The Eastern Cape is an area of extraordinary diversity. From
reclaimed wildlife reserves, arichcultural heritage to beautiful coastal
resorts and golden beaches. In contrast to the sophistication of towns
and seaside resorts, this province stretches to the quiet foothills of
the Drakensberg Mountains and across to the sparse lypopulated Great
Karoo plains - taking in a variety of sheepfarms, ostrich farms and game
reserves along the way, including the famous Addo Elephant National
Park.
The Eastern Cape is South Africa's second largest province
and although unjustifiably underrated as a game destination, it is
malaria free and offers a wide variety of wildlife in both national and
private game reserves.
Shamwari, between Port Elizabeth and
Grahamstown, was the first private conservation initiative in the
Eastern Cape and due to its unmitigated success of maintaining
environmental integrity and increasing tourism, other private reserves
and lodges have followed suit.
The Addo Elephant National Park
stretches from the ocean to the Zuurberg Mountains and is famed for its
elephants and diversity of game. The stretch of coastline from Port
Elizabeth to the Fish River is aptly known as the 'Sunshine Coast'.
Well known for its surfing and delightful holiday resorts, this area is a beach - lovers paradise.
The
rugged Wild Coast runs from East London to Port Edward and is an area
of spectacular scenery, thick indigenous forests and rich in the
cultural heritage of the Xhosa people. The friendly city of Port Elizabe
this the largest city on the coast between Cape Town and Durban and
offers all the attractions of a major tourist centre.
This is an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding areas and investigate its historic past.
Situated at the mouth of the Buffalo River, East London is South Africa's only riverport.
Academically
orientated Grahamstown is home to the National Arts Festival, and along
with Graaff Reinet, known for their historic buildings and interesting
museums.
Must See:
The friendly city of Port Elizabeth,
gateway to the Eastern Cape and rich in history of the British settlers
who arrived in 1820. Top attractions include: Superb beaches; Apple
Express, an old fashioned steam train; Bayworld Museum Complex housing
the museum which blends cultural and natural history, the Oceanarium
with its popular dolphin and seal displays, the Snakepark, one of the
oldest in South Africa and No 7 Castle Hill Museum, the oldest surviving
settler cottage; Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World complex with a
gokart track, adventure golf, fairground rides, boats and a games
arcade.
East London, South Africa's only river port. Top
attractions include: East London Museum, with unique natural and
historic exhibitions; Steve Biko Garden of Remembrance, the gravesite of
one of the most famous political martyrs; East London Aquarium with 400
different species of marine and freshwater creatures; City Hall; East
London Harbour; Ann Byrant Art Gallery featuring a mix of Cape Dutch and
Victorian artworks, representative of South African art from 1880
onwards; Beaches, some of the finest anywhere.
Malaria free game
and nature reserves including the well known Addo Elephant National
Park, Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Mountain Zebra National Park and
Tsitsikamma National Park, to name a few. The reserves offer numerous
adventure opportunities, hiking and walking trails and big five game
viewing.
Historic Grahamstown, a university town with a rich
history of British settlement. Visit the 1820 Settlers Monument and
Memorial Museum. For theatre lovers, the National Festival of the Arts,
held annually, is a must.
The village of Qunu, in Umtata, where Nelson Mandela grew up, and the Nelson Mandela Museum.
The Hole in the Wall, a striking rock formation.
The
Wild Coast offering excellent rock, surf, fly and spear fishing, as
well as deep-sea charters, spectacular coastal scenery and Southern
Right Whale watching from May to September.
The Amatola Mountains
offering exceptional opportunities for adventure-seekers, hikers,
mountain-bikers and trout fishermen. The area is steeped in Xhosa
history, well preserved in many regional museums.
Jeffreys Bay, the world famous surfer's paradise.
The Owl House in Nieu Bethesda, a house converted into a work of art, using broken bottles, bits of mirror and cement.
Graaff Reinet, with over 200 Victorian homes, which have been restored and proclaimed national monuments.
The longest gallery of San rock paintings in South Africa on Denorban near the quaint town of Elliot.
The Valley of Desolation, the product of volcanic and erosive forces of nature over 100 million years.
Storms
River and Tsitsikamma with magnificent well preserved natural forests,
the Storms River Bridge, home to the highest Bunjee Jump in the world
and wonderful scenery.
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Wildlife Activities in Addo
