The Eastern Cape is known as South Africa’s adventure province and rightly so.
From world renowned surfing spots in Jeffrey’s Bay to the world’s highest bungee jump on Bloukrans Bridge, the Eastern Cape has everything needed to appease even the most discerning adrenaline junkie. But this doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyed by those who prefer to take things at a more relaxed pace. The province has all the lush scenery and cultural attractions needed for an unforgettable coastal holiday. Temperate climates, Big 5 game reserves and a heritage steeped in rich history all come together to make the Eastern Cape one of South Africa’s best kept secrets.
About Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape is home to Port Elizabeth, the Friendly City, a destination that should feature on any itinerary of the province. A smaller city with a big heart, Port Elizabeth combines all the trimmings of a big city without the unnecessary hustle and bustle of a major metropolis. Its laidback coastal atmosphere, friendly population and various attractions establish it as one of the gems in the Eastern Cape’s crown. When not enjoying its pristine beaches, which includes Blue Flag-awarded Humewood Beach, visitors can take a city tour to enjoy the very best of what PE has to offer. The Donkin Reserve offers the best views of the city and its harbour for those brave enough to climb its lighthouse. Lunch at the reserve’s Green Leaf Café is the perfect way to kick off the city’s Route 67 – a walking tour around the city’s historical district. It comprises of 67 works of art dedicated to Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of work dedicated to a democratic South Africa. Of course, Bayworld and the Port Elizabeth Museum is an option for travellers who wish to enjoy history and nature without the exercise. Bayworld boasts a snake park and oceanarium while its museum will show its visitors the city’s rich cultural, political and natural history. The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum also offers a colourful curation through the works of both celebrated and emerging Eastern Cape artists. For those wanting a break from the city’s cultural scene, the Boardwalk Entertainment Complex offers great restaurants, kids entertainment and casino thrills.
Travellers who need further proof that Eastern Cape is indeed the Adventure Province need only travel a short distance outside of Port Elizabeth to an actual wild kingdom. Addo Elephant Park boasts the Big 5 (African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard and rhinoceros), spans 5 of South Africa’s 7 biomes and is the country’s third largest national park. The park boasts various accommodation options but a day trip is the ideal way to experience its many wild inhabitants if time is an issue. There are also many private game reserves surrounding the Addo area. These include Pumba, Kariega and Amakhala Game Reserve. Wherever you choose to venture, safari thrills and luxury accommodation await you!
As a natural extension of the Garden Route, the western coastal stretch of the Eastern Cape boasts both scenic beauty and plenty of opportunities for adventure. Surfers can enjoy Jeffrey’s Bay world famous point break or just catch a tan on its blue flag beach. The Tsitsikamma forest isn’t just a picturesque backdrop for your drive along the Garden Route. It holds many natural wonders and opportunities to up your adrenaline levels. The Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours is the first of its kind in South Africa and suspends its participants 30 metres in the air as they zip-line safely from platform to platform. Besides marvelling at the forest’s ‘Big Tree’, an Outeniqua Yellowwood towering 45 metres skyward, Tsitsikamma also boasts many scenic hiking trails. For the ultimate head-rush, travellers need only drive a short distance further up the Garden Route to the home of the world’s highest bungee jump – the Bloukrans Bridge. Politicians, celebrities and adrenaline junkies the world over have all taken the plunge, now it’s your turn to tick it off your bucket list!
While the Eastern Cape does have its go-to attractions, there are a number of coastal and inland wonders just waiting to be discovered by travellers. The game reserves in the immediate vicinity of Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown are some of the best in the country but there are several lesser known nature reserves throughout the Wild Coast area. Stretching from East London to the southern border of the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal, the Wild Coast is ideal for travellers who want a holiday that is rustic, peaceful and unmistakably beautiful. Don’t let the name fool you, the Wild Coast is just as beautiful and accommodating as its cousin to the west, the Garden Route. However, it brings with it kilometres of untouched beach, a plethora of nature trails and several resort towns so quaint that if you were to blink you would miss them.
Being a coastal province, the Eastern Cape begs to be visited during South Africa’s warmer months. But this doesn’t mean that travellers will be bored during winter. For patrons of the arts and lovers of all things cultural, the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown during June and July is a must. The event brings together the very best of national and international theatre, music and dance. A trip to the nearby town of Hogsback is also an idea. Its beautiful hiking trails, quirky character and various accommodation options all combine to make Hogsback live up to its reputation of being ‘pure magic’.
