Eastern Cape

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 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.

Overview
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.

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 Port Elizabeth experiences a daily average of 7 hours sunshine. Northern regions are much cooler. Certain areas receive rain throughout the year albeit erratic.

GETTING TO KNOW THE EASTERN CAPE
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 colourful 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 breakeing 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.
World’s 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 freefall 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 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.
Port Elizabeth’s Southern Beaches offer safe and sheltered swimming, body surfing, sunbathing, boardsailing, 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 King’s Beach, Humewood Beach, Hobie Beach, Pollock Beach, Brighton Beach, Bluewater Bay, St George’s 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, canoeing, 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 unequalled game viewing in conditions suited to the traveller.
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 uncommercialised, 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.