Butterworth

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Butterworth, is one of the oldest towns in the Amatole region of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. It is located about 110km from East London. Butterworth provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy a real taste of South African mingled with traditional Xhosa hospitality.

Butterworth is surrounded by beautiful country side with wide landscapes and vistas. With nearby villages one may take a day's walk to experience a welcoming customary Xhosa living. Being part of the Eastern cape wild coast, Butterworth provides several accommodation options.

Butterworth developed around the Wesleyan Mission Station and was built on the banks of the Gcuwa River in 1827. Although officially named after Joseph Butterworth, treasurer of the Wesleyan Missionary Society, Xhosa locals affectionately refer to the town as Gcuwa. Butterworth saw much fighting during the Frontier Wars, and today it is an important industrial and commercial centre and the gateway to the southern-most resorts of the Wild Coast.

Activities nearby include:

Bawa Falls: Of all the natural waterfalls in the area, the 103 m Bawa Falls (reputedly a Xhosa place of execution in the early days) is one of the most impressive.

Gcuwa River Cascades: The 90-m Gcuwa River Cascades are another powerful waterfall and definitely worth a visit.

Gcuwa Dam is about 2km from Butterworth Town. This provides a man-made lake perfect for fishing and boating with a speck of cool natural air breeze.