Bhisho is the capital of the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It is located in the Amatola Mountains, about 70 kilometers from East London. Bhisho was founded in the 1970s as the capital of the Ciskei homeland, one of the bantustans created by the apartheid government. After the end of apartheid in 1994, Bhisho became the capital of the Eastern Cape.
Bhisho is a relatively young city, and it is still growing. The city has a population of about 150,000 people, and it is home to a number of government offices, as well as the University of Fort Hare. Bhisho is also a major transportation hub, with a railway station and an airport.
The city is surrounded by mountains and forests, and it is a popular destination for hiking and camping. Bhisho is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Bisho Museum and the Bisho Stadium.
Here are some of the things you can do in Bhisho:
- Visit the Bisho Museum, which tells the story of the Ciskei homeland and the struggle against apartheid.
- Take a hike in the Amatola Mountains, which offer stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
- Visit the Bisho Stadium, which is home to the Eastern Cape Warriors rugby team.
- Attend a cultural event at the Bisho Cultural Centre.
- Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants in the city.
Bhisho is a city with a lot to offer visitors. It is a modern city with a rich history, and it is a great place to experience the natural beauty of South Africa.
Geography and History
Bhisho lies east of King William’s Town in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Bhisho (formerly spelt Bisho) is the provincial capital of the Eastern Cape, having previously been the capital of the Ciskei homeland during the apartheid era.
Bhisho, which means Buffalo in isiXhosa, named after the river that runs through it, has some of the most spectacular views of the Amathole (Amatola) mountain range. Today Bhisho is one of the newest urban centres in the Eastern Cape, having only been established in the 1970s and 1980s. This recently built capital of the republic of the Ciskei was granted independence in 1981 and was reincorporated into the New South Africa in 1994.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Bhisho includes B&B’s, guesthouses and self catering.