Humansdorp has grown from a small centre in 1849 to serve the farming community to a busy town with various types of businesses.
It’s also the entrance town to the Kromme River estuary and the popular resort towns of St Francis Bay and Cape St Francis.
Humansdorp lies at the foot of the Kouga Mountains at the start of the Garden Route and is 87km west of Port Elizabeth, off the N2 highway. Jeffreys Bay is just 16km away, with St Francis Bay 20km and Cape St Francis 26km away.
According to Lorelle Campher, who grew up in Humansdorp, the town has continued to develop over the years. “The Woodlands Dairy factory has drawn a whole new crowd to our town as people go where they can find work,” she says.
As a result of this investment, the population continues to increase. She says Humansdorp has the facilities of a city, such as a modern hospital and several doctors, but retains its small-town charm and a sense that people still care about one another.
Lorelle says even though she now spends much of her time in Port Elizabeth, her heart will always belong to her hometown.
“I was born in Humansdorp and lived there most of my life until I moved away to study and work in Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and the United States. But once a small-town girl, always a small-town girl.”
Property
The main street has many historic buildings including the Dutch Reformed Church with its imposing tower which is reminiscent of Graaff- Reinet’s.
The Kouga Cultural Centre at the entrance of Humansdorp is also a landmark because of its huge dome.
Lorelle says the property market in Humansdorp remains stable and most homes and properties are affordably priced.
“There has also been an increase in inquiries being made for smallholdings in the Kruisfontein area of Humansdorp. Inquiries are mostly from out-of-town people who want to move here with their families because they’re looking for a quieter place to raise their children.”
Humansdorp is also known as a farming hub. Smallholdings are owned by established, as well as up-and-coming farmers who focus on everything from livestock to fresh produce. Some of the self-sustainable, small-scale farmers have owned their land for generations.
There are also larger farms in the area and dairy enterprises traditionally do well here.
Schooling
Families are attracted to the area because of its quiet nature and rural charm.
Humansdorp also has some fine schools that have distinguished themselves in the Eastern Cape in academics, sport and other extramural activities such as chess, cross-country, netball and spelling competitions.
These schools include Nico Malan High School, Laerskool Stulting Primary School and Humansdorp Senior Secondary School.
Explore
The sense of both community and of faith is strong and an important foundation of the town.
“Family roots run deep and strong here,” Lorelle says. “There’s a pride we have in our town, a general feeling I get from most who were born and raised here. This comes from those who still reside here and those who’ve moved away to further their studies or for work.”
The Kouga Cultural Centre at the top of Main Street was built according to eco principles and is meant to celebrate indigenous culture and art.
The Zwartenbosch Golf Club is worth visiting for a round of golf, and Humansdorp also functions as a base for those who want to explore the incredible Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area and the Tsitsikamma Forests, both of which are accessible from here.
“Our town is known to be on the quiet side for as long as I can remember and nothing much has changed,” Lorelle says.
“If you’re looking for vibey and happening places, our neighbouring town of Jeffreys Bay is only 10 minutes’ drive away. Humansdorp forms part of a cluster of towns in the Kouga Municipality that together offer a little bit of everything.
“They’re so close you can say they all form part of one package. Humansdorp might not be a tourist hotspot, but it’s the gateway to St Francis Bay, Cape St Francis and Oyster Bay.
“Many people have moved here because of the strong community and family foundation Humansdorp offers – and the good schools,” says Lorelle.
EAT

Le Chameleon restaurant: delicious home-cooked breakfasts and lunches served from Monday to Saturday;
Grill & Company Restaurant: family-friendly restaurant in the Main Street;
Hoekhuis: homemade cakes, light lunches and breakfast;
Oudebosch Farmstall: breathe the fresh Tsitsikamma air while enjoying their signature “roosterbrood” and coffee
SEE
For the adventurous, there’s the Brakkeduine 4x4 trail to try out;
The Gamtoos River provides warm, calm waters in which to swim, frolic and fish;
The Gamtoos River Mouth boasts a long, sandy beach that is unspoilt and inviting;
The Kouga Cultural Centre is a fully eco-sustainable building, which guards over the town;
The Zwartenbosch Country & Golf Club is being developed into an 18-hole golf course.
SHOP
Humansdorp is a compact town and as such the shopping options are limited. The most frequented places include Shoprite, Sebastian’s Butchery, Foschini and the Woodlands Dairy factory shop...