About the Eastern Cape
About the Eastern Cape: Whether you're in the mood for an informal seaside escape, an encounter with the "Big Five" on safari, or a choice of scintillating city diversions, you're sure to find what you're looking for in the Eastern Cape. Scenic diversity is one of the most striking characteristics of the region, ranging from the lush, evergreen Tsitsikamma Forest to the rugged Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area, the southern slopes of the Drakensberg and the arid Great Karoo. Alternating between sweeping sand, river mouths, rocks and covers, the coastline is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Among them, surfers ride the perfect waves, anglers reel in king-size catches, and board sailors revel in the challenge of the wind. Sunshine all year round, fine leisure resorts and splendid facilities ensure that the great outdoors is always in style.
When pleasures of a more sophisticated kind appeal, you'll find plenty to entertain you in Port Elizabeth. Ideal for family holidays, large enough to offer all the amenities of a city, yet small enough to be genuinely welcoming and friendly. They also provide convenient access to unspoiled areas of exceptional natural beauty.
Location: The shoreline of this province extends from the Umtamvuna River in KwaZulu Natal, to the Storms River mouth on the scenic Garden Route in the west, and stretching inland to the north, bordering on Lesotho. Today the Eastern Cape incorporates the previously independent 'homelands' of the Ciskei and Transkei.
Climate: The Eastern Cape climate varies considerably but has a year-round holiday climate. The Eastern coastal regions enjoy hot summers and moderate winters and Port Elizabeth experiences a daily average of 7 hours sunshine. Northern regions are much cooler.
Infrastructure: With two harbours and three airports offering direct flights to the main centres and an excellent road and rail system, the province has been earmarked as a priority for growth and economic development.
Game Viewing: The Eastern Cape boasts the most concentrated elephant reserve in Africa. Home to a herd of 300 elephants, the Addo Elephant National Park allows close quarter viewing. Whether at the exclusive Shamwari Game Reserve, the large Addo Elephant Park, or Mountain Zebra Park, the Eastern Cape offers unequalled game viewing in conditions suited to the traveller Whale watching: Southern right whales and their calves are regularly spotted usually between May and November. Common and bottlenose dolphins are often seen close to shore. Coffee Bay is popular among surfers, anglers and shell collectors.
Beaches: The Eastern Cape offers 800km of untouched and pristine coastline and some of the world’s best beaches. Port Elizabeth has 40km of magnificent beaches and with its perfect combination of warm water, calm sea and fair breezes, it is one of the best sailing venues in the world.
