Welcome to the Eastern Cape, a captivating destination where adventure meets tranquillity, and breath-taking landscapes await your discovery. Nestled on the South Eastern coast of South Africa, this region offers a remarkable array of diverse experiences, from pristine beaches and rugged cliffs to vibrant cities and serene countryside. Book your journey through the Eastern Cape and explore its remarkable locations, discover its unique personality, and uncover the secrets of this enchanting destination.
For adventure seekers, the Eastern Cape offers a wide range of sustainable activities that allow you to explore its natural beauty while minimizing your impact on the environment. Embark on a thrilling safari in one of the region’s private game reserves, where you can spot the Big Five and learn about conservation efforts or hike with the locals to explore the Wild Coast region and enjoy the natural wonders of nature. So, don’t miss out on the opportunity to embark on an unforgettable sustainable adventure experience in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. Book your Eastern Cape South African holiday today and be prepared to be amazed.
Fair Trade Tourism is a not-for-profit company that provides a networking platform, business support, and certification to support the tourism sector to operate with Fair Trade Tourism’s six principles and responsible tourism embedded in their day-to-day tourism offering. The Eastern Cape has the following certified unique experiences:
Cape St Francis Resort
Discover this unique and exclusive paradise on the Eastern Cape coast which draws holiday makers from all over the world. Bordering the beach at Cape St Francis and just 90 minutes from the Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) airport, Cape St Francis Resort ticks all the boxes as a perfect beach holiday destination. The Resorts’ unique setting with a selection of accommodation options from conventional hotel rooms, three- and four-bedroom cottages or luxury beach villas appeals to couples, families and anyone who loves a beach holiday.
Renowned as a water sport paradise with surfing, kitesurfing, surf ski and canoe paddling on the beautiful waters off both Cape St Francis and St Francis Bay’s as well as on the nearby Kromme River. For golfers, the top ten rated St Francis Links offers the keen golfer an excellent challenge of links golf with the nearby St Francis Bay Golf Club offering an easier but still challenging round of golf.
For golfers, the top ten rated St Francis Links offers the keen golfer an excellent challenge of links golf with the nearby St Francis Bay Golf Club offering an easier but still challenging round of golf.
Amakhala Game Reserve – Safari Lodge
With signature stone-capped roof tops the four-star rated Safari Lodge is set in a valley of indigenous bush at the northern boundary of the Amakhala Game Reserve. Safari Lodge offers the three-day Tuskers Package which, along with activities on Amakhala offers a game drive into the renowned Big 7, Addo Elephant National Park.
African tribal design-inspired owners and artists, Mike and Justine Weeks’ meticulous attention to detail is reflected in the fine African beadwork and handcrafted designs that are evident throughout this prestigious lodge. This thatched lodge with its unique safari suites and signature stone-capped roof tops, offers all the comforts of a luxury lodge and is an undisturbed retreat where you can regenerate your soul and tune into the sounds of nature. The view from the safari suites and lounge area is of the waterhole where monkeys come to play and antelope and zebra to quench their thirst. The Safari Lodge sleeps 24 people in 11 luxury suites complete with private plunge pools and separate lounge areas. Large beds draped with mosquito nets, sparkling wine on ice alongside a double bath filled with aromatherapy scented bubbles make this a favourite for honeymooners and the romantic at heart.
Bulungula – Xhosa Eco-Lodge on the Wild Coast
Situated on the breath-taking Wild Coast, the Lodge is nestled in one of the most beautiful locations in South Africa. An eco-friendly, Fair Trade certified, affordable, multi-night destination for backpackers and cultural wanderers of this Earth. The Bulungula Lodge sustains local culture and the planet, and is managed by the vibrant, traditional Nqileni village, a Xhosa community. Something different happens every day. Go fishing with local fishermen, experience traditional culture on our village tours, learn to drum or join a guided hike along the coast! All these businesses are 100% owned and run by members of the local community so your money goes where it’s most needed.
