Eastern Cape
Here in the same week you can sunbathe on golden beaches or climb a
snow-capped mountain, hear the haunting
cry of the fish eagle, see an elephant closer than you dreamed, or discover
the essence of South Africa in
the far horizons of the arid Karoo.
The region is an ecological and cultural marvel and stretches from the
majestic, fern
carpeted forests of the Tsitsikamma in the west to the sunny shores of
the Sunshine Coast in the
east and the dramatic Karoo in the north. To the south is the country's
longest stretch of coastline,
lapped by the warm Indian Ocean, a perennial playground where surfers
find the "perfect wave" and dolphins
and whales frolic close in-shore.
Gateway to the region is Port Elizabeth, "The Friendly City",
with a rich history as the landing place of the
1820 Settlers. Come to a magical region of enchanting diversity - broad
beaches and birds, history and hikes,
tumbling waterfalls and scuba diving, surf and sailing, rhinos and rock
pools, steam trains and proteas,
Victorian villas and tradition Xhosa crafts. Here you'll find rivers
and ancient yellowwood
trees, deep-sea game fishing, many national monuments and the "Big
Five" can be seen in malaria-free surrounding.
The region has three national parks, splendid nature reserve and wilderness
areas, abundant wildlife, the
country's greatest variety of birds, the second biggest concentration
of fynbos (the Cape floral kingdom),
huge forests and one of the largest sand dune fields in the world. Culture
is not neglected and Grahamstown
annually stages one of the country's biggest arts festival.
Visitors can choose accommodation varying from luxury hotels to budget
self-catering chalets, or camp sites
under the stars. A network of farms and game lodges and private-game
reserves offer accommodation, some with
hunting and game spotting.
Tsitsikamma is one of the wonderlands of South Africa. Indigenous forests
with ancient yellowwood tress,
mountains, rivers, deep gorges, a rugged coastline, lush vegetation,
fynbos, and a rich animal and bird life
combine to create an area which enchants visitors. Tsitsikamma lies between
the Tsitsikamma Mountain range
and coastline, half-way between George and Port Elizabeth. Attractions
include the Big Tree whih is
37m tall and 800 years old.
The Kouga region, with its superb coastline, fertile green valleys,
mountains and fynbos, attracts
holiday-makers of all ages. Jeffreys Bay, St Francis Bay, Cape St Francis
and other coastal resorts are
sought-after destinations among those in search of sea and sun. Blessed
with golden beaches,
the "perfect wave" and rivers and streams, this is a land of
plenty for those in pursuit of outdoor activities.
Sandy beaches sloping into warm waters, broad rivers and estuaries and
world-renowned
surfing spots have created a paradise for water-sport enthusiasts at
St Francis Bay. From Cape St Francis
to Cape Recife, the vast bay encompasses a large number of delightful
holiday spots, including the
Cape St Francis resort, St Francis Bay village and Jeffreys Bay.
The rivers are ideal for canoeing, swimming, motor-boating, water-skiing,
sailing, boardsailing and fishing.
The coastline also offers opportunities for deep sea and rock angling,
diving, swimming and surfing,
making every surfer's dream . For landlubbers, there is golf, bowls,
tennis, bird-watching, countryside hikes and walks along the
magnificent beaches. The 268ha Cape St Francis Nature Reserve and the
Irma Booysen Flora Reserve
are protected areas of endangered coastal dune fynbos, providing a habitat
for the Cape clawless otter,
bushbuck, lynx, jackal and spotted genet.
Port Elizabeth is the main city of the Eastern Cape Province and is
the gateway to a fascinating
and historic hinterland. The turquoise waters and sandy Shores of Algoa
Bay lead inland to scenic masterpieces,
architectural treasures, wild flowers and animals in their natural habitats.
The famous Addo Elephant National Park is home to 200 elephants. The
luxurious Shamwari Game Reserve offers
an opportunity to see the "Big Five" in malaria-free surroundings.
Uitenhage, established in 1804,
is a contrast of charming old buildings and modern history.
Van Staden's Wild Flower Reserve is a world of glorious indigenous flowers
in peaceful
surroundings. Mountains, rivers and forests are all within easy reach.
Port Elizabeth and its environs
offer a remarkable combination of natural and man-made attractions.
The Sunshine Coast, from Port Elizabeth to the Fish River, is a stretch
of coastline full of interest for
holiday-makers and a paradise for lovers of water sports. Along the coast
are many resorts for year-round
holidaying for the whole family. Plenty of sunshine, fine beaches, rocky
stretches for anglers, sheltered
coves and pools for children, boardsailing and surfing for teenagers
- the Sunshine Coast has an abundance
of sun and sea delights for everyone.
Explore the fascinating history, visit game and nature reserves, see
its off-shore islands, sight whales, visit the unique Alexandria dune
fields, hike through its lovely
countryside, or speed out to sea in a ski-boat. Even when the sun sets
on the Sunshine Coast, there is
plenty of sparkling entertainment, including the nearby Fish River Casino. |