Simply known as "King" by the locals, this dynamic hub has become a major regional centre for people living in the former Ciskei. It is the capital of the Eastern Cape and headquarters of the province's South African Police Services. Like its frontier town sisters King was established for the British military when they were fighting the Xhosa and as a base for missionaries working in the interior. It is both birth place and burial place of black consciousness leader Steve Biko. From a recreational point of view King is a great base for hikers walking in the Amatola Mountains.
