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Eastern Cape and Transkei

A few kilometers from the popular surfing spots of Jeffrey's Bay and St. Francis bay lies the 'Friendly City', Port Elizabeth. The City was founded in 1799 since it was such an appropriate spot for a harbour and the acting governor of the Cape subsequently named it after his wife, Lady Elizabeth Donkin. Today Port Elizabeth (PE) is the third largest port and the 5th largest city in South Africa. Not far from Port Elizabeth you can find the Addo National Park where you can marvel at a number of elephants protected in a good natural environment.

The area of rolling hills and rugged coastline between the eastern cape and KwaZulu Natal is known as the former Transkei (next to Kei - the Kei river) , home of the Xhosa people and birthplace of Nelson Mandela. Because of the rugged, wild and sometimes dangerous coastline, this area is also known as the Wild Coast. Although old rusted shipwrecks bear testimony of the power of the sea, this area is well known for the splendid natural beauty and tranquility. Lagoons, unspoiled beaches, forests, fauna & flora, rocky river mouths and spectacular waterfalls is what the visitor can expect in this region. African tribal traditions are alive and well, and you will find Xhosa woman who are allowed to smoke pipe - provided that she has borne the required number of children.