The Eastern Cape is divided into 9 regions, each with their own iconic experiences.
Yours 2 Explore!
Tsitsikamma adventure route stretches from the Bloukrans River in the west to the Tsitsikamma River in the east, is bordered on the north by the imposing Tsitsikamma Mountains and in the south by the Indian Ocean.
DID YOU KNOW?
Tsitsikamma is a Khoi word meaning “place of abundant or sparkling water”.
TOP 5 TSITSIKAMMA ICONIC
BUCKETLIST EXPERIENCES:
- Highest bungy in the world
- Segway tour
- Tree top canopy tour
- Kayak and lilo experience
- Hike the Otter Trail
Other epic activities and attractions:
- Storms river suspension bridge
- Tsitsikamms National Park
- The Big Tree
There are also many other activities such as hiking, forest excursions, quad biking, ziplining, water/river tubing, beer tasting, foodie experiences, protea farm, beaches, adventure, local markets and more!
1. Highest bungy in the world
The view from Africa’s highest bridge captures all the majesty and tranquillity of the Bloukrans River valley. But there is nothing tranquil about throwing yourself more than 200 metres down towards the river below! Recognised as the ‘highest bungy from a bridge’ in the world, Bloukrans Bungy uses pendulum bungy technology to ensure the smoothest, most comfortable bungy jump possible. Jumpers are secured in a full-body harness combined with an ankle connection.
042 281 1458
071 109 6872
071 248 5959
book@faceadrenalin.com
2. Segway tour
Discover the Storms River Village and the Tsitsikamma Forest on a Segway. The guided tour takes you around the cool pine forest, indigenous forest over the historical Witteklip Bridge into the local township and to the grand 1 000-year-old Tsitsikamma Big Tree. An experience not to be missed!
3. Tree top canopy tour
A canopy tour takes you on an unforgettable adventure as you zipline from one platform to the next along a series of steel cables set amongst magnificent natural surroundings. Safe for almost all ages (recommended age group is between 7 – 70), canopy tours are enjoyed by nature lovers, families, thrill-seekers and corporate team building or conference groups.
042 281 1836
4. Kayak and lilo experience
Kayak across the ocean and under the Storms River suspension bridge; paddle up the Storms River Mouth; lilo deeper up the Storms River Gorge; leap off the overhangs of cliff walls of the gorge into deep pools. The kayak and lilo experience can be enjoyed by the whole family. The lilo trip is the most popular and most recommended by locals and international tourists alike.
073 130 0689
bookings@untouchedadventures.com
5. Hike the iconic Otter Trail
The 45km Otter Trail is the most iconic hiking trail in South Africa. The trail runs along the spectacular coastline between the Storms River mouth and Nature’s Valley and is considered one of the finest multi-day trails in the world. It is named after the shy, mostly nocturnal, Cape clawless otter which inhabits the estuaries and streams of the South African coast.
012 428 9111
reservations@sanparks.org
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FOR MORE INFO CONTACT Tsitsikamma Tourism
The Kouga region incorporates the towns of Humansdorp, Patensie and Hankie in the Gamtoos Valley, the Langkloof Valley, the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area and the coastal towns of Oyster Bay, St Francis Bay and Jeffrey’s Bay. Enjoy activities from beach horse rides and hiking to calamari tasting and golf.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Kouga region is home to the Baviaanskloof - a UNESCO proclaimed World Heritage Site!
TOP 5 KOUGA/BAVIAANS ICONIC BUCKETLIST EXPERIENCES:
- Skydive
- Surf super tubes
- Hike the Baviaans Camino & Chokka Trail
- Take a St Francis canal cruise
- Enjoy a seaside open woodfire eating experience
Other epic activities and attractions:
- Play golf at the St Francis Links
- Shell Museum
- Honey tasting at Pabala Nature Reserve
- Horse-back riding in Oyster Bay
- Gamtoos tourism experience
- A day up the Kromme River
- Game viewing at private nature reserves
- Greater St Francis
There are also many other activities such as hiking, foodie experiences, beach and coastal adventures, surfing, quad biking, ocean safaris and more!
