Outeniqualand, which was also sometimes known as Niguasbos, was one of several distant outposts on South Africa's southern coast. It was situated inland from the coast between Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay. The land muster-rolls of the VOC record the town lay on the Swarte River and sometimes referred to the place simply as 'on the Swarte River'. Towards the end of the 18th century an increasing number of outposts were established to the east. Niguasbos, with its extensive wood forests, was one. Mostly woodcutters were stationed there and in addition to the local commander the outpost usually boasted a smith and a wagonmaker.
