Uniondale

Uniondale, a small town in the Little Karoo, South Africa

Uniondale, a small town in the Little Karoo, South Africa, came about by the joining of two towns (Hopedale & Lyon) in 1856.

Uniondale was initially known for its wagon building and ostrich feather industries, which later waned and left this quaint farming town. Uniondale lies next to the Langkloof and is predominantly a sheep, goat, seed and apple farming community.

To the tourist Uniondale offers a relaxing stay in comfortable guesthouses and self catering farm cottages away from the crowds.

A variety of activities are on offer in the Uniondale region such as scenic drives, 4x4 trails, guest farms, agri tourism, hiking trails, game viewing excursions and a rich history. Near De Hoop, just outside Uniondale, there are a number of sites where san rock art can be viewed. Concession hunting is available on some of the farms in the area.

Situated at the eastern end of the Klein Karoo on the main road to Graaff-Reinet, Uniondale was founded in 1865 when the townships of Lyon and Hopedale amalgamated. Formerly known for it’s wagon-building and ostrich feather industries. Uniondale lies next to the Langekloof and is predominantly a sheep, goat, seed and apple farming community.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Oudtshoorn 124 km, Willowmore 63 km

Banks

Absa, Fnb, Standard

HISTORICAL VIEW

English Fort

During the Anglo Boer War, Uniondale was protected by four to six British forts, of which one has been restored to it’s original state and offers a bird’s eye view of Uniondale.

Uniondale Watermill

The mill has the largest wheel in South Africa. It was built in 1854 and was restored recently. It now houses an art gallery and the lovely ‘Watermeul’ restaurant.

ATTRACTIONS

Kammanassie Nature Reserve

The Baviaanskloof and Mannetjiesberg offer 4x4 trails

Mountain Pastures Game Reserve

Activities include game drives and walks, viewing San Rock Art (over 500 cave paintings), rock climbing, horse riding and fishing

Prince Alfred’s Pass

A stunning mountain pass linking Uniondale with Plettenberg Bay and Knysna, a mere 85 km distant. The route was pegged out by Andrew Geddes Bain before his death in 1864 and built by his son, the famed road engineer Thomas Bain. The pass was completed in May 1867 and was named for the Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, who happened to visit the country at the time.

ACTIVITIES

Outdoors

Fishing, Game Viewing, Hiking, Horse Riding

Accommodation in and around Uniondale