Qumrha

Qumrha, Eastern Cape Crossroads

The Emerald Vale Brewery, producing its own range of craft beers, offers a distinctive reason to pause on a journey through the Eastern Cape. Qumrha itself sits as a practical junction, a logical stop for travellers exploring the region between centres like East London and the historic town of Makhanda.

The area’s character is shaped by a significant geographical boundary: the Great Kei River, which historically formed the southwestern border of the old Transkei region and the Cape Province. This history adds a layer of context to the landscape you travel through.

Activities here are firmly attached to specific places. You can plan a tour or safari with the local operator Traveloma Tours & Safaris, or visit the Floradale Country Centre for a village experience and local market. For active pursuits, private game reserves in the surrounding area offer game viewing, while the coast near East London, roughly an hour’s drive away, provides opportunities for surfing and beach activities. Back in Qumrha, walking tours reveal the town’s history and older buildings.

With a typical temperature range of 6.7°C to 24.4°C and comfortable, wet summers, Qumrha suits visitors looking for a mild climate for exploration. It functions well as a weekend base or a purposeful stopover, particularly for those interested in rural Eastern Cape life; timing a visit for the Qumrha Agricultural Show in late September offers a direct insight into local farming culture.

Its position makes Qumrha a sensible hub for day trips to places like Steytlerville, Jansenville, or Graaff-Reinet further inland. After a day of visiting farm stalls, bird watching, or enjoying a brewery tour, you can find local accommodation and dining to complete your stay before moving on to the next point of interest.