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Salem

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Explore Salem’s 1820 Settler history, enjoy game viewing at Addo Elephant Park, and experience the unique Festival of Lights.

Best Of Salem

About Salem

Salem, Eastern Cape Frontier

Your first landmark in Salem is likely to be the Cathedral of St Michael and St George, a substantial and historic Anglican church that speaks to the area’s deep colonial roots. The town sits within easy reach of several major centres, positioned not far from the coastal city of Port Elizabeth and the university town of Makhanda, formerly known as Grahamstown, making it a logical pause on a broader Eastern Cape journey.

The very name Salem, meaning ‘peace’, was secured through negotiation. It originates from an agreement during the War of Hintsa, when the local Xhosa leadership consented to leave the fledgling village undisturbed, a significant moment in the region’s complex frontier history.

Activities here are firmly tied to specific places. For game viewing and safari tours, the world-renowned Addo Elephant National Park is the definitive destination, a short drive away. Historical building tours can centre on the 1820 Settler’s National Monument in nearby Makhanda, while community tours and ceramic studio visits offer a more local perspective within Salem itself. For coastal diversion, the beaches of Port Alfred and Kenton-on-Sea are within reach for a day’s visit.

The Mediterranean climate dictates the ideal time for a visit; the hottest period from March to May sees temperatures climb to 39.8°C, appealing to those who enjoy substantial heat. The town suits heritage travellers and those using it as a base for exploring the Sunshine Coast and frontier history. If your visit aligns with New Year’s Eve, the Festival of Lights at the Bushman Heritage Museum provides a distinct local cultural experience.

Practical travel links are straightforward, with neighbouring towns like Kariega, Bathurst, and Addo forming a network for day trips. From here, you can plan a route inland to the architectural heritage of Graaff-Reinet or continue along the coast. Your stay might include a round of golf or a hike followed by a meal at a local establishment, with the warmer evenings being particularly suited to outdoor dining.

Places To Visit

Aberdeen Addo Adelaide Alexandria Alicedale Aliwal North Barkly East Bathurst Baviaanskloof Beacon Bay Bedford Bhisho Boknes Strand Burgersdorp Bushman’s River Mouth Buyskloof Cala Cannon Rocks Cape Saint Francis Cathcart Centane Chintsa Coffee Bay Cofimvaba Cookhouse De Vlakte Despatch Dordrecht Dutywa East London Elliot eMaxesibeni Flagstaff Fort Beaufort Fort Brown Gcuwa Gonubie Gqeberha Graaff-Reinet Grahamstown Gxarha Haga Haga Hamburg Hankey Hluleka Hofmeyr Hogsback Humansdorp James Calata Jansenville Jeffreys Bay Kareedouw Kariega Kei Mouth Kei Road Keiskammahoek Kenton-on-Sea Khowa Kidd`s Beach Kirkwood Klipplaat Komani Kougadam Kromriver KwaBhaca KwaMaqoma KwaNojoli Kwelerha Lady Grey Loerie Lusikisiki Maclear Makhanda Malalane Maletswai Matatiele Maxambeni Mbizana Mdantsane Mdumbi Middelburg Molteno Mount Frere Mthatha Ncanarha Ndabakazi Ngcobo Ngqeleni Nieu-Bethesda Nomlengane Nqanqarhu Nqweba Ntabankulu Nxuba Oyster Bay Patensie Paterson Pearston Port Alfred Port Elizabeth Port Saint Johns Qamata Qolora Mouth Qonce Queenstown Qumrha Qunu Rhodes Riebeek East Saint Francis Bay Salem Selborne Seymore Sidbury Sterkspruit Sterkstroom Steynsburg Steytlerville Storms River Stormsrivier Stutterheim Sunland Tarkastad Thornhill Tsitsikamma Tsomo Ugie Uitenhage Umtata Venterstad Willowmore Xesi