• The Amathole Mountain Range, in the heart of the Eastern Cape 

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  • The Kologha Forest, second largest indigenous forest in South Africa

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  • Home to the critically endangered Cape Parrot

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  • Rolling hills and open grasslands

  • Gubu Dam and Wriggleswade Dam

  • sitting-area yellowwood creek escape route stutterheimYellowwood Creek


    The gardens and sweeping lawns slope down to the Cumakala River and dense Yellowwood forest.

    The forest and surrounding area are inhabited by no less than one hundred and thirty-eight species of bird including Knysna louries and the rare Cape parrot, many of which are common seasonal visitors to the garden. 

    Click here to read more.

  • shire-eco-lodge-bush-shower-veiwThe Shire Eco Lodge


    'Reclining in a bubble of wood, the tranquility and otherworldliness of the space will soothe, inspire and rejuvenate.' 

    Sitting right on the edge of the indigenous Khologha Forest in the Amathole Mountains, just a stream’s hop from the enchanted home of many rare species of plants, butterflies and birds, including the rare Cape Parrot. 

Welcome to the Escape Route

forest walk stutterheim kologha indigenous forestThe Escape Route is a tourism initiative driven by members of the community. Stutterheim is the central point of the Escape Route. Nestled at the foot of the Amatola Mountains in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, Stutterheim is located 75km from East London on the N6 en route to Bloemfontein. The Escape Route includes the areas of Stutterheim, Thomas River, Cata and Keiskammahoek.

Stutterheim boasts the second largest indigenous forest in South Africa, the Kologha Forest. The Kologha Forest offers visitors a pictuesque picnic spot and well sign posted and scenic walks of varying lengths and difficulty. A timber boardwalk has been constructed in the forest to allow less able-bodied people to also experience the wonder of the forest.To read more about the forest please click here.

There is an assortment of accommodation on offer in the Escape Route. Accommodation ranges from rustic camping to the comfort of hotel rooms. Visitors can choose from a selection of self-catering B&Bs, self-catering units camping sites, lodges and hotel rooms. For more information on accommodation available please click here. There is also a variey of eateries in Stutterheim, for more information please click here.

Rock Art thomas river stutterheim accommodation historical

Activities in Stutterheim and the areas surrounding include forest walks in the Kologha Forest; trout fishing, canoeing or picnicking at Gubu Dam; bass fishing at Wriggleswade Dam; mountain biking; archery, abseiling or guided walks at Natural High, visiting the Stationary Engine Museum, visiting the Old Thomas River museum and rock art museum, and much more. To find out more about the activities available please click here.

If you are after a relaxing break away, wanting to get back in touch with nature or in need an exhilerating adventure, the Escape Route is for you. Great people, great surroundings, a great way to unwind.  We look forward to welcoming you to the Escape Route.

 To learn more about this amazing place click here to read this article about some of the lesser known but incredible facts about the Amahlathi .
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