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The second largest of South Africa's
nine provinces, the diverse Eastern Cape landscape ranges from the dry desolate
Great Karoo to the steamy forests of the Wild Coast
and the Keiskamma Valley. The area also embraces the
fertile Langkloof, renowned for its rich apple
harvests, and is cradled by the mountainous southern Drakensberg.
Here, widespread hills are juxtaposed with sandy
beaches; here small-town South Africa comes to greet you – gently offering
hospitality and friendship and asking for nothing in return. This is where the
`big seven’ roam, and where the tropical forests share their space with
abundant birdlife and nature at its most generous.
The shoreline of this province extends from the Umtamvuna
River in KwaZulu-Natal, to the Storms River mouth on
the scenic Garden Route, in the west, and stretching inland, to the north,
bordering on Lesotho. Today, the Eastern Cape incorporates the previously
independent `homelands’ of the Ciskei and Transkei.
Despite its colonial past, the Eastern Cape remains the home of the
Xhosa-speaking people of South Africa. With its almost seven million people, the
Eastern Cape has the third-largest provincial population, living on about 169
600 km2 of land.
The Eastern Cape climate varies
considerably but has, a year-round holiday climate. The Eastern coastal
regions enjoy hot summers and moderate winters and Port Elizabeth experiences a
daily average of 7 hours sunshine. Northern regions are much cooler.
Certain areas receive rain throughout the year albeit erratic.
Major attractions in the area:
Nelson Mandela Museum
The museum was officially opened on the 11
February 2000, at a function to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the
release from prison of Nelson Mandela in 1990. The birthplace/museum is situated
at Qunu, along the N2 highway, south of Umtata.
Addo Elephant Park
Situated 73km from Port Elizabeth, in South
Africa's Eastern Cape, the park is a true conservation success story.
Valley of Desolation
The product of volcanic and erosive forces of
nature over 100 million years, the Valley of Desolation is one of the most
spectacular sights in the country. A steep and narrow road leads into the
mountains that surround the valley – a journey not to be dared by the
faint-hearted.
Grahamstown National
Arts Festival
Africa's largest and most colorful
cultural event takes place, annually, in this University town, offering a choice
of the very best of both indigenous and imported talents.
Hole in the wall
Just south of Coffee Bay, on the eastern
seaboard, is a prominent rock formation with a big hole in the centre.
This distinctive site has become a symbol for the Xhosa in remembrance of a
great historical tragedy - the "Great Cattle Killing". The unique
structure with a huge detached cliff that has a giant opening carved through its
centre by the waves. The local Xhosa call this place "izi Khaleni",
which means "place of thunder".
Tsitsikamma National
Park
The Tsitsikamma National Park, also known as
"the place of much water", is where the great breaking waves of the
Indian Ocean relentlessly pound rocky shores; where temperate high forest and fynbos
(indigenous flora) roll down to the sea and where ancient rivers carve their
paths to the ocean down rocky ravines.
Worlds Highest Bungee Jump
The world's highest bungee-jumping site is to
be found at Blaauwkrans Bridge on the Storms River. A
daring adrenaline-rushing dive from this bridge ensures a dazzling 180 meters of
free fall at 193kmph, taking seven seconds - even the
rebound is higher than the Victoria Falls.
Baviaanskloof Wilderness
Area
The Baviaanskloof (Valley of Baboons) is
rapidly assuming national conservation and heritage prominence. The
Baviaanskloof is a wilderness area situated on the eastern border of the Cape
Floral Kingdom, some two and a half hour's drive from Port Elizabeth.
The Owl House
Enter a magical world at the famous Owl House
in Nieu-Bethesda. Just outside Graaf-Reinet,
this is where Helen Martins spent the latter part of her life. Regarded as an
eccentric and deeply interested in Eastern philosophy, she lived a hermit-like
existence, devoting her life to her beloved owl statues and "the search for
light and brightness".
Jeffreys Bay – Super Tubes
Experience the perfect wave in Jeffreys, the
surfing capital of South Africa and a major international surfing venue that
attracts visitors from all over the world to experience the “perfect wave”.
Snow Skiing
Tiffindell is the
only ski resort in Africa. Situated in the Southern Drakensberg on the slopes of
the highest mountain peak in the Eastern Cape (3001m). The resort was started in
1994 with basic small accommodation, a rough road and few facilities and has
since become a popular destination for those in search of an exciting snow
adventure.
Beaches
The Eastern Cape offers 800km of untouched
and pristine coastline along with some of the worlds best beaches. Port
Elizabeth, alone, has 40km of magnificent beaches and, with its perfect
combination of warm water, calm sea and fair breezes, it is one of the best
sailing venues in the world, and a magnet for all beach and water sports
enthusiasts.
Port Elizabeths
Southern Beaches offer safe and sheltered swimming, body surfing, sunbathing, board
sailing, excellent waves and surfing opportunities as well as interesting
inter-tidal sea life, while the Northern Beaches offer vast stretches of sand
and dunes, ideal for long beach walks and superb angling and swimming options.
The beaches include Kings Beach, Humewood
Beach, Hobie Beach, Pollock Beach, Brighton Beach, Bluewater
Bay, St Georges Strand and Wells Estate.
On the south side of the city, Schoenmakerskop
– a picturesque seaside village – offers scenic picnic spots, coves, rock
pools and holiday resorts with safe bathing and fishing in tidal pools.
A little further along is Sardinia Bay, a marine
Reserve with miles of unspoilt coastline and crystal-clear water – excellent
for diving, horse riding and scenic walks and hikes.
Water Sports
The Swartkops River
Estuary is a unique water sports playground - ideal for power boating, canoing,
sailing, windsurfing and angling.
Game Viewing
The Eastern Cape boasts the most concentrated
elephant reserve in Africa. Home to a herd of 300 elephants, the Addo Elephant
National Park allows close-quarter viewing.
Whether at the exclusive Shamwari
Game Reserve, the large Addo Elephant Park, or the Mountain Zebra National Park,
the Eastern Cape offers unequaled game viewing in
conditions suited to the traveler.
The Wild, Wild Coast
Further north, along the Eastern Cape's east
coast, is the largely untamed and extravagantly beautiful Wild Coast - the
ultimate holiday destination.
Fishing, more than anything else, draws
holiday-makers to the Wild Coast. In summer, catches include huge reef fish such
as musselcracker. In autumn, the annual sardine run
brings fighting game fish. Totally unspoilt and un commercialized, the Wild
Coast offers a pleasant climate, mild seas and family resorts where fresh
seafood features on most menus.
Whale spotting
Southern right whales and their calves are regularly spotted from the
high dunes, usually between May and November, and common and bottlenose
dolphins are often seen close to shore.
Off-The-Beaten Track
The Eastern Cape offers unlimited adventure possibilities
in a virtually unspoilt part of the world. A number of routes can be taken
off-the-beaten track. However, road infrastructure can be limited at times –
so, ensure that you have the right vehicle, adequate directions and safety
instructions to ensure the best possible experience.
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