Eastern Cape travel guide

South Africa’s Eastern Cape is largely un-developed. Scenic diversity is one of the most striking characteristics of the region, ranging from the lush, evergreen forests to the rugged wilderness areas, and the arid Great Karoo. See here for more travel information & holidays in Eastern Cape…

Sights and places to see in Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape is a great holiday Mecca offering an unbeatable and diverse mix of attractions as a family and adventure holiday destination. Scenic nature trails, magnificent wildlife experiences, long, golden beaches and a historic heritage, your holiday will be very exciting.

Port Elizabeth has numerous beautiful beaches, each with its own attractions and activities; this is why it is fast becoming known as the water sport capital of South Africa. Jeffery’s Bay is just a few kilometres from Port Elizabeth and offers some of the best waves in South Africa so needless to say it is a surfer’s paradise.

Addo Elephant National Park is just over 70 kilometres north of Port Elizabeth and offers a wide variety of game viewing, outdoor adventure and cultural experiences. The obvious main attraction is the park’s 350 or so African elephants but there are also black rhinos and cape buffalos.

Weather, flight and travel information in and around Eastern Cape 

South Africa has been favored by nature with one of the most temperate climates on the African continent, and can be visited comfortably any time. Winter runs from June to September and is cooler and drier, and ideal for hiking and outdoor pursuits. Because vegetation is less dense, and thirsty animals congregate around water sources, winter is also the best time for wildlife-watching. The summer runs from late November to March and brings rain, mists and some uncomfortably hot days

The country’s main international airports are in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. South African Airways is the main domestic carrier and there are plenty of daily flights to most destinations including Port Elizabeth.

Public roads in South Africa are well developed and well sign-posted, they also drive on the left-hand side. To hire a car you must have an international driver’s license and a minimum of 5 years experience. Public transport in South Africa is not as well established as foreign visitors may like. They are however being constantly being improved, but it is best to make sure that pre-plan your transport arrangements.

Money; South Africa’s currency is Rand (ZAR) - £1 = 13.84 ZAR approx

Time; GMT/UTC +2

Telephone; Country code 27

Last updated;  March, 09