The Eastern Cape is scattered with traditional African villages and game reserves. Its long Sunshine Coast boasts some beautiful beaches and a rugged beauty too.
The birthplace of Nelson Mandela, the Eastern Cape, is known for its natural beauty. At the end of the Garden Route, the Eastern Cape’s capital, Gqeberha – previously known as Port Elizabeth – enjoys first-class beaches, distinctive Victorian terraces and plenty of trendy places to dine and drink.
The region is becoming a fast-growing nature conservation area in South Africa, and the main highlight of the Eastern Cape is its malaria-free game reserves.
For travellers seeking adventure, the Eastern Cape is full of adrenaline-racing opportunities. The Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park offers exceptional views of the ocean, craggy cliffs, and dark green undergrowth, while along the coast, among the miles of unspoilt beaches, are the world-renowned waters of Jeffrey’s Bay—second to none for South African surf.
Visitors wishing to learn about the country’s history will want to visit the Nelson Mandela Museum in Mthatha and its heritage centre at Qunu, close to where he grew up.
The Eastern Cape is home to the Xhosa people, an ethnic group that had resided in the area long before European settlers arrived in the 18th century. Interactions between the Xhosa and settlers often escalated into conflict, uprooting many tribes and forcing them to relocate.
In 1994, the region was declared an official South African Province, combining the original Xhosa homelands of Transkei and Ciskei. Initially, this caused some confusion as there were multiple official governmental offices within the province. This was later remedied with subsequent amendments to municipal and provincial boundaries, and with Bhisho being established as the main seat of government.
The Eastern Cape is home to an abundance of wild animals which roam free in national parks and private game reserves in the area. A holiday in the Eastern Cape means you’ll have excellent opportunities to see the Big Five (Cape buffalo, lion, elephant, rhino and leopard), along with giraffes, zebras, hyenas and warthogs.
Coastal cities such as Gqeberha (previously Port Elizabeth) and KuGompo City (previously East London) are great holiday destinations to spot whales and dolphins in the ocean. Keep your eyes peeled for the multitude of seabirds, such as albatrosses, petrels, cormorants and African penguins too!
In addition to varied fauna, the Eastern Cape also boasts a multitude of endemic plant life, including many rare shrub and flower species which are on the edge of extinction.
Since the Eastern Cape is so varied, with differing climates and geography, it is difficult to describe the weather for the region as a whole. In general, though, the Eastern Cape has a transitional climate and does not have a distinct summer or winter season, remaining fairly mild all year round.
In the northeast, towns like Port St Johns experience long, warm days but also receive a lot of rainfall. The Great Karoo, in the west, sees hot summer months and relatively moderate winters. As the altitude rises in towns with proximity to the mountain ranges, you can expect cooler temperatures.
The frequent sunshine in the east lends its name to the Sunshine Coast, the coastal region of the Eastern Cape. Port Elizabeth is a city that enjoys much of it, up to eight hours a day throughout the year. In winter, temperatures range between 7°C and 20°C and can reach up to 26°C during summer.
Overall, the weather within the Eastern Cape is always fairly moderate, and although it varies across the province due to the different climate zones, it never reaches extremes, making it a year-round holiday destination.
There is much to do in the Eastern Cape, from a selection of pristine beaches to explore along the coast to beautiful national parks filled to the brim with African wildlife.
Gqeberha (previously Port Elizabeth) is one of the most interesting cities in the region. A holiday in the Eastern Cape may see you relaxing on gorgeous sandy beaches. You can head out on a coastal boat tour to spot whales and see some of the country’s most popular wildlife, including rhinos and cheetahs, at the malaria-free Kariega Game Reserve. For a touch of luxury in the Eastern Cape, upgrade to the 5-star Settlers Drift Lodge in Kariega Game Reserve.
Another big draw to the area is the Addo Elephant National Park, where big game such as elephants, black rhinos and Cape buffaloes roam the plains. If it’s striped equines you’re after, the Mountain Zebra National Park definitely delivers.
For those who enjoy epic adventure and dramatic landscapes, the Drakensberg Mountains of the Eastern Cape Highlands do not disappoint. This impressive mountain range, which stretches into KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho, offers ample trekking opportunities and even the chance to take part in a bike tour around the peaks. In addition, the walls in the sandstone caves dotted around the mountains boast ancient San rock paintings that showcase the fascinating history of the region.
The Eastern Cape is a provincial area on the southeast coast of South Africa. The capital, Bhisho, is home to many governmental departments, though the two largest cities in the region are Gqeberha (previously Port Elizabeth) and KuGompo City (previously East London). Both cities lie on the coast of the Indian Ocean, offering spectacular views of and access to marine wildlife.
In the west of the province is the Great Karoo region, where the climate is arid; it becomes steadily wetter and greener as you move further east. There are temperate rainforests and beaches perfect for sunbathing along the coast. Most of the province is covered in rolling green hills, with mountainous terrain intersecting the region. The highest point here is Ben Macdhui Mountain, reaching 3,001m into the sky. With a diverse landscape and rugged geography, the Eastern Cape is a joy to explore.
Eastern Cape is part of a wider selection of SOUTH AFRICA holidays and accommodation.
