The Eastern Cape national parks and game reserves are home to a wealth of wildlife including the rare mountain zebra.  Over 200 elephants inhabit the Addo Elephant Park and most unusual, are the signs erected in the park entreating visitors to yield to the flightless dung beetle found almost exclusively in Addo.  In addition, the black rhino, buffalo, eland and warthog have been reintroduced to the park. 

There are various hiking trails that traverse the valleys and cliffs of the mountainous regions of the Eastern Cape with breathtaking views.  The Eastern Cape also has some of the finest displays of prehistoric art in the form of rock paintings.

The magnificent shimmering Eastern Cape coastline, the Wild Coast offers splendid opportunities for fishing, swimming and sunbathing.  Canoeing, rubber ducking and windsurfing are a few of the many water sport attractions while surfers, in search of the perfect wave, frequent the internationally known surfing spots.  The cities, known for their friendliness, are ideal for family holidays - beaches, restaurants, theatres, cinemas, museums and summer entertainment programmes are sure winners to make the holiday-maker's stay an enjoyable one.

Scenic diversity of the Eastern Cape is one of the most striking characteristics of the region, ranging from the lush, evergreen Tsitsikamma Forest to the rugged Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area, the southern slopes of the Drakensberg and the arid Great Karoo.

Alternating between sweeping sand, river mouths, rocks and covers, the coastline is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Among them, surfers ride the perfect waves, anglers reel in king-size catches, and board sailors revel in the challenge of the wind. Sunshine all year round, fine leisure resorts and splendid facilities ensure that the great outdoors is always in style.

When pleasures of a more sophisticated kind appeal, you'll find plenty to entertain you in Port Elizabeth and East London. Both are ideal for family holidays, large enough to offer all the amenities of a city, yet small enough to be genuinely welcoming and friendly. They also provide convenient access to unspoiled areas of exceptional natural beauty.

• Eastern Cape Tourism Board
  Local Tel:  0406 352115  Local Fax:  0406 392756
  INT Tel:  +27-406 352115  INT Fax: +27-406 392756
  

Places of the Eastern Cape

Port Elizabeth

Superbly set on the shores of Algoa Bay, "The Friendly City" is the fifth biggest city in South Africa and the largest on the coast between Cape Town and Durban. A popular leisure resort, Port Elizabeth beckons with an attractive atmosphere of year-round holiday fun against a backdrop of urban activity. Its warm, welcoming nature is matched by a climate which boasts more sunshine than any other coastal town in the country.

Algoa Bay encourages all forms of water sport; in, on and under the sea, where there is a colourful diving region. The beaches are always alive with sun worshippers, and conditions are excellent for surfing, sailing, diving and angling. Close by, the Swartkops River offers endless opportunities for enjoyment. In addition to sport, land-based leisure options encompass a wide range.

Port Elizabeth has beautiful parks, botanical gardens and nature reserves with an abundance of bird life. Many inland and coastal walking trails can be explored in the area. In Port Elizabeth, the 1820 Settlers were introduced to their new land, and there they built some of the graceful period homes that still enhance the city's landscape. Since then, the tiny settlement has grown into a busy commercial, industrial and educational city with attractive shops, parks, theatres, museums and restaurants. After exploring the city of Port Elizabeth, a day trip can be made to the beautiful Tsitsikamma Park. The accommodation looks across stunning sea views.

Addo Elephant National Park supports about 200 elephants in addition to Cape buffalo, black rhino, kudu and over 180 bird species. It's fascinating to watch the elephants emerging from a dense tangle of creepers and trees, guiding their young towards to water holes. From historical and architectural points of view, Grahamstown and Graaf-Reinet should not be missed.

East London

South Africa's only river port city is set on the broad Buffalo River and one of the most attractive stretches of the Eastern Cape seaboard. East London's sweeping white beaches extend for miles; unpolluted, uncrowded, unspoiled. Swimming, sailing, water-skiing, boardsailing and boating are enjoyed all year round, while the river mouths, lagoons and gullies provide a paradise for fishermen.

East London is the ideal base from which to explore the north-eastern mountains and the Wild Coast. The city has bowling greens, tennis and squash courts and golf clubs with grand views of the Indian Ocean. The city's ancestry is evident. Against a typically African backdrop, strong links with England and traces of the German lineage are found. Several well-preserved examples of 19th-century architecture enhance the charm of the city. Traffic snarls and overcrowded city streets are the exception rather than the rule. Courtesy friendliness and good old-fashioned hospitality will enhance your holiday pleasure.

When the sun goes down, there are theatres, cinemas and a selection of restaurants to pamper the discerning palate. If it's the one-armed bandits you crave, roulette, black jack and the chance of making a mint, Bisho's casino is practically on the doorstep.

Western Region

One of the liveliest coastlines in the world stretches from Port Alfred to the Tsitsikamma National Park; a place of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur. On the outskirts of the forest, beauty of a gentler kind is found in the Langkloof, renowned for its orchards and a rich indigenous flora.

In the hinterland, the Great Karoo epitomises the essence of Africa. Vast open spaces; sparse veld bushes and distant brooding mountains. Sheep and game farming are carried out on a grand scale in the region, where millions of years ago, dinosaurs roamed the plains, leaving in their wake fossils which attract the attention of paleontologists from all over the world.