Eastern Cape Destination Options
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- About Eastern Cape
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About Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape is home to Port Elizabeth, the Friendly City, a destination that should feature on any itinerary of the province. A smaller city with a big heart, Port Elizabeth combines all the trimmings of a big city without the unnecessary hustle and bustle of a major metropolis. Its laidback coastal atmosphere, friendly population and various attractions establish it as one of the gems in the Eastern Cape’s crown. When not enjoying its pristine beaches, which includes Blue Flag-awarded Humewood Beach, visitors can take a city tour to enjoy the very best of what PE has to offer. The Donkin Reserve offers the best views of the city and its harbour for those brave enough to climb its lighthouse. Lunch at the reserve’s Green Leaf Café is the perfect way to kick off the city’s Route 67 – a walking tour around the city’s historical district. It comprises of 67 works of art dedicated to Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of work dedicated to a democratic South Africa. Of course, Bayworld and the Port Elizabeth Museum is an option for travellers who wish to enjoy history and nature without the exercise. Bayworld boasts a snake park and oceanarium while its museum will show its visitors the city’s rich cultural, political and natural history. The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum also offers a colourful curation through the works of both celebrated and emerging Eastern Cape artists. For those wanting a break from the city’s cultural scene, the Boardwalk Entertainment Complex offers great restaurants, kids entertainment and casino thrills.
Travellers who need further proof that Eastern Cape is indeed the Adventure Province need only travel a short distance outside of Port Elizabeth to an actual wild kingdom. Addo Elephant Park boasts the Big 5 (African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard and rhinoceros), spans 5 of South Africa’s 7 biomes and is the country’s third largest national park. The park boasts various accommodation options but a day trip is the ideal way to experience its many wild inhabitants if time is an issue. There are also many private game reserves surrounding the Addo area. These include Pumba, Kariega and Amakhala Game Reserve. Wherever you choose to venture, safari thrills and luxury accommodation await you!
As a natural extension of the Garden Route, the western coastal stretch of the Eastern Cape boasts both scenic beauty and plenty of opportunities for adventure. Surfers can enjoy Jeffrey’s Bay world famous point break or just catch a tan on its blue flag beach. The Tsitsikamma forest isn’t just a picturesque backdrop for your drive along the Garden Route. It holds many natural wonders and opportunities to up your adrenaline levels. The Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours is the first of its kind in South Africa and suspends its participants 30 metres in the air as they zip-line safely from platform to platform. Besides marvelling at the forest’s ‘Big Tree’, an Outeniqua Yellowwood towering 45 metres skyward, Tsitsikamma also boasts many scenic hiking trails. For the ultimate head-rush, travellers need only drive a short distance further up the Garden Route to the home of the world’s highest bungee jump – the Bloukrans Bridge. Politicians, celebrities and adrenaline junkies the world over have all taken the plunge, now it’s your turn to tick it off your bucket list!
While the Eastern Cape does have its go-to attractions, there are a number of coastal and inland wonders just waiting to be discovered by travellers. The game reserves in the immediate vicinity of Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown are some of the best in the country but there are several lesser known nature reserves throughout the Wild Coast area. Stretching from East London to the southern border of the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal, the Wild Coast is ideal for travellers who want a holiday that is rustic, peaceful and unmistakably beautiful. Don’t let the name fool you, the Wild Coast is just as beautiful and accommodating as its cousin to the west, the Garden Route. However, it brings with it kilometres of untouched beach, a plethora of nature trails and several resort towns so quaint that if you were to blink you would miss them.
Being a coastal province, the Eastern Cape begs to be visited during South Africa’s warmer months. But this doesn’t mean that travellers will be bored during winter. For patrons of the arts and lovers of all things cultural, the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown during June and July is a must. The event brings together the very best of national and international theatre, music and dance. A trip to the nearby town of Hogsback is also an idea. Its beautiful hiking trails, quirky character and various accommodation options all combine to make Hogsback live up to its reputation of being ‘pure magic’.
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Visitors to the Eastern Cape have always marvelled at the province’s beauty and scratch their heads at why they have not visited it sooner. They often remark at how it would be the perfect place to live! Tourist or nomad, relaxed or adventurous, the Eastern Cape has something for everybody. Let our team at East Cape Tours help you discover it!