiasts to the local streams. This is a destination for hikers, 4×4 adventurers, anglers, and those with an interest in natural history.

Nqanqarhu forms part of a convenient touring circuit with nearby towns such as Ugie, Elliot, and the larger coastal centres of Gqeberha and East London. Whether you base yourself here for a weekend of mountain trails or as a stop on a longer journey through the Eastern Cape highlands, you’ll find the local village experiences and a range of accommodation provide a solid foundation for further discovery.