Location: Uitenhage
Top Things to do in Uitenhage
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What to do and see in Uitenhage, South Africa: The Best Places and Tips
Uitenhage (/ˈjuːtɪnheɪɡ/; Afrikaans: [œitənˈɦɑːχə]) is a South African town in the Eastern Cape Province. It is well known for the Volkswagen factory located there, which is the biggest car factory on the African continent. Along with the city of Port Elizabeth and the small town of Despatch, it forms the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality.
Restaurants in Uitenhage
1. Volkswagen AutoPavillion, South Africa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By Ettelbruck - Vantaa, Finland
Compared some car museums we have visited VW AutoPavillion is rather small collection of cars, mainly Volkswagens. But display is very nice and 'split car' rather spectacular. And entrance fee is really cheap.
This was also very nice on the route from Port Alfred to Tsitsikamma. If you are in Nelson Mandela Bay -area, give an hour to visit here.
Story of car industry in Uitenhage is connected to pop culture and history many ways. And notice also cars outdoor.
Unfortunately factory tour was not possible February 2018.
2. Groendal Wilderness Area
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Shaun S - South Africa
Found this place while driving and exploring the area. Friendly staff and well maintained Gardens and trails. This is worth a full day visit to explore more of the scenic wonder of the region. Definitely take along a camera, binoculars and your hiking shoes. There is no refreshments on site so make sure you bring along.
3. Drostdy museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Jilldutoit - Port Elizabeth, South Africa
The museum is located in an imposing Cape Dutch style building and it originally housed the magistrate of the town.
A modest R5 per person is all that is required to gain access through the gated and barred entrance to the museum.
There are no pamphlets nor floor plan nor any form of guide to get the visitor round the muddle of displays. Not all exhibits come with any explanatory text on or near them - fortunately our grandchildren had enough commentary provided by their elders so that they could appreciate what they were seeing. Although there was signage for some exhibits, more could be done so that displays would be more user-friendly to youngsters.
What I have said really is applicable to all age groups - I noticed a round leather box, which I immediately identified as being a receptacle for the starched detachable collars for men's shirts - now this was completely unmarked and I only knew what it was as I had inherited one. So much more could be gained from a visit to a museum if effort is made to not only educate, but entertain and be more interactive.
Rows of posters outlining our recent history is sadly lacking in appeal if the posters are 90% written history.
4. Jah Drums
5. Cuyler Manor Farm Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Jilldutoit - Port Elizabeth, South Africa
This is the only one of the three museums in Uitenhage which offers a guided tour and because a large section of the Cuyler Manor houses farm animals, my grandchildren liked this museum the best! For the wander round the farm, it is advisable to wear covered shoes (flip-flops too flimsy and offer no protection against typical farmyard landmines) and we found that we should have taken sun hats as even the autumn sun can do a lot of damage.
The guided tour was conducted by the wonderful, bubbly-natured custodian of the museum, Ouma Rosie, who gave us such an interesting commentary on everything that we saw - she is an amazing curator and story teller and relates well to all age-groups! What was obvious to us is that she is passionate about what she does and she has a wealth of experience which she has amassed over her years of being employed there.
The Cuyler Manor Farm Museum would be a wonderful excursion for a primary school visit - but booking for large groups is essential, as then they can prepare for other interesting activities such as breadmaking etc. Children are encouraged to feed the animals, but taking along some carrots and a cabbage or two might help, as I have a feeling that they are working under severe financial constraints.
6. Railway Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Jilldutoit - Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Once you get safely past the car guards and in through the gated and barred entrance, you enter a different world - a world of poorly maintained exhibits, decaying rolling stock, rotting woodwork. The general air of neglect I felt was very depressing, but I come from a generation of people who can remember the gleam of highly polished woodwork and silverware on the SAR&H, the pristine linen of the tablecloths, the Porters with their black satin-backed waistcoats...
The old station building must have been tremendous in its working lifetime... with the road facade having a highly ornate "Victorian broekieslace" detail. The station building also doubled as the stationmaster's lodgings. Visitors can access the upper floor and look out over the platforms - rooms have been furnished with period pieces, but the wood is in dire need of loving attention.
There is a row of rooms with different functions down the side of what must have been the main platform... a room housing shunters' lamps, the waiting rooms, the dining room and the luggage storage room. A porter's trolley is also on the platform, giving the scene a very authentic touch.
There are a couple of steam engines, a carriage and a dining carriage at the platforms - but sadly, they are all in a shocking state of disrepair.
There are no explanatory texts or any guide to inform visitors about exhibits - but there was a retired ex SAR&H employee who was around to answer questions.
I wonder how long this museum will remain open, as neglect and decay need to be addressed before it is too late.
7. Uitenhage Golf Club
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By FairwaysUitenhage - Uitenhage
A lovely setting in the garden town of Uitenhage offers you this very pleasant yet challenging 18 hole golf course, friendly clubhouse staff, and friendly members that welcomes all visitors to our town.
Accommodation at "Fairways B&B" can be found across the road in the form of self-catering apartments offering high standard at affordable pricing.
A must to visit for any adventurist golfers.