1. Skydive experience
A scenic 20-minute plane ride over Jeffreys Bay, followed by the rush and excitement from jumping out of an aircraft at over 2 700 metres for a 30-second freefall at 200kph and a 5-minute parachute ride. The experienced instructors have a minimum of 1 000 skydives!
072 662 2150
info@skydivejefferysbay.co.za
2. Surf super tubes in Jeffreys Bay
Considered as one of the best and top surfing spots in the world. The wave is best when breaking in the 4-8ft range and when the conditions are right it can break out from the point down past the car park. Works best on a southwest wind. In the summer although there are swells the surf is often spoilt by the East and SE winds. Has the potential to get epic, only for experienced surfers who need to be well behaved and respectful to the locals in the line-up.
3. Baviaans Camino & Chokka Trail
The north-south route of the Baviaans Camino lends itself to novice horse riders accompanying hikers, supported by two vehicles. Overnight in farmhouses or tents. Starts in the Klein Karoo, traverses the Baviaanskloof Mountain Range into the Baviaanskloof, and continues through the Kouga Mountain Range towards the coast. Travel 75km over 4 days and 5 nights. The Chokka Trail is a 62km slackpacking holiday between Oyster Bay, St Francis Bay and Cape St Francis. The best way to see and experience the greater St Francis at your own pace and with overnight accommodation at guesthouses and a resort.
073 825 0825
info@chokkatrail.co.za
4. Greater St Francis
Experience Port St Francis at the eastern most point of Africa. Enjoy calamari tasting and explore the St Francis Canals on a barge. Option to extend the experience to include an Eco Sea Cruise (about 5 – 7 hrs).
042 294 0076 (St Francis Tourism)
083 294 2211
office@stfrancistourism.co.za
5. Seaside open woodfire eating experience
An unforgettable feast cooked over open wood fires on the edge of the ocean – unbeatable seafood and traditional South African food at the Walskipper restaurant. Tables and chairs are in the sea sand on the ocean’s edge. It’s a whole different feet-in-the-sand dining experience. Great for families.
042 292 0005
wals@intecom.co.za
FOR MORE INFO CONTACT:
Gamtoos Tourism
Jeffreys Bay Tourism
St Francis Tourism
The Karoo Heartland’s rugged and intense beauty is dominated by vast, flat plains, rocky mountains, and the biggest assortment of succulents in the world. this beautiful area, subject to red dust, thorny acacias, stunted vegetation, aloes, windmills, sheep and the odd angora goat, boasts some of the quaintest towns in the country.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Valley of Desolation was declared a National Monument of geological and scenic significance in 1939.
TOP 5 KAROO HEARTLAND ICONIC BUCKETLIST EXPERIENCES:
- Valley of Desolation
- Mountain Zebra National Park
- Ganora Excursions
- Owl House
- Karoo Fossils
Other epic activities and attractions:
- Karoo food tour
- Hike the Karoo Camino
- Kompasberg
- Spandaukop
There are also many other activities such as hiking, mountain biking, game drives, night walks, stargazing, farm tours, visit the various national monuments and museums and more!
1. Valley of Desolation
A hauntingly beautiful geological formations with spectacular 120m high columns of ancient eroded volcanic rock that stand sentinel over the plains of Camdeboo. See kudu, Cape mountain zebra, mountain reedbuck and the majestic Verreaux’s eagle with 2m wingspan. Overnight in the rustic Waaihoek Hut with outdoor shower and loo with a view!
049 892 3978
072 823 3986
karooconncetions@intekom.co.za
2. Mountain Zebra National Park
28 000 ha of wildlife including Cape mountain zebra, aardwolf, Cape buffalo, cheetah, blue crane, black rhino and Denham’s bustard. Enjoy cheetah tracking safaris on foot.
3. Ganora Excursions
A guided informative walk to view Bushman and Khoi paintings, rock engravings and The James Kitching Fossil Centre. A museum, a medicinal plant tour and a game rehabilitation programme add to the offerings of Ganora.
049 841 1302
082 698 0029
info@ganora.co.za
4. Owl House
A National Heritage Site, The Owl House and Camelyard represent South Africa’s foremost example of the art of Helen Martins. Having lived a troubled and challenging life, she transformed an ordinary Karoo home to a place of light and colour with a fantasy garden of sculptures.
