Komani

Komani, officially renamed from Queenstown in 2016, is a significant commercial hub in the Eastern Cape province, established in 1853. The town is uniquely designed with a hexagonal layout, a defensive feature originally intended to allow a clear line of fire down any street from the central hub. This central area, known as the Hexagon, now serves as a green park surrounded by the town's primary commercial activities. Often referred to as the "Rose Capital of South Africa," Komani is famous for its beautiful private and public rose gardens, which flourish in the local climate. It lies at the foot of the Stormberg Mountains on the headwaters of the Great Kei River and acts as a gateway to the inland farming districts. Historically, it was a frontier town that played a major role in the regional wool and beef trade, and its sandstone public buildings remain a testament to its late 19th-century prosperity.

Nearby cities

Gqeberha

Formerly known as Port Elizabeth, this coastal city is a major hub for the South African automotive industry.

East London

South Africa's only river port city is situated at the mouth of the Buffalo River on the Indian Ocean.

Kariega

Formerly called Uitenhage, this industrial town is heavily involved in the production of cars and tires.

Mthatha

Formerly known as Umtata, it was the capital of the Transkei and is deeply connected to the history of Nelson Mandela.

Bhisho

This small town serves as the administrative capital of the Eastern Cape province and houses government buildings.

Makhanda

Previously known as Grahamstown, the city is famous for its educational institutions and annual arts festival.

Graaff-Reinet

The fourth-oldest town in the country, enclosed by a bend of the Sundays River, full of Cape Dutch architecture.

Aliwal North

The town on the Orange River is mostly known for its hot mineral springs, drawing many visitors.

Cradock

A historic gem in the heart of the Karoo, renowned for its Victorian architecture and as a gateway to the Mountain Zebra National Park.

Jeffreys Bay

World-renowned as a surfer's paradise, this town offers endless beaches, famous waves, and a laid-back coastal atmosphere.

Port Alfred

Port Alfred is a vibrant coastal town situated on the Kowie River, offering magnificent beaches and a bustling marina.

Gonubie

A scenic coastal town near East London in South Africa's Eastern Cape, known for its river mouth and sandy beaches.

Bushman's River Mouth

Bushman's River Mouth is a picturesque coastal town on the Sunshine Coast, renowned for its spectacular river estuary.

Port Edward

Port Edward is a popular resort town on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, near the border with the Eastern Cape.

Port St Johns

An untouched destination on the Wild Coast, where massive cliffs meet the ocean and a relaxed, alternative vibe prevails.

History & landmarks

Port Elizabeth City Hall

A historic government building featuring a prominent clock tower in the center of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).

Addo

World-famous for its Elephant National Park, Addo offers unparalleled wildlife safaris in the malaria-free Eastern Cape.

Owl House

A fascinating house and sculpture garden created by outsider artist Helen Martins in Nieu-Bethesda.

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

A multi-purpose stadium in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) featuring a distinctive roof design.

More places

Amathole Mountains

A forested mountain range in the Eastern Cape.

Winterberg

A mountain region in the Eastern Cape with cooler temperatures.

Mountain Zebra National Park

Conservation area for the rare South African mountain zebra.

Mountain Zebra National Park

A park for the protection of mountain zebras.

Mercedes-Benz Plant East London

A premier automotive plant responsible for manufacturing the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Port of East London

South Africa's only remaining river port, situated at the mouth of the Buffalo River.

Suurberg Mountains

A mountain range in the Addo Elephant National Park area.

Addo Elephant National Park

A well-known park for its elephant herds.