Bisho Attractions
Bisho, 60km/37mi northwest of East London, was capital of the Ciskei, declared an "independent homeland" in 1982. (Ciskei, in which 97% of the population were Xhosa, had been granted domestic self-government in 1972). This state, which was not recognized outside South Africa and was not economically viable, was reincorporated in the Republic of South Africa when the transitional constitution came into force on April 27th 1994.
The town was founded only in the 1970s, succeeding Zwelitsha, 15km/ 9mi south, which had previously served as the administrative center of the Xhosa people.
The townscape of Bisho is dominated by a number of modern office and government buildings. Befitting its role as one-time capital of Ciskei, it has a large airport.
The town was founded only in the 1970s, succeeding Zwelitsha, 15km/ 9mi south, which had previously served as the administrative center of the Xhosa people.
The townscape of Bisho is dominated by a number of modern office and government buildings. Befitting its role as one-time capital of Ciskei, it has a large airport.
Read More
Shipwreck Hiking Trail
The Shipwreck Hiking Trail is a 64 km long stretch along the Ciskei coast. This area has historically seen many ships run aground.
Bisho - Peddie, South Africa
(Near Bisho)
53km/33mi from Bisho on N 2, the road to Grahamstown, is Peddie, which during the Kaffir Wars of the mid 19th C was frequently the scene of bitter fighting between the Xhosa and the white conquerors. An outlook tower erected in 1841 stands on the site of a fort which was a military base during the Kaffir Wars.
Bisho - Stutterheim, South Africa
(Near Bisho)
42km/26mi north of Bisho on R 346 is Stutterheim (pop. 38,000). Outside the town to the east is the Bethel mission station, established by German missionaries in 1837. In 1857 more German settlers came to the area - members of the German Legion, which had fought on the British side in the Crimean War. The town is named after their commander, Richard von Stutterheim.
Stutterheim is a good base for hikes into the beautiful forest country round the town, with many native species of trees (yellowwood, stinkwood, wild fig, etc.).
Stutterheim is a good base for hikes into the beautiful forest country round the town, with many native species of trees (yellowwood, stinkwood, wild fig, etc.).
