Eastern Cape

About Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape is a much frequented holiday destination, particularly for families, it boasts beautiful beaches, safe, warm bathing seas, excellent surf, spectacular scenery, malaria-free game reserves featuring the Big 5 and a range of outdoor activities.

The large western region of the province is the main attraction, highlights include “The Friendly City” of Port Elizabeth, the Algoa Bay beaches, the Addo Elephant National Park and adjacent private game reserves. Inland is Grahamstown, with its 1820 settle architecture, monuments and a hive of activity during the Arts Festival, whilst along the south coast is Tsitsikamma and Baviaanskloof Wilderness area, both a must for naturalists. Of the many seaside resorts, don’t miss Jeffreys Bay, St Francis Bay or Port Alfred, each with their own charm and attractions.

On the opposite end is the Wild Coast. This strip of river mouths, unspoilt beaches, sheltered coves, small inlets and rocky outcrops is untamed rather than undeveloped. This is a region of rich natural beauty but with basic infrastructure and unfortunately no coastal through roads. Umtata, the former capital of the “independent” state of Transkei is the centre of Xhosa culture and it is in a village near here that Nelson Mandela was born.

For more information, why not speak to one of our experts on +44 (0) 20 7843 3500 or email info@africatravel.co.uk

Seasons

• Summer (November to February) - Very warm days, but there is often a nice breeze. Afternoons can be a little rainy, but this makes for spectacular safari conditions once the rains have ceased
• Autumn (March to May) - Excellent for safaris as temperatures start to drop meaning animals stay out longer. Cooler evenings mean a good jacket is necessary
• Winter (June to July) - Warm days, but very cold mornings and evenings. Whale migration appears along the coast so you can combine land and water-based safaris
• Spring (August to October) - Longer days and rising temperatures mean game drives tend to take place in the early morning and evening. Some rain, but mostly dry and pleasant.

Wildlife

The pattern of a zebra's stripes are unique to each individual zebra

The fastest land animal in the world, a cheetah can reach 70 miles per hour in 3 seconds

At birth, baby rhinos weigh between 88-140 pounds

African elephants can currently be found in 37 African countries

Giraffes can run as fast as 35 miles per hour

Lions spend 16-20 hours of the day sleeping or resting

In The Know

• History buffs should visit Grahamstown with its museums and settler history
• Strap yourself in for a canopy tour or zip lining in Tsitsikamma
• Get off the usual tourist trail and visit the old frontier towns Graaff Reinet and Cradock and the beauty of the semi-desert Karoo