Fall in LOVE with the Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape Province, located on the southeast coast of South Africa and towards the end of the Garden Route, is immensely diverse, offering thrilling adventure and authentic cultural experiences. The vast landscape of natural wide open spaces gives visitors the chance to explore beautiful biodiversity, from ancient indigenous forests and deep valleys to rocky sea cliffs and the 800km (497 miles) coastline stretching from the Tsitsikamma to the subtropical Wild Coast.
Adventure in the Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape offers a diverse range of adventure activities ranging from the world’s highest commercial bungee jump to sky diving along the coast. The Tsitsikamma region, dubbed the Adventure Zone, offers a wide variety of activities set against the backdrop of the magnificent Tsitsikamma National Park, indigenous forest, and rocky sea shore. This region is home to the tree top canopy tour, segway tours, ziplines, hiking, quad biking, kayak and lilo safari and so much more. As you travel the length and breadth of the province you will find an adventure experience to suit all tastes. Professional operators and tour guides will ensure a safe and memorable experience.
Authentic Xhosa Cultural Experiences
The Eastern Cape is the second largest Province in South Africa with a great deal of it being more rural. The dominant culture is the Xhosa culture and there are a variety of incredible authentic and eco-friendly tours making use of accommodation and activities in living villages and host communities. The variety of tours will enable you to learn more about local cultures and traditions and will bring you home to be part of our Eastern Cape families.
Highlights include, amongst other:
- Traditional dancing and singing
- Storytelling
- Local craft
- Traditional meals
- Volunteering
Book your authentic cultural experience
10 Laid Back Experiences
Below are the top 10 laid back experiences to appreciate the cultural offerings in the province.
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Natural Attractions in the Eastern Cape
For nature lovers there is so much to discover! The beauty of the Eastern Cape is undeniable, and if you look a little deeper, it will become even lovelier and more interesting.
The Eastern Cape encompasses 7 of South Africa’s 9 biomes thus giving rise to incredible diversity of flora and fauna and changing landscapes as you travel from one region to the next.
What is a biome?
A biome is a large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat, e.g. forest or tundra. The Eastern Cape has seven biomes (Nama Karoo; succulent Karoo; fynbos; forest; thicket; savanna and grassland) making it one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.
Top 10 sites to visit
Add these awe-inspiring natural wonders to your bucket list!
Hiking wide opens spaces of the Eastern Cape
Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the uncluttered Eastern Cape, with trails that lead you into the freedom of solitude. The magnificent and varied terrain of the Eastern Cape boasts some of the most popular hiking trails in South Africa, and the province is ranked as one of the premier outdoor adventure destinations in the country. Options range from strenuous trekking routes that take a few days to scenic walks meandering across streams, past waterfalls and wildlife, and along rugged coastal dunes. There are a number of supported and slackpacking trails as well as hikes you can enjoy independently.
Discover the untamed Wild Coast
The Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast, which stretches from the Mtamvuna River in the north to the Great Kei River in the south, is a superb destination for travellers looking for something a little off the beaten track. It is an untamed wilderness of wild, picturesque beaches, cliffs, sheltered bays, rolling hills and valleys. It is also one of the few places you’ll see cattle on the beach!
One of the most iconic of the natural wonders of the Wild Coast is Hole in the Wall in Coffee Bay. Living up to its name, this is a massive hole carved by the waves in a free-standing mountain (or island) in the water.
The mountain is impressive in stature, standing proud like a sentry at the shores of the Eastern Cape. The waves crash around it and burst through the hole; creating a stunning display of the power and magnitude of the ocean.The hills all around the Hole in the Wall are fantastic to climb and explore. There is also a grassy area where families can picnic, play, or simply relax as they enjoy the pure beauty around them.
This area is abundant in bird life, and keen birders should keep an eye out for some exciting species. These include the green-backed camaroptera, amethyst sunbird, yellow-fronted canary, dark-backed forest weaver, three-banded plover, African green pigeon, black-collared barbet, and the great double-collared sunbird. Of course, it’s also a fantastic fishing spot.
For those interested in marine life, southern right whales on their way from Antarctica to warmer waters frequent the Eastern Cape coastline between May and December each year. There are numerous spots along the coast that make for great whale-watching. Bottle-nosed dolphins are also a frequent sight along the coast.
The Eastern Cape welcomes you to Fall in LOVE and explore all this incredible destination has to offer. There are many rivers to cross, many mountains to climb and many memories for you to make!
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