Coffee Shack Backpackers
Coffee Shack strives to create and maintain a unique social environment, with a special ambience and feel which allows all people to feel at ease immediately and is reflective of the hospitality that Africa is renowned for. The medium for this, is a beautiful setting and environment, and most importantly energetic and friendly staff. The staff at Coffee Shack strive to know guests by name and get to know their preferences. They encourage guests to participate in all available activities thus allowing them to discover and experience more of the Wild Coast’s natural and cultural attractions. Through the activities available they hope guests meet other guests and staff, making new friendships and lasting bonds. Ultimately encouraging guests not to leave after one day, having therefore missed the beauty of the Wild Coast and having not had the “Coffee Shack experience”
Oyster Bay Lodge
Oyster Bay Lodge is located between Knysna and Gqeberha (previously Port Elizabeth) in a beautiful coastal reserve which is set on 100 hectares and boasts a pristine 3.5 km beach, magnificent dunes, picturesque woods, river deltas, wetlands, lagoons, free roaming horses, and an extensive birdlife.
The accommodation consists of 4 ‘Cape Dutch’ Suites and 10 comfortable guestrooms with optional services. The 4-star luxury lodge is conveniently located for outings to Tsitsikamma National Park, Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site, St Francis Bay or Addo Elephant National Park.
Horse riding or sandboarding, bird watching or whale watching, hiking or fat biking, beach picnic or a safari in the dunes, they host a variety of fun activities on site or in the surrounding area, giving guests the opportunity to experience the coastal reserve.
Storms River Adventures
Stormsriver Adventures is a responsible tourism company and professional market leader in cable sliding (or zip-lining). Based in the heart of the majestic Tsitsikamma National Forest, we offer several eco-adventure activities including the Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour (a “FIRST IN AFRICA”), Woodcutters Journey, Guided Hikes and Team Building.
More than just an adventure company in the Stormsriver Village, we have been deeply committed to upliftment since 1998, employing, training and empowering members of the local community: 90% of our staff is from the area and our Equity and Skills Development Plan has resulted in staff members becoming shareholders (currently owning 48%) as well as progressing to senior management positions within the company. It is our ethos to actively invest in both our people and our environment.
Sandcastle Luxury Villa
Sandcastle Luxury Villa is a secluded sanctuary, situated amidst the rolling hills of the Eastern Cape, with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. It is surrounded by the unbridled natural beauty of an ancient coastal nature reserve, teeming with wildlife, and overlooks an expansive privately accessed beachfront. The villa can accommodate eight guests in four en-suite, ocean-facing bedrooms and features a host of well-designed living spaces. Sandcastle’s fully serviced, exclusive-use offering is provided by a villa manager, private chef and full-housekeeping team which are on hand for the duration of a guest’s stay. A dedicated field guide is also available for those looking to enjoy the surrounds of the villa, be it, game walks, beach walks or fishing along the Gqutwa River which runs through the property.
Booked for sole-use, Sandcastle is ideal the ultimate luxury family escape for those travelling with a sizeable brood, or those who want a piece of the African wilderness and beach all to themselves. Sandcastle is loved by extended families and groups of friends.
Pabala Private Nature Reserve
Pabala Private Nature Reserve is situated in the malaria-free Eastern Cape province of South Africa, nestled in the Loerie district of the Gamtoos Valley (meaning roaring Lion). The reserve is perfectly located between the Tsitsikamma/Garden Route and the Addo Elephant National Park and a mere 40mins drive from the Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site – Eastern entrance. At Pabala you can enjoy open landscapes with breath-taking views of nature and wildlife. Enjoy their guided safari experience, Fynbos nature walks, craft distilled gin, rum & vodka tastings or an incredible honeybee experience with live open beehive visits, honey bottling and honey tasting. For an authentic conservation bush escape, this nature haven is hard to beat.
UBuntu Bridge invites you to experience the spirit of ubuntu and reconciliation in South Africa through our culturally sensitive, community inclusive, language learning yoga retreats.
Treat yourself with daily Yoga to nourish your body, Xhosa language lessons to expand your mind and heart-warming interactions to feed your soul.
Our relaxing and enjoyable retreats are set in coastal paradise on the Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape, Nelson Mandela’s traditional homeland in South Africa.
The YhoXhosa Retreat is for people who want to learn some basic Xhosa language skills whilst experiencing elements of everyday rural Xhosa village life, a rare and touching experience. Students of all levels (even absolute beginners) can participate in locally run tourism activities like the village tour, the women’s power tour, the herbalist in the forest or canoeing up the exquisite river mouths that border the village.
Against the backdrop of the breath-taking Wild Coast scenery, YhoXhosa has its emphasis on cultural heritage and environmental conservation. The Retreat encourages responsible tourism practices and works closely with the local community to boost the rural businesses and economy. The venue for the Retreat is the charmingly rustic, eco-friendly, off-grid and community-owned Bulungula Lodge.
