Sterkstroom

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The little town of Sterkstroom is situated in the Sterkstroom River valley of the Eastern Cape province in South Africa. Meaning 'strong stream', Sterkstroom was named after the strong flowing Hex River which flows past the town.

The small town was established, like so many others, out of the need for a new Dutch Reformed Church parish. Sterkstroom is situated on the main railway line from the coast to Johannesburg. The town boasts several historical buildings dating from the beginning of the twentieth century.

Activities

The Sterkstroom hiking trail, about 10km long, can easily be walked within a day. It ventures past the Marico waterfall, only accessible on foot as there are no roads in the vicinity.

Bass-fishing: The Henry Edward Hales Waterfowl Reserve allows bass-fishing within its borders.

Black Eagle Nature Reserve: The reserve is situated in the Andries Mountain Range near Sterkstroom in a very remote area that is only accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicles. It is well stocked with game but gets its name from the elegant black eagle that graces the skies of the reserve. Other birds found here include Cape vultures and greywing partridges.

Bird-watching and hiking as well as deer-stalking, trophy-hunting and partridge-shooting are allowed in the reserve, a national heritage site.

Hiking: There is a three-hour hiking trail laid out in the Henry Edward Hales Waterfowl Reserve and, for the more adventurous, there are hikes through the remote wilderness of the Black Eagle Nature Reserve.

Hunting: Deer-stalking, trophy-hunting and partridge-shooting are allowed in the Black Eagle Nature Reserve.Carnarvon Estates: Visit the Henry Edward Hales Waterfowl Reserve to get a glimpse of the more than 100 species of bird and waterfowl that have a home in the reserve.

Koos Ras Game Reserve: Situated just 3 km from Sterkstroom, the reserve is home to impala, gazelle, mountain zebra, wildebeest and several other smaller animals.

Sterkstroom Nature Reserve: A visit to the Sterkstroom Nature Reserve on the banks of the Hex River is a natural remedy for stress. Visitors are welcome to make use of the picnic sites within the reserve.