Highlights
Wildlife
Elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo – the ‘Big 5’ all reside in the Eastern Cape, in a malaria-free environment, making it ideal for families. The birdlife here is wonderful, too; encounter species that may be entirely new to you, such as the White-Fronted Bee-Eater. Notable conservation areas include the Addo Elephant Park and Shamwari on Bushman’s River, our featured private game reserve, about an hour from Port Elizabeth. Along the coast, meanwhile, the ocean is rich in marine-life and there is a good chance that you will glimpse dolphins and the occasional whale from the beach – Algoa Bay is an easy outing and a favoured spot with Orcas, Humpbacks and Southern Rights.
Watersports
The Eastern Cape’s coastline skirts the Indian Ocean for 800km; highlights include Algoa Bay and the Port Elizabeth region, where some 40km of sensational beaches act as a magnet for lovers of water sports. The sea is warm and there is a pleasant breeze, making swimming, sailing, windsurfing and surfing all popular pastimes. Top picks for surfers include The Pipe, Millers Point, The Fence and Bluewater Bay – a truly wild and wonderful location for enthusiasts or spectators. Algoa Bay is also a mecca for sailing and diving, boasting shipwrecks, vibrant coral and abundant fish.
Nature
Mother Nature has crafted some of her finest handiwork in the Eastern Cape, and its huge variety of scenic topography is a characteristic of the area. The Tsitsikamma Forest is a must-visit, often described as the ‘Garden of the Garden Route’, an amazing ecosystem full of ancient trees towering over moss, ferns and fragile fungi. Other highlights include the rugged landscapes of the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area, the parched Great Karoo, the incredible Drakensberg peaks and the everchanging settings along the Wild Coast - an untamed and beautiful coastline punctuated with desolate beaches, secluded bays, rugged cliffs and velvet-green peninsulas.
Golf
The Eastern Cape is a good choice for golfers, offering a selection of excellent courses close to Shamwari. Particularly special courses include Bushman Sands, an 18-hole Gary Player classic, as well as the Port Elizabeth Golf Course, the country’s second oldest club, affectionately called ‘The Hill’. On the outskirts of town, the Humewood Golf Course boasts fast greens, rolling fairways and fantastic ocean views.