Overview
Where else can you surf the
world’s biggest waves, ski down
the only snow slopes in Africa,
go on a `big seven’ safari,
visit the birthplace of Nelson
Mandela and bungee the highest
bridge in the southern
hemisphere? The Eastern Cape, of
course!
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
shoreline of this province
extends from the Umtamvuna River
in KwaZulu-Natal, to the Storms
River mouth on the scenic Garden
Route.
Despite it’s colonial past, the
Eastern Cape remains the
homeland of the Xhosa speaking
nation.
Climate
The Eastern Cape climate varies
considerably but has a
year-round holiday climate. The
Eastern coastal regions enjoy
hot summers and moderate winters
and the urban capital Port
Elizabeth experiences a daily
average of 7 hours sunshine. The
Northern regions are much
cooler. Certain areas receive
rain throughout the year, albeit
erratic.
Getting to Know the Eastern Cape
Major Attractions:
Beaches
The Eastern Cape offers 800km of
untouched and pristine coastline
along with some of the world’s
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.
Birthplace of Nelson Mandela
The Nelson Mandela Museum was
officially opened on the 11
February 2000, to coincide with
the tenth anniversary of
Mandela’s release from prison.
The birthplace/museum is
situated at Qunu, along the N2
highway, south of Umtata.
Back to Nature
Whether you are visiting the
exclusive Shamwari Game Reserve,
the Addo Elephant Park, the
Mountain Zebra National Park or
the Tsitsikamma National Park,
the Eastern Cape offers
unequalled game viewing.
Addo>> Elephant National Park
boasts the most concentrated
elephant reserve in Africa – the
reserve is home to a herd of
over 300 elephants.
The Tsitsikamma National Park,
also known as ‘the place of much
water’, is one of the Eastern
Cape’s famous National Parks –
offering up a spectacular
combination of temperate forest,
rocky ravines and breathtaking
ocean views.
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.
Grahamstown
The small student town of
Grahamstown is home to the
annual National Arts Festival -
known as one of Africa's largest
and most colourful cultural
events. This town also has
excellent colonial architecture
and fascinating community
tourism projects.
World’s Highest Bungee Jump
The world's highest
bungee-jumping site is to be
found at Bloukrans River Bridge
on the Storms River. A daring
adrenaline-rushing dive from
this bridge ensures a dazzling
160 meters of freefall – not for
the fainthearted!
Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area
Situated two and a half hours
from Port Elizabeth, The
Baviaanskloof (Valley of
Baboons) is a wilderness area
situated on the eastern border
of the Cape Floral Kingdom.
Jeffreys Bay – Super Tubes
Experience the perfect wave in
J-Bay, the surfing capital of
South Africa and a major
international surfing venue that
attracts visitors from all over
the world.
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 during the winter
months.
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. The Wild Coast
offers a pleasant climate, mild
seas and family resorts.
Whale Spotting
Southern right whales and their
calves are regularly spotted
along the Eastern Cape coastline
usually between May and
November.
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.
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