KwaNojoli, formerly known as Somerset East, is a small historic town in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, situated at the intersection of the R63 Provincial Route and the R335 Regional Route.
The town was founded by Lord Charles Somerset in 1825.
Somerset East (officially renamed KwaNojoli in 2023) falls within the Blue Crane Route Local Municipality and the Sarah Baartman District Municipality. KwaNojoli is the main town and administrative centre/seat of the Blue Crane Route Local Municipality.
Somerset East, which lies at the foot of the Bosberg Mountains (Xhosa: Intaba kaNojoli), is famous for its natural environment, producing roses, as well as for its provincial heritage sites and buildings. The forested, mountainous backdrop frames the town. The wooded Bosberg Nature Reserve has a number of hiking trails. The area is a bird-watching destination.
Other outdoor activities include trout fishing (rainbow and brown trout) on several local dams, malaria-free safari, and hunting trips. There is also a 9-hole golf course.
Notable buildings in the town include the Old Wesleyan Chapel, which houses the Somerset East Museum, and the Officers’ Mess, which houses the largest permanent exhibition of paintings by the South African artist Walter Battiss.
Annual events include the Biltong Festival, the Bruintjieshoogte Marathon, Bruintjieshoogte Cycle Tour (between Pearston and Somerset East), and the Spring Rose and Flower show.
Somerset East also hosts an annual Walter Battiss Art Festival, as well as the Somerset East Agricultural Show.
