With its rolling hills, dense forests, unbeatable beaches, varied wildlife, friendly people and untouched beauty, the Eastern Cape is a treasure trove. Stretching from the Tsitsikamma National Park in the south to Port Edward in the north, the Eastern Cape’s breathtaking 800km coastline features expanses of golden beaches, great natural beauty and enticing attractions.
Its most significant natural asset is the magnificent Wild Coast, legendary for its unspoilt scenery. The province is also known for great surfing in Jeffreys Bay. Further inland, 72km from Port Elizabeth, there’s the Addo Elephant National Park, which offers a malaria-free bush escape. Home to not only the Big 5 (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) but the Big 7 (great white shark and southern right whale), the park is most renowned for its large populations of elephants. Visitors here enjoy excellent game viewing opportunities plus a variety of fun outdoor activities.
Why tour the Eastern Cape
- It’s the perfect bush and beach destination.
- To enjoy some of the country’s most beautiful, unspoiled white sand beaches.
- This part of South Africa is untouched and under-rated.
- It’s a haven for outdoor adventurers.
- Safari activities are enjoyed in areas that are entirely Malaria-free.
- To experience its rural charm and the traditions and culture of the Xhosa people.
- To see the endangered Cape Mountain Zebra in their natural habitat, in the Mountain Zebra National Park.
- To enjoy a secluded holiday, with uncrowded beaches.
- You can visit the Nelson Mandela Museum in Qunu, where the country’s famous President was born.
Explore this breathtaking part of South Africa to see hidden gems like the Hole in the Wall at Coffee Bay, and the lush and magical Tsitsikamma Forest, which stretches for 80km along the coast, offering an incredible a fairytale setting. Let Thompsons Holidays organise your Eastern Cape holiday. You won’t want to leave this magnificent destination.
Explore this magnificent province, home to some of the world’s most beautiful – and deserted – beaches, the breathtaking Tsitsikamma Mountains, the matchless beauty of the Wild Coast, the seaside resorts of Port Elizabeth and East London and numerous charming little towns like Grahamstown and historic Graaff Reinet, close to the otherworldly Valley of Desolation. There’s also famous Addo Elephant Park that offers excellent safari options plus numerous outdoor activities including guided walks, horse riding, hiking and 4x4 trails. Or, enjoy a bucket list experience, the Marine Eco-tour, with a possible glimpse of a great white shark and southern right whale.
Things to do on holiday in the Eastern Cape
- Visit the Friendly City, Port Elizabeth.
- Enjoy legendary surfing in beautiful Jeffrey’s Bay.
- Go on safari in the Addo Elephant National Park.
- Discover the Wild Coast’s untamed natural beauty.
- Take a walk along the Storms River Suspension Bridge.
- Enjoy a four-wheel-drive adventure in the rugged UNESCO-listed Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area.
- Visit Grahamstown in winter to enjoy the Grahamstown Arts Festival.
- Explore the quirky museum, Owl House in Nieu-Bethesda, once the home of artist Helen Martins.
- Go bungee jumping off Bloukrans Bridge, the world’s highest jump at 216m.
- See a variety of wildlife in Camdeboo National Park, including Cape Mountain Zebra.
- Explore the Olive Schreiner House Museum in Cradock, where the author wrote the famous book, “Story of an African Farm.”
- Visit the 36m-high Big Tree, the 800-year-old yellowwood near Storms River in the Tsitsikamma National Park.
Unbelievably scenic and almost entirely untouched, the Eastern Cape is a playground for families, honeymooners, and groups of friends. Experience it all on an Eastern Cape holiday package to take in this magical part of the world, where you can laze on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, enjoy exciting activities and visit some of South Africa’s hidden gems.
When is the best time to visit?
- The Eastern Cape is in a transitional climate zone without a distinct winter or summer rainfall pattern and is an enjoyable destination all year-round.
- The coast stays mild all year, but the winter months can get very cold inland.
- Wildlife viewing in the Eastern Cape is best during the driest winter months of June to September.
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Getting there & getting around
- The Eastern Cape is serviced by two main airports: Port Elizabeth and East London.
- Flight duration from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth: 1 hour, 35 minutes. To East London: 1 hour, 25 minutes.
- Flight duration from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth: 1 hour, 15 minutes. To East London: 1 hour, 30 minutes.
- Thompsons Holidays can assist with fly-in packages to all the above airports. Alternatively, we can offer accommodation-only packages for self-drive options.
- Don’t display cash or valuables. Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.
- Abide by the rules of the road.
- Be water-wise. The Eastern Cape is a water-scarce region and visitors need to use water as sparingly as possible.
- Support the local economy. Wherever possible, buy local food and souvenirs and support local artisans.
- Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line to assist.
- The Eastern Cape's enjoys a mild climate, but it is not uncommon to experience four seasons in one day!
- Layers are your best bet. You can spend the day in your beachwear and bundle up on the beach to watch the sunset.
- Comfortable shoes are a must for active pursuits.
- Binoculars for game drives and whale watching.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat for protection from the sun.
- Don’t forget your camera! Or just use your phone.
