Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape is one of the most diverse regions of South Africa, both geographically and culturally.

This unique region encompasses the semi-arid greater Karoo, Tsitsikamma Forest, and much of the Garden Route. It contains several bustling cities, including Port Elizabeth, as well as some of the country's oldest towns, foremost among them Graaff-Reinet. Away from the towns and cities there are a number of malaria-free safari reserves perfect for short day-trips, including the Tsitsikamma and Addo Elephant National Parks, and Shamwari, Kwandwe and Blaauwbosch Reserves.

South Africa’s Eastern Cape has a long history, having been transformed from a settler’s outpost in the early 19th century to a thriving tourist centre in the 20th century. As frontier country in the 18th century, many peoples met and clashed in battle along the Eastern Cape, as white settlers fought with the local Zulu, Xhosa, Pondo, Nguni and Sotho tribes. Today, the region is culturally diverse, but a number of museums and ruins recall the turbulent past. Stepping even further back in time, the region’s many San rock art sites are a legacy of early man.

In and around the Eastern Cape, South Africa
The Eastern Cape is a malaria-free zone making it an ideal safari destination for families with young children. The Addo Elephant Park is the most popular safari reserve in the region and home to healthy populations of elephant and black rhino, as well as the last Cape buffalo. The region’s private reserves, such as Shamwari, offer a more intimate safari. Whatever you choose, you shouldn’t expect an experience to rival South Africa’s best National Parks, such as the Kruger, but if you want to build a day or two of game-viewing into a tour of the Garden Route, these reserves work very well.

Away from the game reserves, the old British colonial outpost of Grahamstown is a bustling centre and a must for art lovers, especially in March when the huge National Arts Festival takes place. From Grahamstown, you can make a trip to East London to visit South Africa’s only river port and then continue to the Wild Coast, where we recommend you visit the Nelson Mandela museum in Qunu to learn more about the upbringing of South Africa’s former president.

For beach lovers, the relaxed and friendly Jeffrey’s Bay is perfect.