Diaz Cross Memorial
The Diaz Memorial Cross at Kwaaihoek near the Bushman's River Mouth, just outside of Alexandria, is a provincial heritage site. Bartholmew Diaz was a Portuguese navigator, and the first European to set foot on South African soil, and discoverer of the Cape. The Portuguese sailors planted many padrao or stone pillars along the coast during their ports of call in the 14th and 15th centuries. These padrao were sandstone pillars with the cross of the Portuguese flag chiselled into the face to mark territory discovered by the early explorers.
Diaz Cross is about a 3km walk which takes between 40min and an hour, from Boknes and a 6km (1.5 - 2 hours) from Bushman's River Mouth. From Boknes it is a very easy walk - in fact on a clear day one can see the cross from the Boknes parking area. From Boesmans one walks over (or around if the tide permits) Kwaaihoek to Diaz Cross. This walk is recommended for low tide. Look out for many marine creatures in the rock pools at Kwaaihoek; on the beaches look out for whales and dolphins.
The Diaz Cross Memorial at Kwaaihoek is one of three crosses erected by Bartholmew Diaz when he navigated the Cape coast in the fifteenth century, on his epic journey seeking a route to India, with a squadron of three ships, two caravels and a square-rigged store ship. The original cross was erected 12 March 1488, and was replaced by a replica. The original Diaz cross is in in the William Cullen Library at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. This cross was originally thought to have been erected on an island off the coast of present day Port Elizabeth, however it was discovered by Professor Eric Axelson on the coast near the Alexandria dune fields in 1937. The other two crosses are to be found in Cape Town and at Mossel Bay's Market Square.
Accommodation Near Diaz Cross Memorial
Dreamers Villa @ Bushmans
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Bushman's River Mouth
4.3km from Diaz Cross MemorialDreamers Villa has the rare quality of being a Beach House with a farm like atmosphere and has a real holiday ambience. It has three bedrooms, sharing two and a half bathrooms. The TV Room has a sleeper couch. A fourth large en-suite bedroom is available …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Dunwerkin
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Kenton-on-sea
6.4km from Diaz Cross MemorialTwo x2 bedroomed en-suite luxury up-market units each with fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, comfortable living area with full DStv and DVD. Ceilings fans and underfloor heating throughout. Private patio with patio furniture, Weber braai, ... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Sibuya Game Reserve
Game Reserve And Bush Lodge Accommodation in Grahamstown
6.7km from Diaz Cross MemorialThe delightfully scenic Kariega River estuary winds its way through wooded thickets and steep banks before opening out onto wide, grassy flats and sandbanks just upstream of the Indian Ocean mouth …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Ripples
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Port Alfred
29.5km from Diaz Cross MemorialRipples is a large, newly refurbished luxury self-catering property situated in a prime location on the west bank of the River Kowie, in the picturesque Eastern Cape coastal town of Port Alfred; ideally suited for group holidays, family reunions and bespo …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Dockside Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Port Alfred
29.7km from Diaz Cross MemorialDockside Guest House is situated directly across the picturesque small boat harbour on the East Bank of beautiful Port Alfred, in the Eastern Cape - situated midway - exactly 150km between the cities of East London and Port Elizabeth. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
