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The Eastern Cape is the second largest province in South Africa. The two major cities in the Eastern Cape are Port Elizabeth and East London. Port Elizabeth is also known as “The Friendly City” and is the fifth largest city in South Africa. There is a natural abundance of plant and wildlife to be enjoyed as well as the climate which lives up to the name “Sunshine Coast”.
The Eastern Cape has a lot to offer with its abundant scenic diversity, its moderate climate and the warm hospitality of its people. Informal sea-side escapes, the lush evergreen Tsitsikamma forest and the vast open spaces of the Great Karoo are just a few of the striking destinations in the Eastern Cape.
The Eastern Cape also boasts the famed Wild Coast, exclusive Big Five game experiences and the rugged Baviaanskloof Wilderness making this south eastern section of South Africa an increasingly beloved tourist destination.
The area also boasts some of the country’s finest golfing facilities.
Surfing, sailing, angling and diving are some of the many watersports which can be enjoyed in Algoa Bay and Swartkops River. Walking trails, nature reserves and botanical gardens are among some of the other tourist attractions on offer throughout the Eastern Cape. Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve, and the Otter Trail are among the main highlights in this province. For more adventure, you can ski down the only snow slopes in Africa at Tiffindell or bungee the highest bridge (Bloukrans) in the southern hemisphere.
Port Elizabeth’s central city area architecture still reflects the influence of the 1820 British settlers. The name Port Elizabeth is owed to Sir Rufane Donkin, Acting Governor of the Cape Colony at the time, who named the city after his late wife, Elizabeth. There is a Donkin Memorial in his honour. Today, a 5km Donkin Heritage Trail takes the visitor to 47 places of historical interest in the old Hill area of central Port Elizabeth.
Addo Elephant National Park is a short drive from Port Elizabeth. Apart from the approximately 200 elephants, the park is also home to the black rhino, Cape buffalo and kudu. In addition there is an abundance of bird species.
Grahamstown, Graaf reinet and Qunu are among some of the significant towns in the Eastern Cape. Grahamstown is home to the very popular annual Grahamstown Arts Festival and Rhodes University, one of the oldest universities in South Africa. Graaf-Reinet was named after Cornelis Jacob van de Graaf (a dutch governor) and his wife Cornelia Reynet. The Valley of Desolation with its 120m dolerite columns are only 14 km drive from Graaf Reinet. Qunu is the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, and one can visit The Nelson Mandela Youth and Heritage Centre, and the exhibition Nelson Mandela's "Long Walk to Freedom" - in his own words.
East London is South Africa's only river port city located on the Buffalo River. It is known for its attractive stretches of seemingly endless white beaches; unpolluted and uncrowded. A wide variety of watersports from swimming, sailing, water-skiing, boardsailing and boating can be enjoyed all year round. The lagoons and river mouths are perfect for fishing. While there is much 19th-century architecture to be seen within the city, all the modern conveniences of a large city are on offer: theatres, cinemas, restaurants and casino provide entertainment for a night on the town.
The Wild Coast is a region of unspoilt beauty. The indigenous forests, grasslands and sheer cliffs make this one of the most attractive destinations in South Africa. One can see crowned cranes along the coast. A superstition about this bird exists in the Xhosa community. The Xhosa believe that whoever kills this bird, will be visited by death in their family. The Amatola Mountains can be reached in a short drive, where one can see the spectacular white stinkwood and stately yellowwood trees.
A few sights to see:
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