RE-trace
RE-live
RE-learn
“The history of the Eastern Cape frontier may evoke different interpretations, but what cannot be disputed is that it involves the ancestors of people from all over the world.
The confluence of African and European cultures in this region shaped modern South Africa. And it’s a story that must be told…”
…the Alan Weyer Experience
Alan Weyer History tours or talks are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to touch the soul of South African history
“History is alive in the stories of those who came before us and in our own lives. When I look back across these centuries of my own ancestry and see the famous Khoi lady Krotoa, an executed Cape Rebel, the enslaved from Bengal and Timor, the German boy stepping ashore in 1853, a Scottish doctor arriving in Tarkastad, and finally my own mother travelling from England via Kenya to South Africa, I see that history is not something abstract. It runs in our blood, shaped by suffering and survival, by courage and compromise. I wonder what you will learn about yours?” Alan Weyer
Alan an award-winning raconteur
Alan Weyer is a born-and-bred Eastern Cape local, with deep roots in the region stretching back four generations of farmers. Growing up on the family farm, he spent his days exploring the veld with friends, stumbling across old ruins and wondering about the people who had once lived there. That early curiosity about history and human stories never left him.
In 2004, Alan launched Spirits of the Past, a storytelling lecture series that debuted to a sold-out audience at South Africa House in London. His unique way of bringing history to life, rooted in place, character and humour, has earned him a loyal following and national recognition.
In 2005, he was named South African Tourism’s Tour Guide of the Year, and in 2006 he won the Grand Prix at the inaugural SA Tourism Welcome Awards, recognised as the best tourism product in the country.
For ten years, Alan served as General Manager of Kariega Game Reserve. Now he is back doing what he loves most, sharing the stories, characters and landscapes of the Eastern Cape with audiences near and far.
He is also one half of Boet & Swaer, a comedy duo known for their dry, laugh-out-loud takes on farm life in the Eastern Cape. The pair have performed across South Africa, as well as in the UK and Australia.
At heart, Alan is a storyteller, curious, funny, and deeply connected to the land and people of the Frontier.
Historical talks
‘Spirits of the Past’. Stories that must be heard as Alan captures the imagination of all attendees, and the idea that somehow, we all have an ancient and personal investment in the area, that explains its magic.
Your own 2-day tour sleeping over in the Katberg
You might never have another chance to feel this close to the soul of South African history.
Join a scheduled Katberg 2-day tour
You can now join one of our monthly scheduled Katberg overnight history tours – no need to get your own group together!
An unforgettable 1-day expedition
Bring along your sense of adventure. A desire to experience history in a very different way. And your good humour.
Captured in press
A tall story here or there, a tale or two, a couple of good laughs – enjoy stories and interviews that bring history alive for us.
Our next Monthly Scheduled Overnight Katberg Tour is the 20-21st December 2025
Open to anyone to join. Bookings close 5 December 2025.
Chatting with Alan
Walking with my Ancestors
When I look back across these centuries I see that history is not something abstract. It runs in our blood, shaped by suffering and survival, by courage and compromise.
This painting depicts the nine Xhosa Wars between the Xhosa and European settlers(1779-1879). Source: Wikipedia : Published under Creative Commons Licence.
