Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape boasts a remarkable natural diversity, ranging from the lush, evergreen Tsitsikamma Forest to the rugged Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area, the southern slopes of the Drakensberg and the arid Great Karoo. It is known as the land of rolling hills, endless sweeps of rocky coves and sandy beaches, towering mountain ranges and verdant forests.
The main feature of the Eastern Cape is its astonishing coastline, which is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts; surfers ride the perfect waves, anglers reel in king-size catches, and board sailors revel in the challenge of the wind. Fine leisure resorts and splendid facilities ensure that there is something for every one!
Whether you’re in the mood for an informal seaside escape, an encounter with the Big Five on safari, or a choice of scintillating city diversions and rich natural tourist attractions, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in the Eastern Cape.
10 Reasons why the Eastern Cape is great:
- The people -warm, generous, forgiving, hospitable, driven and hard working.Diversity - a world in one province.
- The province's nine tour routes offer experiences from lush wilderness, semi-arid plains, unspoilt beaches to snow covered mountains, bushveld and wildlife, to the splendour of rural Wild Coast.
- Lifestyle - we successfully balance career and recreation, living close to the workplace, beaches and game reserves and within easy accessibility of great cities like Cape Town.
- Massive investment opportunities - The Eastern Cape is the only South African province boasting two industrial development zones. We are also building a deep water harbour that is set to take new generation container vessels.
- Beaches - from Plettenberg Bay's doorstep to Port Edward,kilometres of unspoilt, golden beaches, rocky stretches and protected bays are lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
- History - the stories of those incarcerated on Robben Island who fought for human rights are now world icons spreading the true meaning of forgiveness. The living legend of Nelson Mandela,the story of Black Consciousness leader and freedom fighter, Steve Biko, the arrival of the European settlers and the Frontier Wars-these are some of the stories that have shaped the history of the Eastern Cape.
- Food - fresh braaied seafood, succulent beef, sweet mielies, lamb bredie, samp and beans, biltong, Nanaga Pies, Bushy Park yoghurt and cream, Sunshine Juice, Mrs Balls Chutney, Springbok Carpaccio, Calamari....... there are tasted to suit every palette and you won't pay an arm and a leg for these scrumptious delicacies.
- Culture - The Eastern Cape population of over 6 millionis made up of a host of different cultural groups, all of whom have contributed to the diversity of the province.
- Sport - Eastern Cape people are great sports lovers. Some of the big names we have nurturedinclude World Champion boxer Vuyani Bungu, Springbok cricket legend Graeme Pollock and present cricket heroes Makaya Ntini, Mark Boucher, Hildton Ackerman, Tony Grieg, rugby's Brent Russell, Gcobani Bobo and HO de Villiers.
- No traffic jams and queues - although we boast a sound infrastructure and boundless economic opportunities, we enjoy a relaxed lifestyle.
10 Activities Eastern Cape Visitors prefer:
Going to the beach - 67 %
Shopping - 57.5 %
Soccer - 56.4 %
Visiting Nature Reserves - 49.5 %
Religious gatherings - 45.4 %
Visiting African cultural villages - 42.5 %
Visiting Museums, art galleries etc. - 41.8 %
Visiting African townships - 41.6 %
Meetings, conferences - 36.7 %
Dancing, nightclubs - 35.9 %
For more detailed information on the range of activities and facilities available, please contact the Eastern Cape Tourism Board on 043 701 9600.
