Somerset East - Suggested Itineraries

Suggested 3-Day Somerset East Itinerary (with an optional extra day)

2 or 3 Nights in Somerset East | Art, Heritage, Mountains & Country Experiences

This itinerary is designed for travellers who enjoy history, art, scenic drives, outdoor experiences and the pleasures of a relaxed country escape. The 2-night option is the perfect weekend getaway, but can also be enjoyed midweek.
More information on accommodation, eateries and attractions in and around Somerset East.

Day 1: Arrive & discover historic Somerset East
Arrive in Somerset East, settle into your accommodation and spend the afternoon getting to know the town.

Suggested activities:
– Explore the historic town centre and admire its charming old buildings and tree-lined streets.
– Visit the Somerset East Parsonage Museum. The main rooms are set up to mimic a 19th-century parsonage residence, while expanded exhibitions showcase the broader history of the area and local community heritage.
– Take a drive up the Boschberg along Mountain Drive and enjoy the panoramic view of the town and surrounding countryside.

Round off the afternoon with a relaxed dinner and enjoy the peaceful country atmosphere.

Overnight: Somerset East

Day 2: Boschberg Mountain, history and art 

Today kicks off discovering the greener side of the Karoo. The Boschberg provides a beautiful contrast to the open plains, with wooded slopes, streams, indigenous vegetation and mountain trails.

Suggested itineraries:
Morning:

Option 1: Somerset East parkrun Morning (Saturdays)
Join locals and visitors for a 5km parkrun along a very scenic route at the foot of the Boschberg.  

Option 2:
Go for an early morning walk along the parkrun route at the foot of the Boschberg. Follow the whole 5km route or cut it short at about halfway when you cross the road. The route passes the Bestershoek dam, forested surroundings, streams and lovely views.

Option 3:
Play a round of golf at the scenic 9-hole (18 tees) Somerset East Golf Course at the foot of the Boschberg. 

Somerset East is a particularly rewarding destination for birdwatchers, with more than 325 bird species recorded in the area. The Boschberg’s forest habitats offer an interesting change from the typical Karoo landscape.

Afternoon:

– Visit the Walter Battiss Art Museum, celebrating the life and extraordinary imagination of one of South Africa’s best-known artists.
– Take a stroll along Paulet Street and the surrounding area and discover the town’s heritage architecture.
– Enjoy a leisurely lunch, dinner or coffee at a local café.
– Drive to Bruintjieshoogte (about 20km from Somerset East) and enjoy the sunset from the top of the pass.

Overnight: Somerset East

Day 3: Fly Fishing (Optional extra day) 

Somerset East has a wonderful fly-fishing tradition. Arrange a fishing experience on permitted waters with Wild Fly Fishing in the Karoo. 

Overnight: Somerset East

Return to town and enjoy your last evening in Somerset East. Perhaps find a cosy spot for dinner and enjoy the relaxed pace of country life.

Overnight: Somerset East

Day 4 (or 3): A final taste of the Eastern Cape countryside and the history of the region

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out.
– Visit the Glen Avon Mill, a restored watermill dating back to the 1850s. (Prior arrangement necessary and fee applicable)

Drive to Cookhouse.
If travelling towards Cradock, turn left on the N10 towards the Karoo interior, or right towards Port Elizabeth.
If it’s the latter, the following still awaits.

– Stop at the Roodewal historic site just south of Cookhouse to learn more of some of the town’s early history 
– Stop at the Slagtersnek Monument just past Golden Valley and find out about the Slagtersnek Rebellion and the five men hanged here.  
– Pull over at Middleton Manor and see how this historic private hamlet is being transformed.

Tip: Some trails, fishing waters and attractions require permits, bookings or private access. Confirm arrangements in advance.