Things To Do
in Alice
Alice is a small, historic university town in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, set in the green Tyhume River valley and best known as the home of the University of Fort Hare. The town has deep Xhosa cultural roots and a relaxed, rural atmosphere, with colonial-era buildings and a lively student presence. Alice serves as a gateway to nearby Amatola foothills and Hogsback, offering easy access to hiking and scenic drives.
Visitors will find a mix of heritage sites, local markets and friendly village life rather than big-city amenities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Alice and settle into your accommodation. Take some time to explore the quaint town and its local shops, filled with handmade crafts and artisanal products. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at one of the cozy cafes that showcase local flavors.
Visit the local heritage sites and museums to learn about the rich history of the Eastern Cape region. You may also stumble upon fascinating local art galleries showcasing the work of indigenous artists. Stroll through the scenic surrounds, taking in the beautiful landscapes that characterize the area.
Sample traditional South African cuisine at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy the flavors of the region. As the sun sets, take a leisurely walk around the town center to bask in the quiet ambiance. Enjoy a nightcap at one of the pubs, soaking in the local culture and community spirit.
After breakfast, head out to explore the Great Fish River, known for its natural beauty and vibrant wildlife. Join a guided kayak tour to get up close and personal with the river's diverse ecosystem. Experience the serenity of the waterway as you paddle through tranquil surroundings.
Enjoy a picnic lunch by the riverbank, surrounded by stunning views and the sounds of nature. Meet local wildlife while trekking along marked trails or participating in a guided safari to see game in their natural habitat. The afternoon sun makes for great photography opportunities as you capture the wildlife and landscapes.
Return to Alice and relax over a dinner of delicious local dishes prepared with fresh ingredients from nearby farms. Consider visiting a local entertainment venue for live music or a cultural performance to immerse yourself in the region's vibrancy. Wind down your day reflecting on the adventures experienced in the wild.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| ☕Coffee | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (local) | $1-3 |
| 🚌Local bus/minibus taxi | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🏨Mid-range guesthouse/night | $35-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic cultural experiences and friendly local community
- Close access to scenic hikes and Amatola foothills
- Historic university and heritage sites with strong historical significance
- Limited tourist infrastructure and amenities compared to larger towns
- Public transport options are limited; a car is helpful
- Nightlife and dining choices are modest and mostly student-oriented
- "Molo (to one) / Molweni (to many)" - Hello
- "Enkosi" - Thank you
- "Unjani?" - How are you?
- "Ndicela (please) / Ndicela uncedo" - Please / Please help
- "Ndiyaxolisa" - I'm sorry / Excuse me
Places to Visit in Alice
Visit one of these nice places.
Colonial-era facades, shaded walkways and historic plaques offer character-rich architectural shots, especially in morning light.
Rolling green fields, river bends and farmland scenes are ideal for wide landscape and golden-hour photography.
Vibrant market stalls, colorful clothes and everyday village scenes provide candid street and portrait opportunities—ask permission before photographing people.
Nearby forested slopes, waterfalls and mountain viewpoints offer dramatic nature shots and misty morning moods.
Low, wide horizons in the Tyhume valley make for striking sunset silhouettes and warm light on the hills.
Food in Alice
Alice Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A comforting Xhosa staple of crushed maize (samp) and beans, often simmered with butter or lamb, commonly found at local homes and small eateries.
Must-Try!
South African-style barbecue featuring boerewors (coiled sausage), chops and marinated chicken — widely available at community events, taverns and guesthouses.
Spicy vegetable relish (chakalaka) served with pap (maize porridge), a common accompaniment in restaurants and local homes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small daily stalls and a weekly market sell fresh vegetables, maize meal, grilled snacks and samosas — great for tasting local flavors and affordable eats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always greet shopkeepers and hosts; a simple 'Hello' or Xhosa greeting is appreciated and considered polite.
Show deference to elders, ask permission before entering homesteads, and be mindful when attending cultural ceremonies or photographing people.
Casual clothes are fine, but opt for modest attire when visiting villages, churches or formal community events.
Bargaining is common at markets; do so respectfully and with a smile — lower offers can be part of the process but avoid being aggressive.
Safety
Tipping in Alice
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants tip around 10–15% if service is good; for small services like porters, R5–R20 or rounding up is customary. Taxi drivers typically expect rounding up rather than formal tips.
The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). Cards are accepted at many cafes and larger outlets, but small stalls and taverns often prefer cash — carry some Rand for markets and remote areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
November to February brings warm, humid weather with afternoon thunderstorms and lush green landscapes — great for birding and waterfalls but pack rain gear and expect occasional road washouts in heavy storms.
March to May is mild and drier with cooling evenings; foliage can turn golden and conditions are pleasant for hiking and outdoor photography.
June to August tends to be dry and cooler with chilly mornings and possibly light frost inland; daytime sun is pleasant but bring warm layers for evenings.
September to October sees wildflowers and new growth, warming temperatures and excellent hiking conditions before the summer rains arrive.
Alice at Night
Hiking in Alice
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of trails in the Amatola foothills offering forest walks, rivers, waterfalls and multi-day routes of varying difficulty.
Scenic trails through indigenous forests, mossy ravines and waterfall routes—great for photographers and nature lovers (drive from Alice to access these trails).
Gentler, local walks following the river and farm lanes that are suitable for calm nature walks and birdwatching close to town.
Airports
How to reach Alice by plane.
The closest commercial airport serving Alice, about an hour to 1.5 hours' drive depending on route and traffic; offers regional flights and car rental options for onward travel.
A larger airport roughly a few hours' drive away; useful for additional domestic flight connections but less convenient than East London for Alice-bound travelers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are Xhosa-speaking Black South Africans with strong cultural traditions and oral history.
The University of Fort Hare brings a diverse student population from across South Africa and the region, adding youthful energy and multicultural influences.
There are also Afrikaans and English-speaking residents, including shop owners, local professionals and long-term settlers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby is very popular in the Eastern Cape and is widely played and supported at school and university level.
Football is commonly played and watched in communities and schools; local matches are social events.
Netball and track events are popular, especially among school and university students.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Alice.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited outside cafés; staples like pap, samp and vegetable stews are reliable choices — ask for dishes without meat or cooked separately.
Vegan and strict gluten-free choices may be restricted; bring snacks if you rely on specific items and communicate dietary needs clearly in English.
Small eateries may not have allergen labeling — explain allergies in English and Xhosa (if possible) and prefer cooked, single-ingredient dishes to reduce cross-contact risk.