While not being as sought after compared to the neighbouring Western Cape, it’s contribution to South Africa’s historical past is immense. It was here where Nelson Mandela was born and in 2000, a museum opened its doors to coincide with the tenth anniversary of his release from jail. The museum can be found at Qunu on the N2, south of Umtata.
The Eastern Cape is furthermore abundant in natural magnificence too along with a balmy coastline appealing to surfers, amazing inland vistas of rolling farmlands and secret valleys not forgetting the Wild Coast. It’s reckoned to be one of the planet’s most luscious strips of seaside woodland.
The province’s most westerly shoreline accommodates the tail end of the world famous Garden Route, making it a pretty simple decision to carry on north-eastwards along the African shoreline, in the direction of the Eastern Cape.
The Eastern Cape is additionally a great safari holiday location with three malaria-free national parks, the Addo Elephant, Mountain Zebra and the Tsitsikamma National Park. Shamwari, between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, was the earliest private conservation initiative in the Eastern Cape. It has been a great achievement, both in terms of environmental ethics and as an exceptional holiday place, offering an ultra luxurious gambling or safari experience.
Port Elizabeth is the primary metropolis in the Eastern Cape and undoubtedly one of South Africa’s best kept secrets. As well as being a really good base for day excursions, PE (as it is known) has a diverse variety of shores and some excellent golf courses. Within the urban centre limits are nice walks, several great mountain bike trails, excellent surfing and sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and fantastic scuba diving.
You have most likely heard of the “Big Five” and yet the Eastern Cape is home to the “Big Seven”. Together with the conventional “Big Five” (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and Rhino), you may also discover the Great White Shark and the Southern Right Whale.
