Side Trips in Grahamstown

Port Alfred & Kenton-on-Sea

These two beach holiday towns are popular with locals during the summer season and an easy drive on the R72 from either Port Elizabeth or Grahamstown. They offer a host of outdoor activities, including golf, horseback-riding, and water sports, but the main attraction for visitors is the game reserves and resorts in the area. Kariega Private Game Reserve has four lodges close to Kenton-on-Sea; prices suit both those seeking luxury and budget-beating families. An affordable wilderness experience can also be found at Sibuya Game Reserve (tel. 046/648-1040; www.sibuya.co.za; R4,990 double all-inclusive), a reserve that is home to the full Big 5 -- lions were released in mid-2009 -- and is accessible only by river (the trip takes about 30 min; expect to see a host of birds, and possibly dolphins or turtles at the river mouth). There are two luxurious, eco-friendly tented camps in the riverine forest; River Camp is smaller and welcomes children. Day visits are also possible; these 6-hour excursions include a river cruise, a 3-hour game drive, and a three-course lunch, and cost R695 per adult and R345 for children 6 to 12.

The Largest Pineapple in the World -- One of the tallest buildings in tiny frontier town Bathurst (15km/9 1/4 miles from Port Alfred) is a 17m (55 ft) fiberglass pineapple. The ground floor of The Big Pineapple (tel. 046/625-0515; daily from 9am) sells pineapple souvenirs, jams, and chutneys; the first floor boasts an educational exhibit about the fruit; and on the top floor is a video all about the industry. The observation deck, with sweeping views across the farmlands to the sea, makes it all worthwhile.