Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape Province is a province of tranquillity and relaxation. Not only does it have an 820km coastline of warm Indian Ocean water (up to 21°C and rarely colder than 14°C), but also offers some outstanding national parks and private game reserves.
Aerial - Port Alfred
Courtesy of South African Tourism
The terrain of the Eastern Cape varies greatly from the lush rolling hills of the Transkei to the dry Karoo. It encompasses semi-desert plains, rain forests, vast mountain ranges, lush wilderness and unspoilt golden beaches. Coastal waters are rich in marine life - Bottlenose Dolphins can often be viewed playing in the waves, and if you are lucky you may also spot the occasional Southern Right Whale!
Malaria free 'Big Five' (Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino) game viewing is very popular amongst visitors to the province. Conservation areas include the Mountain Zebra National Park and the Addo Elephant National Park.
Port Elizabeth Beach
Courtesy of South African Tourism
Climate
Just as the terrain of the Eastern Cape varies greatly, so does its climate. The coastal regions enjoy hot summers and moderate winters while the more northern regions are much cooler. Generally though, the climate is great for holidays all year round.
Horse Riding
Courtesy of South African Tourism
Accommodation
The Eastern Cape boasts a wide variety of accommodation which includes: caravanning/camping, guesthouses/B&B's, game lodges, hotels, safari camps, backpackers etc. Basically, it offers accommodation to suit everyone's needs and budget.
Some tourist attractions in the Eastern Cape Province include:
South African Delights
Enjoy some of the local delicacies in the Eastern Cape, which include:
freshly braaied seafood, lamb bredie, samp and beans, succulent beef, sweet mielies, biltong, Nanaga Pies, Bushy Park yoghurt and cream, Springbok Carpaccio, and much more.
Bungee Jumping
For the more adventurous, the Eastern Cape boasts the world's highest bungee jumping site (an incredible 217m). The spot for this incredible jump is at the Blaauwkrans Bridge which straddles the Storms River.
Surfing
Courtesy of South African Tourism
Coastal Watersports
The warm Indian Ocean, which covers some 800km of the Eastern Cape's coastline, makes it an ideal place for surfers, sailors, wind surfers and kite boarders. Some of the popular coastal towns include: Cape St Francis, St Francis Bay, East London, Jeffrey's Bay (the surfing capital of South Africa), Kidd's Beach, Port Alfred, and Port Elizabeth.
River Estuaries along the coast offer ideal spots for water sports such as power boating, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and fishing.
Hole in the Wall - Easter Cape
Courtesy of South African Tourism
Explore the Transkei
The Transkei - previously an independent 'homeland' - is home to the popular coastal tourist destinations of Coffee Bay and Port St John's. These quaint, rural, unspoilt coastal towns are surrounded by rolling lush green hills dotted with cattle and goats.
Just south of Coffee Bay lies Hole in the Wall - a unique and prominent rock formation lying just off the coast. It gets its name from the giant opening that has been carved through its centre by the surrounding waves.
Addo Elephant National Park
The Addo Elephant National Park is situated about 70km from Port Elizabeth in the Sundays River region. It is home to the 'Big 7' (elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, whales and great white sharks), including over 450 elephant. A variety of accommodation is available in and around this amazing national park.
Baviaanskloof
The Baviaanskloof (the Valley of the Baboons), is a wilderness area approximately 2.5 hours drive from Port Elizabeth. It's unspoiled, rugged mountainous terrain offers a wide range of eco-recreational opportunities as well as an exceptional wilderness experience. Some areas of the Baviaanskloof are only accessible with a 4x4 vehicle.
Valley of Desolation
The Valley of Desolation is the fascinating product of volcanic and erosive forces of nature over about 100 million years. This sheer cliff face is situated in the Camdeboo National Park. It is a mecca for hikers, photographers as well as flora and fauna enthusiasts.
Storms River Bridge and Mouth
Courtesy of South African Tourism
Tsitsikamma National Park
The Tsitsikamma National Park is situated on the Garden Route. Tsitsikamma is a Khoisan word meaning, 'place of much water'. The park consists of 80km of rocky coastline and looming cliffs, fynbos covered mountains and valleys, forests and gorges. It also stretched some 5km into the sea. For more information about this unique national park please visit: http://www.sanparks.co.za/parks/tsitsikamma
Sculpture on Stand, Owl House - Nieu Bethesda
Courtesy of South African Tourism
The Owl House
Visit the famous Owl House in Nieu-Bethesda, not far from Graaff-Reinet, where Helen Martins spent the latter part of her life. The Owl House was created by Helen Martins, with the help of her labourer Koos Malgas, in a quest for light and brightness. It portrays concrete sculptures and incredible figures (created from the mundane articles which surrounded her), set against brightly coloured walls and ceilings covered nowith elaborate patterns.
For more information about this famous Owl House please visit: http://www.owlhouse.co.za