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.