Makhanda, University town in Eastern Cape, South Africa
Makhanda is a town on the slopes of the Suur Mountains in Eastern Cape that hosts Rhodes University and several historical buildings. The settlement spreads across different elevations and sits near the source of the Kowie River.
A British military officer established a frontier post here in 1812 to protect the eastern border of the Cape Colony during conflicts with local communities. The settlement later became a center for European expansion in the region.
The National Arts Festival draws theater companies, musicians, artists, and dancers from across South Africa each year. This event shapes the town's character and brings people together around creative expression and performance.
The university and its facilities spread throughout the town center and can be explored on foot. The hilly terrain means that walking between different areas requires some effort.
The Albany Museum holds a collection of rare 19th-century South African books and geological specimens from the region. Fewer visitors explore this museum compared to other attractions in town, though it offers valuable insights into local natural history.
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