049 841 1733
admin@theowlhouse.co.za
5. Karoo Fossils
Many farms in the Graaff-Reinet and Nieu Bethesda area have collections of ancient fossils found in the veld. Take a day trip to Wellwood Farm and Ganora Guest Farm to view displays of amazing fossils found over 20 years. A guided fossil trail to the riverbed where fossil evidence for the story being told in the Kitching Fossil Exploration Centre is found. Fossils are protected and may not be collected/traded.
049 892 4248
081 475 4095
fossilsafari@gmail.com
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FOR MORE INFO CONTACT:
Nieu-Bethesda Tourism
Graaff-Reinet Tourism
Here the Addo Elephant National Park stretches from the Karoo Region north of the Zuurberg Mountain Range to the coast and islands of Algoa Bay. This is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world, with 5 of the country’s 7 biomes.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Sunday River Valley has one of the most densely populated elephant herds in the world and is home to the locally endemic flightless dung beetle.
TOP 5 SUNDAYS RIVER VALLEY ICONIC BUCKETLIST EXPERIENCES:
- Addo Elephant National Park
- Double zipline & giant swing
- River cruise & sand sledding
- Educational cheetah tour
- Addo wildlife eco tour & safari
Other epic activities and attractions:
- Big 7 game viewing
- Citrus farm and game experience
- Addo horse trail
- A Taste of Africa Restaurant & Coffee Shop
There are also many other activities such as sandboarding, waterski, wakeboarding and wave snake, boat cruises in Gqeberha and Addo, various farms and nature reserves and more!
1. Addo Elephant National Park
The only Big 7 game reserve in the world. View the largest density of African elephants on the planet, Cape buffalo, leopard, black rhino, lion as well as great white shark and seasonal southern right whale in the marine section.
041 582 2575
addoenquiries@sanparks.org
2. Double zipline and giant swing
The highest, longest and fastest double zip line in South Africa, and the only giant swing of its kind in this country. Weight restrictions: 20-120kg zip line / 20-130kg giant swing. Moderate fitness required for the 500m hike to the zip line.
info@adrenalinaddo.co.za
3. Addo cruises & sand sledding (Sundays River Ferry)
Just 5km from Addo Elephant National Park, the river cruise and sand sledding/boarding is safe for all ages. Activities are weather dependant.
info@addocruises.co.za
4. Daniell Cheetah Project
Daniell Cheetah Project offers a unique educational Predator Tour by trained tour guides. This is a 1-hour guided educational tour to see and learn more about the animals and their conservation status and the work done here. Guests will be given the opportunity to visit a cheetah inside the cheetah’s enclosure.
5. Addo Wildlife eco tour and safari
Addo wildlife guides take you on a tour of the nature reserve situated on the banks of Sundays River. Learn about unique Eastern Cape plants and trees; view the reserves prolific wildlife; enjoy a scrumptious meal and refreshments at the boma on the bank of the river.
reservations@addowildlifel.co.za
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FOR MORE INFO CONTACT Addo Tourism
This route explores the spectacular strip of coastline between Gqeberha and East London, travelling via coastal towns and hamlets like Colchester, Alexandria, Kenton-on-Sea, Port Alfred and Kidds beach. The route’s major attraction is its magnificent sandy coastline with many rivers, resorts and activities along the way.
DID YOU KNOW?
Nelson Mandela Bay is the Bottlenose Dolphin capital of the world.
TOP 5 SUNSHINE COAST ICONIC BUCKETLIST EXPERIENCES:
- Learn to surf like a pro
- Golfing – two iconic golf courses
- Shipwreck hiking & canoe trail
- Pristine blue flag beaches
- Beach horse riding at Port Alfred or Kenton-on-Sea
Other epic activities and attractions:
- Climb the Campanile
- Take a river cruise on the Kowie River
- Hike the Alexandria sand dunes
- Cape Recife sunset tour
- Experience a township or city tour
- Route 67
- Nelson Mandela Bay Theatre Complex
There are also many other activities such as hiking, sandboarding, ocean safaris, horse riding, sunset tours and more!
