Things To Do
in Alice
Alice is a small town located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It is known for being the location of the University of Fort Hare, one of the country's oldest universities. The town has a rich history and was an important center for the anti-apartheid movement.
Alice is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including rolling hills and scenic valleys.
- "Ngiyabonga" - Thank you
- "Unjani?" - How are you?
- "Sawubona" - Hello
- "Kodwa" - But
- "Ngicela" - Please
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Fort Hare University, where you can learn about the rich history of South Africa's higher education. Enjoy a guided tour that highlights significant landmarks on campus.
Head to the nearby Alice Nature Reserve for a peaceful afternoon hike. The reserve is home to diverse flora and fauna, perfect for a relaxing nature walk.
Enjoy a traditional meal at a local restaurant, where you can taste authentic South African cuisine. Take a leisurely stroll around the town center to soak in the ambiance.
Begin your morning with a visit to a nearby wildlife sanctuary. Interact with local wildlife and learn about conservation efforts in the region.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the serene surroundings of the lush countryside. Take part in a guided safari tour in the afternoon to spot native animals in their habitat.
Relax and unwind at your accommodation with a cozy bonfire. Share stories with fellow travelers under the starlit sky.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural history and ties to education, with the University of Fort Hare located in the town.
- Beautiful natural scenery and a peaceful rural environment.
- Close-knit community with a strong sense of tradition and heritage.
- Limited economic opportunities and high unemployment rates.
- Some challenges with infrastructure and services compared to larger cities.
- Potential safety concerns, like crime, which can affect rural areas as well as urban.
Best Activities in Alice
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the scenic trails of the Amatola Mountains, offering beautiful landscapes and a chance to see diverse wildlife.
Enjoy nature walks, bird watching, and game viewing in this stunning reserve, known for its rich biodiversity.
Take advantage of the variety of trails around Alice for an exhilarating mountain biking experience.
Set up camp in the picturesque Hogsback area, surrounded by forests and waterfalls, perfect for stargazing.
Engage with local communities and learn about the Xhosa culture through guided tours.
Observe a variety of bird species in their natural habitats at this beautiful nature reserve.
Places to Visit in Alice
Visit one of these nice places.
A popular spot overlooking the town of Alice with stunning views, especially at sunset.
A picturesque village located in the Amatola Mountains, offering beautiful natural landscapes and photo opportunities.
Food in Alice
Alice Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try South African barbecue dish featuring a variety of seasoned meats grilled to perfection. Look for it at local restaurants and street vendors.
Must-Try!
Originating from Indian-South African culture, this dish includes a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with flavorful curry. It's a popular street food option and can be found at market stalls.
A savory dish with minced meat, spices, and an egg-based topping, showcasing Cape Malay influences. It's a staple on many restaurant menus and is a must-try for visitors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The Alice Farmers' Market is a great place to sample a variety of locally-sourced produce, snacks, and street food. It's a vibrant hub of culinary delights, offering a true taste of the region.
Victoria Street in Alice is renowned for its diverse array of street food stalls offering everything from traditional maize-based snacks to spicy grilled meats. It's a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Alice and many parts of South Africa, greetings are an important part of social interaction. It's customary to greet people with 'Hello' or 'How are you?' and to use titles such as 'Mr.' or 'Ms.' when addressing someone respectfully, especially elders.
In the Xhosa culture, which is prevalent in Alice, there is a strong emphasis on respecting elders. It is important to listen attentively when they speak and to show deference through body language, such as not sitting until they have offered a seat.
Dressing appropriately is vital in Alice. When attending events, especially religious or community gatherings, it’s advisable to wear modest clothing. This reflects respect for the occasion and the people attending it.
Safety
Tipping in Alice
Ensure a smooth experience
In Alice, South Africa, tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory. It is common to tip service staff in restaurants and cafes around 10-15% of the bill. In bars, rounding up the bill is a common practice. For taxi drivers, a small tip of about 10% is customary. In hotels, guests may also tip bellhops and housekeeping staff as a way of expressing gratitude for good service.
In Alice, payment methods vary. Cash is still widely used, especially in smaller establishments. However, card payments are increasingly accepted, especially in larger businesses and restaurants. Mobile payment options may also be available, but they are not as common as in urban areas. It's advisable for visitors to carry some cash, particularly when visiting local markets or smaller shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and baby animals
Hot, dry weather, perfect for beach activities and outdoor adventures
Milder temperatures, great for wine tasting and outdoor activities
Cool weather, ideal for whale watching and exploring the countryside
Alice at Night
Hiking in Alice
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located approximately 30 kilometers from Alice, this reserve features beautiful hiking trails through indigenous forests and diverse flora.
About 40 kilometers from Alice, Hogsback offers numerous hiking trails with stunning views, waterfalls, and unique vegetation.
A scenic trail along the Tyhume River, this spot is ideal for a peaceful hike and exploring the natural beauty of the region.
Situated about 50 kilometers from Alice, this mountain range offers various trails for hiking enthusiasts, showcasing breathtaking landscapes.
A bit further away, but worth the visit, Chinsta provides a lovely coastal hiking experience with trails that lead to beautiful beaches.
Aiports
How to reach Alice by plane.
Located in Johannesburg, approximately 450 km from Alice, it is the largest and busiest airport in Africa.
Situated in Cape Town, about 800 km from Alice, it is the main airport serving the Western Cape region.
Located in Durban, approximately 600 km from Alice, it serves as a primary gateway for the KwaZulu-Natal province.
Found in Port Elizabeth, around 200 km from Alice, it serves as a key airport for the Eastern Cape region.
Located in East London, about 60 km from Alice, it is a smaller regional airport serving domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Alice, predominantly speaking the Xhosa language.
A demographic group in South Africa, often of mixed race descent.
A smaller demographic group primarily consisting of people of European descent.
A minority demographic group in the area, contributing to the cultural diversity of Alice.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby is one of the most popular sports in Alice, South Africa, with numerous local teams and a strong community following. The sport is known for its physicality and teamwork.
Soccer has a significant following in Alice, providing a platform for youth engagement and local competitions. The sport is played in schools and community leagues.
Cricket enjoys popularity in Alice, with community clubs and school teams participating in local tournaments. The sport promotes camaraderie and competition.
Netball is particularly popular among women and girls in Alice, with many schools and clubs fostering participation and skill development in the sport.
Athletics is encouraged in schools and local events, allowing young athletes to compete in various disciplines such as running, jumping, and throwing.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Alice.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants and cafes in Alice offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, with an emphasis on fresh produce and creative plant-based recipes. Look for menu items featuring lentils, chickpeas, and locally-sourced vegetables.
Visitors with gluten restrictions will find that some eateries in Alice offer gluten-free alternatives, such as maize-based flatbreads and rice-based dishes. It's advisable to communicate dietary needs with the restaurant staff for a tailored dining experience.