The tranquil landscape of Settler Country, studded with historical towns and villages, invites a close scrutiny of its intriguing background of conflict, courage, despair and success. This is where the Xhosa, Dutch and British had their first encounters, leading at first to frequent clashes and later to a cultural learning curve and mutual acceptance. Cape Dutch homes, ornate Victorian buildings and the lime-washed homesteads of the rural Xhosa provide tangible symbols of three vastly different cultures coming together in peaceful coexistence.

Eastern Region

From East London, the road parallel to the Wild Coast leads through a region of unspoilt grandeur; thick indigenous forests, hilly grasslands and sheer cliffs falling to white, unspoilt beaches. The Wild Coast is one of South Africa's most exciting and unexploited areas, with a special appeal for fishermen all year round. Crowned cranes are frequently seen along the coast. The Xhosa people of the district believe that if one of these birds is killed, death will afflict the hunter's family.

An easy drive leads to the great sweep of the Amatola Mountains, embellished by stately yellowwood and white stinkwood trees. Scattered about in the foothills and beyond, Xhosa homesteads, circular and thatched, are often grouped around a cattle kraal, usually situated on the ridge of a hill, leaving the fertile valleys free for cultivation.

The north-eastern region, dominated by the southern Drakensberg, is characterised by mountains, sandstone cliffs, green valleys, crystal-clear streams and crisp, clean air. The wildwater fly-fishing is the finest in the country; an unbeatable combination of enormous trout and scenic surroundings. Charming country hotels, hot springs, Bushman paintings, hiking trails and enchanting little towns await your arrival. Exciting discoveries are guaranteed!

Game Lodges and Reserves in the Eastern Cape

• Addo Elephant Park
  Deep within the shadows of the dense valley bushveld of the Sundays River region of the Eastern Cape lies the Addo Elephant National Park. The park was proclaimed in 1931 and the main attraction of the Addo Elephant National Park is the park’s 350 or so African Elephants.

• Emlanjeni Private Game Reserve
  The Emlanjeni Private Game Reserve, on the lush banks of the Bushman’s River, is situated in a malaria free area adjacent to the famous Garden Route. The Emlanjeni bush experience combines superb guided African game viewing from 4x4 vehicles as well as from a purpose designed river cruiser. The Emlanjeni Reserve teems with birdlife and encompasses the well known Ghio Wetland Nature Reserve.
  

• Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve
  On reaching of Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve, leave your car and your responsibilities behind as you are transported by 4X4 through a tunnel of indigenous bush, out onto the open plains. Inkwenkwezi is home to an abundance of animals from Rhino, Wildebeest, Giraffe, Warthog and Zebra to Springbok, Impala, Gemsbok and the unique Eastern Cape Kudu.
  

• Kariega Game Lodge & Reserve
  Kariega Luxurious Lodges in a private Game Reserve, which also offers beaches, hiking, game/bird viewing, golf, river sports and more.
  

• Kwande Private Game Reserve
  Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is located in the beautiful and historically rich Eastern Cape. The Kwandwe Conservation Initiative strives to ensure an ecologically balanced wildlife reserve. Kwandwe means "Place of the Blue Crane" in Xhosa, and is home to a population of these majestic endangered birds.
  

• Mountain Zebra National Park
  The craggy heights of the Mountain Zebra National Park's Bankberg embrace rolling plains and deep valleys, and has become an entrancing preserve for the Cape mountain zebra.
  

• Shamwari Game Reserve
  Shamwari is an African dream. A game reserve in which a multitude of plant, animal and bird life unfold the very soul of untamed Africa, along with the most luxurious and leisurely means by which to enjoy it.
  

• Double Drift Game Reserve
  Sprawling over 23000ha of dense, pristine valley bushveld, and hosting abundant wildlife, Double Drift Game Reserve is the perfect wilderness retreat.
  

• Zuurberg Inn
  Mountain getaway surrounded by Addo National Park with a sweeping view over the Addo Elephant Park down to Port Elizabeth.
  
  

Hiking Trails in The Eastern Cape

• Mountain Zebra Hiking Trail
  This trail passes through typical Karoo midland vegetation and the formost attraction is the Cape Mountain Zebra, as well as various others game-species and abundant birdlife.
  

• Ecca Nature Reserve
  Follow a well-marked trail through this reserve near Grahamstown, to find out more about its fascinating plants, geology and history.
  

• Hogsback Nature Reserve
  Situated in the beautiful Eastern Cape, this reserve is dominated by three ridges said to resemble the bristle's on a hog's back. Come enjoy its indigenous forest with parrot and lourie, the great angling, waterfalls, horse-rides and various walks.
  

Accommodation in the Eastern Cape

• Amakhulu Central Reservations
  Merl offers a very friendly and professional service to book accommodation in South Africa. She specializes in the Drakensberg and Wild Coast regions.
  
• Accommodation in the Eastern Cape
  This is by far the best website I have come across to book accommodation online in South Africa. You deal directly with the accommodation establishment and their selection of places is incredible.
  
• More Eastern Cape accommodation in specific areas:
   - Port Elisabeth
   - Addo
   - Wild Coast
   - East London
   - Cintsa
   - Gonubie
   - Hogsback
   - Aliwal North
   - Graaf Reinet
   - Grahamstown
   - King Williams Town
   - Butterworth
   - Nieu Bethesda 
   - Port Alfred 
   - Queenstown 
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