1. Learn to surf like a pro
Shaka Surf School and surf camp is based in Port Alfred but operates in Kenton during holiday seasons. The forest surf camp boasts an upcycled treehouse – hired as a private unit or a dormitory that can sleep 6. The surf camp is on the edge of an ancient dune forest and boasts its own hiking trail and half pipe skateboard ramp. Surfing road trips.
082 335 4764
david@livewirenews.co.za
2. Golfing – two iconic golf courses
The Royal Port Alfred Golf Club’s undulated course snakes its way through thickets of pristine coastal forest and over hilly dunes in true links tradition. Panoramic views can be enjoyed from many of the fairways. Resident wildlife includes bushbuck, springbok, impala, blesbok, fallow deer, duiker, giant tortoises and abundant birdlife. The magnificent Gary Player Championship 18-hole golf course at Fish River Golf Resort incorporates bent grass greens and unique challenges presented by the natural landscape.
Royal Port Alfred Golf Course: 046 624 4796
Fish River Resort: 040 676 1101
3. Shipwreck hiking & canoe trail
The Kleinemonde West River Canoe Trail is situated 15km from Port Alfred. Experience the beauty of the river and magnificent bird and wildlife while you paddle in comfortable canoes to Lily Pad overnight hut – an easy ±8km paddle followed by a ±3km hike with your backpacks to ‘Lily Pad’ overnight hut – rustic but comfortable.
046 675 1321
adrift@mweb.co.za
4. Pristine blue flag beaches
The Sunshine Coast stretches from iconic Woody Cape in the west to the Great Fish River in the east. Over 100km of pristine and unspoilt coastline featuring majestic dunes, coves, rocky bays, stretches of golden sand, 10 rivers, ideal for water sports, paddling, canoeing, or just relaxing.
Sunshine Coast tourism – 046 624 1235
tourism@sunshinecoasttourism.co.za
5. Beach horse riding at Port Alfred or Kenton-on-Sea
Three Sisters Horse Trails – 15km outside of Port Alfred on the R72. Adventurous horse riding and hiking trails down steep dunes onto secluded beaches, and through dune forests with stunning views out to sea. Beachcombers Horse Trails – riding along golden beaches, exploring the many coves, dune fields and rivers along the way. Wildlife Safari – experience the thrill of galloping alongside herds of eland, giraffe and zebra!
Beachcomber Horse Trails: 083 281 3322
Three Sisters Horse Trails: 082 645 6345
3sistershorsetrails@gmail.com
FOR MORE INFO CONTACT Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism
This route traverses the area that was the scene of 9 frontier wars between the British and the Xhosa and the meeting place of 5 great cultures: San, Khoi-Khoi, Dutch, Xhosa and British. Frontier Country in its natural state is one of the most diverse regions on earth. Much of the pristine indigenous flora and fauna is still very accessible, making for breath-taking views, experiences and memories.
DID YOU KNOW?
Bathurst is home to the oldest continuously licensed pub in the country.
TOP 5 FRONTIER COUNTRY ICONIC
BUCKETLIST EXPERIENCES:
- National Arts Festival
- World-class Big 5 game viewing
- Pig & Whistle Pub
- Big Pineapple in Bathurst
- Makhanda museums
Other epic activities and attractions:
- World class game viewing
- Private game reserves
- Variety of museums & historical sites
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
You will also find many more experiences and activities!
1. National Arts Festival
The biggest annual celebration of arts on the African continent is held in the town of Makhanda. The event takes place in July and comprises a programme of drama, dance, physical theatre, comedy, opera, music, jazz, visual art, exhibitions, film, student theatre, street theatre, lectures, craft fair, workshops, city and historic tours and children’s entertainment.
2. World-class Big 5 game viewing
Enjoy game viewing in Frontier Country at one of these reserves: Kwantu, Blaauwkrantz, Shamwari, Amakhala, Bucklands, Kamala, Kwandwe, Bushman Sands, Great Fish River, Lalibela, Thomas Baines and Pumba.
3. The Pig & Whistle
Stop by the historic Pig and Whistle Inn while in Bathurst. This inn has been providing hospitality for over 180 years and is home to the oldest continuously licensed pub in South Africa!
