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 The
Eastern Cape is South Africa's second largest province. Its
800km stretch of sub-tropical Indian Ocean coastline offers
superb fishing, some of the best surf spots in the world,
rich marine life, golden beaches, and a wealth of friendly
coastal resorts and towns.
The temperate climate and diverse topography has created
an exciting variety of flora regions including indigenous
evergreen forest, Cape coastal fynbos, arid scrubland
and luxuriant valley bushveld. The rolling hills of the coastal
plains lead travellers up through spectacular mountain ranges
into the wide open spaces and small town tranquility of the
Karoo.
Adventure seekers, hikers and 4x4 enthusiasts
will find a myriad of trails and activities in the Eastern
Cape to bring
excitement to their stay. Top class wildlife reserves and
traditional Xhosa tribal culture also make this region the
perfect destination for an authentic African experience.
The coastal resort towns of East
London and Port
Elizabeth offer fantastic value-for-money holidays and
are good bases for exploring the attractions of the surrounding
area. You will also find fantastic beaches, good accommodation
and entertainment and a variety of water sport opportunities
in these centers.
Herds of one of the world's rarest large animals,
the Cape
Mountain Zebra roam the beautiful plains and valleys of the
Mountain Zebra National Park near Cradock. Buffalo, rhino,
rhebok and mountain reedbuck can also be found browsing the
foothills of the Bankberg Mountains on warm summer afternoons.
Eco-safaris offering personalised wildlife experiences will
bring you up close to The Big 7 (including the Southern Right
Whale and Great White Shark) on the Greater
Addo Route - starting
just inland from Port Elizabeth. The fertile Sundays River
Valley is spread with citrus fruit farms and offers plenty
of charming chalets and eco-camps. In the lower reaches of
the valley the Addo Elephant National Park offers game drives
in open Landrovers to view herds of the 450 elephant that
range freely across the bush savannah.
The Wild Coast stretches from East London north to Port
Edward along one of the most pristine and untouched coastlines
in
Southern Africa. White sandy beaches, mangrove swamps, craggy
peninsulas and warm, lazy lagoons characterise this haven
of fishing, hiking and family fun. Numerous hotels and resorts
offer the traveller an opportunity to experience luxury
and
local cuisine while exploring the solitude of secluded bays
washed by whispering Indian Ocean waves. The hills are dotted
with traditional Xhosa mud huts and villages, children play
in the kloofs and friendly locals will always direct you
to
the nearest attraction - for a small fee.
Surfers looking for the perfect wave should
not miss out on a visit to Jeffrey's
Bay. The unique shore break is world
famous and draws board riders from all corners of the globe.
The golden beaches also yield deposits of a great variety
of quality shells showcased in the famous Shell Museum. Jeffrey's
is also the perfect base to explore neighbouring St.
Francis Bay marina with its thatched architecture and network of canals,
as well as Oyster Bay, home to the protected Oystercatcher
and a rich diversity of marine life.
A trip to the interior of the Eastern Cape will not leave
you disappointed. Lying at the base of the Amatola Mountain
range is the quaint village of Hogsback. Blanketed by snow
during winter the surrounding forests feature ancient
yellowoods,
wild fern glades and sparkling mountain streams. Traverse
the hills and valleys by mountain bike or on horseback or
get in touch with your inner self by exploring South Africa's
largest labyrinth.
For a taste of Karoo Heartland, with its semi-desert plains,
rugged mountains and impossibly starry nights, visit Graaff-Reinet.
This fascinating town boasts 250 National Monuments - mostly
Dutch architecture dating back to the 1700s. Historical
interest
abounds in museums and collections that trace the stories
of prehistoric creatures, Bushmen and Trekboers that have
inhabited this area for centuries. For early risers, the
dolorite pillars of the Valley of Desolation - best seen
at dawn -
rise majestically from a cloud-covered valley floor.
A short drive north will take you to the secluded valley
of Nieu Bethesda to visit the Owl
House, eery shrine of
Helen
Martins, whose sculpture was popularised by the Athol Fugard
film 'The Road to Mecca'.
| Eastern Cape
- selected destinations |
|
More Info - www.ectb.co.za |
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