Eastern Cape, Kirkwood Holidays
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Lying in the heart of the fertile Eastern Cape, Sundays River Valley, and set against the backdrop of the Zuurberg Mountains, Kirkwood is known as the citrus capital of the Eastern Cape. The Sundays River Valley is also known as the 'Valley of Oranges', where during October the fragrance of orange blossoms permeates the warm Eastern Cape air, making the subtropical climate perfect for growing oranges, lemons, and grape fruits. During the April to September citrus picking season, Kirkwood buzzes with activity, and it's common to see tractors trundling into Kirkwood, Eastern Cape, groaning under the weight of oranges.
Well known for its gorgeous roses and game farms, the quaint Eastern Cape town of Kirkwood is also recognised for the discovery of the first complete dinosaur fossil, the oldest pre-historic fossil that lived 130 - 135 million years ago. It has fondly been nicknamed 'Kirky', because of its likeness to a turkey.
What to do and see in and around Kirkwood, Eastern Cape:
If you are visiting Kirkwood, Eastern Cape during June / July, don't miss the opportunity to spend the day at the hugely popular annual Eastern Cape, Kirkwood Wildlife Festival, which attracts more than 45 000 visitors to the picturesque Sundays River Valley. Take the rare opportunity to participate in the highly competitive sport of spitting kudu droppings, then bid for buffalo at the Kirkwood 'Wildsfees' game auction. This one of a kind festival in Kirkwood offers entertainment for the whole family at specialist stalls, agricultural and wildlife expos, jazz performances, adrenalin rides, a beer tent, and a superb gourmet food lifestyle expo, where you can sample ‘smileys’ (sheep heads), while being entertained by award winning artists from around the country.
Golfing fans will enjoy a game at the Kirkwood Golf Club, which boasts an interesting little nine-hole golf course, where you may be challenged because of its narrow fairways. If you didn't bring your own clubs, a set is available for a small compensation.
Don't miss out on a visit to the Daniell Cheetah Project in Kirkwood - an innovative project that plays a part in conservation of the Cheetah, and the re-establishment of pure gene lines, as well as educating the public to the importance of conserving of this amazing species.
Catch your breath at the Kirkwood Valley of Vistas, which boasts a fine lookout point over the Sundays River Valley, where 200 years ago the tranquil Eastern Cape area was embroiled in bloody border wars.
Outdoor adventurers can challenge themselves through a grade 5 river crossing, and a 2-3 graded route with varied terrain through lush Eastern Cape vegetation on the Bedrogfontein 4x4 Trail.
With the Sundays River flowing through the Sundays River Valley past Kirkwood and the neighbouring Eastern Cape towns of Sunland and Addo Village, then emptying into the Eastern Cape Indian Ocean near Colchester / Cannonville, Kirkwood lies just 35 minutes from the bustling seaside town of Port Elizabeth, one of the largest cities in the Eastern Cape, gateway to the natural wonders of the Eastern Cape.
How to get to Kirkwood:
- from Port Elizabeth, drive North for 44.9km on the R72 and R336 to Kirkwood
- from Port Alfred, drive 186km (2 hours) South on the R72, R342 and R336 to Kirkwood.
For the newcomer, the Kirkwood Tourism Office will provide you with info and maps on all you need to know about what to do and where to go. Contact them on +27 (0)42 230-0066
Other important Kirkwood telephone numbers:
Kirkwood Ambulance: 10 177
Kirkwood Police: 10 111/ (0)42 230-7617 / From Cellphone Dial 112
Kirkwood Hospital: (0)42 230-0406
Kirkwood Fire: (0)42 230-0942
Kirkwood Lights: (0)42 230-7700
Kirkwood Water: (0)42 230-7700