4. The BIG Pineapple in Bathurst
Visit this unusual landmark in Bathurst. The worlds largest pineapple building constructed by the agricultural community in the 1980s. The building is 3 stories and contains a museum about pineapples as well as an observation platform.
5. Makhanda museums
Amazwi Museum of South African Literature
The Amazwi Museum is one of South Africa’s literary treasures. Tucked away in Makhanda in the Eastern Cape, Amazwi collects all creative writing by southern African authors who write in English, and in the following genres: novels, short stories, plays, essays, poetry, theatre, television and film scripts, autobiography, travel, letters, memoirs and diaries. Critical writing on the authors and their works is also collected, as well as writings on related subjects such as literary history, censorship and literary awards. These materials are collected in all formats: books, study guides, theses, literary manuscripts, press clippings and audio-visual material.
046 622 7042
Albany & Observatory Museum
The Albany Museum, established in 1855 and located in Makhanda, is the second oldest museum in South Africa. The Observatory Museum houses 1 of only 2 Victorian Cameras Obscura in the world – the other is in Bath (England) – with a magical mirror that reflects the town onto a large circular table.
Open: Mon – Fri 09h00 to 16h30
Closed: weekends and public holidays.
albanymuseum@ru.ac.za
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FOR MORE INFO CONTACT Makana Tourism
This route stretches from Adelaide in the west to Stutterheim in the east, with the majestic Amathole Mountains standing as a clear beacon on the horizon. Visit an area steeped in Xhosa culture and settler history. Activities in the area include trout fishing, canoeing, bass fishing, mountain biking, archery and abseiling.
DID YOU KNOW?
Some believe that Hogsback got its name from the three hog shaped mountains that are so prominent when you enter the village.
TOP 5 AMATOLE MOUNTAIN ICONIC BUCKETLIST EXPERIENCES:
- Madonna & Child Waterfall
- Take a selfie at the iconic bathtub at Away with the Fairies
- Explore the labyrinth at The Edge
- Hike the Amathole Trail
- Steve Biko Museum
Other epic activities and attractions:
- Stutterheim Engine Museum
- Mdantsane Township tour
- Hogsback eco-shrine, waterfalls & hiking
- Authentic cultural experience at Cata Village
There are also many other activities such as hiking, archery, abseiling, waterfalls, museums and more!
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FOR MORE INFO CONTACT Hogsback Tourism
Dubbed “the Friendly N6” because of the hospitality of the local people, this route offers natural history, trout fishing, 4x4 trails, a taste of farm life, meetings with living legends, and the pure bliss of driving around the mountain heights.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Eastern Cape Highlands borders the Kingdom of Lesotho.
TOP 5 FRIENDLY N6 ICONIC BUCKETLIST EXPERIENCES:
- On the Wartrail horse trails
- Fly fishing fresh waters
- Mountain Passes
- Alpine flowers
- Rock art
Other epic activities and attractions:
- Tsitsa Falls
- Naude’s Nek Pass
- Village of Rhodes
- Fly fishing
- Rock art and cave excursions
- Camino route
- Community arts experience
There are also many other activities such as hiking, mountain biking, birding and more!
1. On the Wartrail horse trails & day rides
Ride to the top of Senqu’s highest peaks, through picturesque valleys and rivers, to historical bushman paintings and sandstone features. Stay in self-catering, fully catered or cave-to-cave accommodation. Day rides, tailor-made group rides and annual rides for experienced cross-country riders. Bay Pass, a smartcard access card, provides you with free admission to a variety of attractions and activities.
083 578 7033
onthewartrail@gmail.com
2. Fly fishing fresh waters
The Rhodes/Barkly East area has amazing fly fishing opportunities with +/-150km of mountain steams available to anglers – Bell River, Kraai River, Bokspruit, Riflespruit, Sterkspruit, Kloppershoekspruit, Vloeikraalspruit and Langkloof River. Many of the pristine rivers and streams originate up to 3 000 metres above sea-level.
3. Mountain Passes
Take a tour of the mountain passes of the Eastern Cape!
