The Eastern Cape boasts a remarkable natural diversity, ranging from the lush, evergreen Tsitsikamma Forest to the rugged Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area, Great Karoo and of course the stunning coastline.
Watersports can be enjoyed in abundance along the coast of the Eastern Cape from fishing to kloofing, sailing to surfing - the East Cape is known for its fantastic surf - and many more.
The malaria free Eastern Cape can accommodate any type of holiday maker, whether you want to relax on the beach, go on a real African safari and spot the 'Big 5', shop till you drop, hike through the gorgeous mountain range and find out about the wealth of fauna and flora or do all of the above, you can do them all in the Eastern Cape. The Eastern Cape also provides displays of prehistoric art in the form of rock paintings which were created thousands of years ago.
For those who enjoy the coast, Eastern Cape has lots to offer. Schoenmakerskop is a gorgeous little seaside village which has many scenic picnic spots, coves, rock pools and holiday resorts with safe bathing and fishing in tidal pools.
The Swartkops River Estuary is a fantastic place for those who enjoy water sports, power boating, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and angling can all be enjoyed there.
Bungee jumping is also very populat and takes place at the Gouritz River Bridge. They boast a 100% safety record!
You can also visit the Addo National Elephant Park 75km from Port Elizabeth, where you can view more than 450 elephants as well as other wildlife.
In summer, fishing catches include large reef fish and the annual sardine run brings fighting game fish. Southern right whales and their calves can be seen from the dunes during the months of May and November, and common and bottlenose dolphins are often seen close to shore too.
Sardinia Bay is a marine Reserve with many kilometres of unspoilt coastline and crystal-clear water - outstanding for those who enjoy diving, horse riding and scenic walks and hikes.
Despite its colonial history the Eastern Cape remains the home of the Xhosa-speaking people of South Africa. English and Afrikaans are also spoken here. Almost 7 million people reside meaning it has the third largest provincial population.
With two harbours and three Eastern Cape airports offering direct flights to the main centres, and an excellent road and rail system, the province has been earmarked as a priority for growth and economic development.
The climate varies considerably but the province remains a holiday location all year round. They experience about 7 hours of sun a day, with summers being hot and winters being moderate. The northern regions of the Eastern Cape are much cooler.
The shoreline of this province extends from the Umtamvuna River in KwaZulu Natal, to the Storms River mouth on the scenic garden route, in the west, and stretching inland, to the North, bordering on Lesotho. Today, the Eastern Cape incorporates the previously independent 'homelands' of the Ciskei and Transkei.
