Uitenhage, which forms part of Nelson Mandela Bay, is no stranger when it comes to history, festivities and futuristic technology. The town, founded in 1804 by General Jacob Cuyler, boasts a number of museums that play a pivotal role in South Africa’s history, a few heritage buildings, multiple outdoor activities such as hiking trails and paintball fields and also educational centres displaying futuristic technology which creates a fun learning environment for young and old.

And above and beyond the things to do and places to visit in Uitenhage, the town is also home to numerous restaurants and coffee shops – one as unique as the other – and of course, Volkswagen, the biggest car factory on the African continent.
 

Things to Do and Places to Visit in Uitenhage

Paintball Heaven

Enjoy an action-packed game of paintball with the whole family on the Uitenhage field, 2.1km down Kruisriver Road.

You can also use your Nelson Mandela Bay Pass for this activity, click here to find out more.
 

Old Railway Museum

Uitenhage’s Old Railway Museum is one of the oldest railway stations in South Africa and visitors can enjoy walking around the ancient coaches and periodic furniture.

You can also use your Nelson Mandela Bay Pass for this activity, click here to find out more.

Drostdy Museum

Learn more about the historical development of Uitenhage and the surrounding areas through interesting exhibits of toys, clothes, porcelain and an archive library, at the Drostdy Museum.

You can also use your Nelson Mandela Bay Pass for this activity, click here to find out more.
 

Nelson Mandela Bay Science & Technology Centre

Explore the marvel of science and technology and experience how it affects our daily lives.

You can also use your Nelson Mandela Bay Pass for this activity, click here to find out more.
 

VW Autopavillion

Visit the ultra-modern expo and VW heritage centre and enjoy all the interactive exhibits.

You can also use your Nelson Mandela Bay Pass for this activity, click here to find out more.

Barkly Street Theater

Catch your favourite artist at the Barkly Street Theater with its small, intimate atsmophere.
 

Uitenhage Golf Club

Play a round of golf on the 18-hole course at Uitenhage’s Golf Club. There is also a bar as well as a boardroom with function facilities.
 

Blindekloof Hiking Trails in the Groendal Wilderness Area

Put on your hiking boots, tie those laces with double knots and enjoy the outdoors. Hiking trails are circular routes and the terrain is easy to moderate while some routes involve getting in the water if you wish to complete the trail.
 

Cuyler Manor Museum

Learn more about the 200-year-old history of Uitenhage at Cuyler Manor, a living farm museum. Don’t leave the museum without tasting one of Rosie’s legendary roosterkoek. It is life-changing.

You can also use your Nelson Mandela Bay Pass for this activity, click here to find out more.
 

Hinterveld

Stock up for the colder weather and visit Hinterveld, a mohair weaving mill and factory shop.
 

Willow Dam

Go for a stroll around Willow Dam, pack a picnic basket and grab the binoculars if you are an avid bird-watcher.
 

Want to know more about Uitenhage or grab a Nelson Mandela Bay Pass Card to explore the Bay? Visit www.nmbt.co.za for more!

Written by Anje Rautenbach, travel blogger at Going Somewhere Slowly. Follow her journeys around South Africa on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.