Tsomo is a town situated on the western bank of the Tsomo River and at the intersection of the R409 and R352 Regional Routes in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.
The town is located approximately 45 km east of Qamata and 48 km west of Ndabakazi.
Tsomo town falls within the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality and the Chris Hani District Municipality.
History
Founded in 1877, it originated as a military station known as Tsomo Post. The name is derived from that of the Tsomo River, on which it is situated, which in turn is said to be named after a Xhosa chief who lived where the bridge now stands.
Tsomo was originally part of the Transkei territory of Fingoland (Mfenguland). However, after its annexation by the British, Fingoland was further divided into Tsomo, Nqamakwe, and Butterworth (also known as Gcuwa).