• Naude’s Nek – Highest mountain pass in South Africa.
• Joubert’s Pass – Third highest mountain pass in South Africa.
• Volunteershoek – Up to Tiffindell Ski Resort and the highest point in the Cape.
• Carlisleshoek – And down the other side to the historical Rhodes Village
• Lundean’s Nek – Scenic route to Lesotho border at Telebridge.
• Bastervoetpad – Challenging driving and incredible views of the valleys below.
• Barkly Pass – The only tarred pass – the views are worth it!
• Otto Du Plessis – Wild and unspoiled with excellent birding.
• Karringmelkspruit – Tar, between Lady Grey & New England turnoff on the R58.
• Kraai River – Tar, between New England turnoff & Barkly East.
• Old Kraai River Pass & Loch Bridge – On the Barkly East to New England/Wartrail Road.
• Espachsberg – Very rough – between the R393 and R396.
045 971 9003
contact@shodesinfo.co.za
4. Alpine flowers
The montane grassland is host to alpine and sub-alpine species with best displays experienced at higher altitudes from November to April. Tiffindell usually puts on a good show in early December and Naudesnek is at its best in February. Guided tours can be arranged.
045 971 9003
contact@rhodesinfo.co.za
5. Rock art
The quaint village of Rhodes, situated in a remote corner of South Africa, has many rock art sites close by – some are open to the public. Painted by the San who lived and hunted in these mountains hundreds of years ago. Viewings are on private property.
045 971 9003
contact@rhodesinfo.co.za
FOR MORE INFO CONTACT Rhodes Tourism information
045 971 9003 I contact@rhodesinfo.co.za
The Wild Coast stretches from East London all the way north to Port Edward. The region is home to some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in the world. It is a place of steep green hills atop which sit clusters of traditional Xhosa mud huts; a land of windswept cliffs, deserted white beaches, forests, untameable waves and numerous shipwrecks.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Wild Coast is the birth and resting place of the late former South African President, struggle icon and world leader Nelson Mandela.
TOP 5 WILD COAST ICONIC BUCKETLIST EXPERIENCES:
- Visit the Hole in the Wall
- Wild Coast Hike
- Nelson Mandela Museum
- Wild coast beach horse ride
- Sardine Run
Other epic activities and attractions:
- Views from the Port St Johns airstrip
- Magwa Falls & Tea Plantation
- Cathedral Rock
- Chintsa
- Surfing lessons
- Mkambati waterfalls
- Waterfall Bluff
- Trevors Trail
- The Gates
- Cross the Kei River on the pont
1. Hole in the Wall
The Hole in the Wall is a rocky archway set just off the Wild Coast, south of Coffee Bay. The little holiday village close by shares the same name. This landmark was created millions of years ago through the continuous wave action against the sandstone and shale under the hard volcanic dolerite, creating the archway. It stands before the mouth of the Mpako River and is the source of many legends.
Take a 5-day Wild Coast Hike
Wild Coast trail routes are an absolute must-experience! Accommodation is available along the routes to ensure that your hikes are paced and you don’t miss out on the beautiful scenery along the way.
3. Visit Nelson Mandela Museum
The Transkei is the esteemed birthplace to many leaders of the Apartheid Revolution – the most recognised of them being Nelson Mandela. The Nelson Mandela Museum, endorsed by the icon himself, offers a rich heritage experience.
4. Wild Coast horse riding experience
Multiple Wild Coast horse riding options available for all levels of riders. Day rides suitable for local holiday makers (1-4hrs). Overnight base ride, staying at Kei Mouth Guest Lodge, with daily riding. Kei River Horse Trail – combination base ride with a 2 night /3 day trail up the coast or Wild Coast Horse Trail – 7 night /8 day trail for advanced riders.
5. Witness the incredible Sardine Run
The annual Sardine Run occurs along the Wild Coast from mid-June until late July. Explore photographic opportunities and in-water experiences as ocean predators gorge on millions of sardines on their migration. Scuba divers require an open water qualification and excellent buoyancy control. Snorkelers must be comfortable in deep water. All in-water users must be comfortable to encounter sharks. A moderate fitness level required for 7hr activity.
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