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Overview:

The Eastern Cape is characterised by its glittering river estuaries, silent sands of unspoilt coast, the lush Tsitsikama Forest, the slopes of the Drakensberg Mountains, the rugged Baviaanskloof Wilderness and the arid Great Karoo.

While offering a variety of opportunities for water sports, including surfing, angling and snow skiing, it also provides scintillating entertainment for the big city lovers. The world’s highest Bungee Jump, the Wild Wild Coast and Whale Spotting are all part of this beautiful Province along with many other unlimited adventure opportunities. The Eastern Cape boasts a wonderfully diverse cultural heritage with museums, monuments and interpretive tours available. The Nelson Mandela Museum in Umtata provides a tribute to South Africa’s first president.

Climate:

The Eastern Cape overall has a year-round holiday climate with hot summers and moderate winters. However the climate varies from place to place as the terrain changes. The coastal cities enjoy a Subtropical and Mediterranean climate while inland gets a bit hotter.

'© South African Tourism

Top Destinations:

Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth is South Africa’s second oldest city and also the commercial capital of the Eastern Cape.  It is situated on the South Eastern Coast of South Africa (most southern country on the African continent).  Port Elizabeth forms part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro which also includes the towns of Uitenhage and Despatch (approx 1.5 million people).

Port Elizabeth or 'PE' has great (moderate) weather all year round, beautiful beaches (including the Blue Flag beaches St Georges Beach and Humewood beach), low crime rate, strong economic growth,  major university (NMMU) and schools, the Boardwalk Casino, major hotels and guesthouses, shopping centres, very little traffic conjestion and much more to mention. 

East London

East London, affectionately called 'Buffalo City' by the locals, is situated approximately 1000km from Cape town on the South East coast of South Africa. Lying in between the Nahoon River in the north and the Buffalo river to the south it is the only river port in South Africa. The shores are lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and with its sub-tropical climate is a sought after tourist destination for local South Africans and international tourist alike.

East London, itself, has some 400 000 residents, the metropolitan area has 1.4 million, and is the second largest city in the province of the Eastern Cape.

Main Attractions:

Addo Elephant National Park

Located near the small town of Addo, this National Park boasts over 200 elephants in addition to black rhino, Cape buffalo among others and about 180 bird species. The diversity of plant and animal life provides for a glorious day of game viewing in a malaria-free area.

Jeffrey’s Bay-“Super Tubes

This small town is very popular for its surf and safe beaches. It is fondly known as the Surfing Capital of South Africa, allowing you to catch the perfect wave, each having its own touch of magic. The beaches are known to have good angling and possess an abundance of shells.

Shamwari Game Reserve

Shamwari Game Reserve is about conserving a vanishing way of life. It is situated halfway between Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth along the Bushmans River. It is the Southernmost Big Game Reserve in Africa and has been awarded many International awards for its efforts in conservation and tourism. It provides a beautiful way of viewing the big game in a malaria free area.

Grahamstown Arts Festival

‘Africa’s largest and most colourful event’ occurs for 11 days in June/July every year. During this time Grahamstown becomes a feast of both imported and local talent. Every room, hall and field  becomes a hive of activity boasting arts, crafts and various forms of entertainment. There are more than 500 shows on offer allowing everyone to find some amusement. Shows range from opera and cabaret to stand-up comics, folk music and drama. Every imaginable art form is represented in one of the world’s most diverse festivals.