Things To Do
in Bhisho

A Xhosa comfort dish of crushed corn kernels (samp) and sugar beans often cooked with butter or lamb fat; you can find it in local homes, community eateries and some traditional restaurants.

Must-Try!

South Africa’s beloved barbecue tradition—boerewors (coiled sausage) and other grilled meats—readily available at informal braai stands, markets and family-run restaurants.

On the nearby coast (East London) expect hake, kingklip and prawns served grilled or battered; coastal restaurants and fish-and-chip shops are the best places to try them.

Cured, spiced dried meat sold from butchers and market stalls—an easy snack when travelling around the region.

Weekend markets in the nearby towns offer fresh produce, baked goods, grilled snacks and artisanal foods—great places to try local specialties and mingle with residents.

Small stalls and informal traders sell grilled maize, boerewors rolls and samosas; cash is often preferred and hygiene standards vary, so choose busy vendors with fresh turnover.

A friendly hello and handshake are customary in urban settings; in Xhosa communities a respectful greeting and taking time for brief conversation shows good manners. Use basic local greetings where appropriate.

Show deference to elders, ask permission before photographing people or ceremonies, and be sensitive when discussing culture and politics.

Dress modestly in rural areas and when visiting cultural sites; public displays of affection are generally acceptable but keep behaviour low-key in conservative communities.

Bargaining is common at informal markets; be polite and friendly when negotiating prices and support local artisans when possible.

In restaurants, leave around 10–15% if service is not included; tip hotel porters, housekeeping and tour guides modestly. For informal services and small purchases tipping is not expected but appreciated for good service.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger towns and restaurants; however, smaller stalls, markets and rural vendors often prefer cash. EFT (bank transfer) is common for larger transactions; mobile payments (SnapScan/Zapper) may be available in urban areas.

(November–March) Warm to hot temperatures with most rainfall occurring as afternoon thunderstorms; ideal for coastal beach days but expect occasional wet conditions inland—pack sun protection and a light rain jacket.

(April–May) Pleasant, cooling temperatures and generally drier weather; great for hiking and outdoor activities with clear skies and comfortable days.

(June–August) Mild to cool days and cooler nights—winters are relatively dry on the coast but can be chilly inland, especially in the Amatola Mountains where frost is possible; bring layers.

(September–October) Blooming wildflowers in some areas and gradually warming temperatures—an excellent time for nature walks and birdwatching, though occasional rains may occur.

A network of trails through indigenous forest, kloofs and waterfalls—routes vary from short walks to multi-day hikes and offer excellent scenery and birdlife; trails are accessible within an hour’s drive from Bhisho.

A whimsically forested area known for waterfalls, trails and creative landscapes—popular for day hikes and nature photography and reachable within about 1.5–2 hours’ drive depending on route.

Shorter, easy walks along the Buffalo River and nearby dams are suitable for families and birdwatchers, offering peaceful scenery close to town.

Some private reserves and game parks near the coast offer guided bush walks and game-viewing trails—great for combining hiking with wildlife watching.

Rugby is passionately followed across the Eastern Cape, with strong local allegiance to provincial teams and regular community matches.

Widely played and supported at community and semi-professional levels; local leagues and youth development are active in the region.

Cricket has a strong presence, especially in schools and clubs; coastal towns host matches during the season.

Along the coast around East London, surfing, beach volleyball and water sports are popular recreational activities.

Vegetarian options exist—pap and chakalaka, vegetable stews and salads—but choices are more limited than in big cities. Ask at markets and cafes for vegetable-based dishes and specify dietary needs; larger restaurants in East London will have better vegetarian selections.

Veganism is less common; bring snacks and be prepared to request no-dairy/no-egg adjustments. Supermarkets in nearby towns stock plant-based staples.

Halal-certified eateries are not widespread in Bhisho itself; you’re more likely to find halal options in East London and larger towns. When in doubt, ask staff about meat preparation.

Stick to busy vendors, avoid uncooked salads at informal stalls, and drink bottled or filtered water if you’re concerned about local water quality.