Explore the remarkable wonders of the Eastern Cape in South Africa through “Amazing Places to Visit in Eastern Cape”. This captivating region entices visitors with its diverse collection of national parks, awe-inspiring landscapes, and extensive stretches of pristine coastline along the Indian Ocean.
South Africa’s second-largest province may be most known for its stunning natural attractions, but its booming cities and beautiful villages and towns are just as intriguing. The province’s multicultural population speaks Xhosa, English, and Afrikaans, among other languages.
Most tourists come to the Eastern Cape to see well-known attractions like Addo Elephant National Park, the Grahamstown National Arts Festival, and the surfing mecca of Jeffrey’s Bay. However, the region is rife with undiscovered gems.
15. Coffee Bay
Coffee Bay, located in the Eastern Cape along the Wild Coast, lives up to its name. The green hills that rise behind its gorgeous sandy beaches provide for a picturesque backdrop.
It’s relaxing and tranquil to spend time in the small rural Xhosa community. Outdoor enthusiasts can go hiking in the beautiful wilderness regions, while surfers will like the large waves and pristine beaches.
The Hole in the Wall is an iconic landmark that abruptly juts out into the water from the center of a crumbling cliff.
14. Schotia Game Reserve
Schotia Game Reserve, close to the east of Addo Elephant National Park, is a great destination for safari enthusiasts. The reserve is home to 2,000 animals, many of which can be seen in close proximity, including lions, rhinos, elephants, and more.
The vast African sky stares down on sun-kissed grassland at Schotia, the oldest private game reserve in the region, displaying scenery as stunningly gorgeous as the animals themselves.
One of the best ways to make the most of a visit to Schotia is to spend the night in one of the lodges there and have a braai as the sun goes down over the reserve and the stars come out.
Amazing Places to Visit in Eastern Cape: Rhodes
Rhodes may not be very big, but it packs a lot of punch in terms of attractions. It’s a fantastic place to start or end a climbing or trekking adventure because of its closeness to the Cape Peninsula’s tallest peak, Ben Macdhui.
You can find Rhodes only 18 kilometers from the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, and it has a rich and fascinating history. Legend has it that after suffering several invasions at the hands of Boers, the village’s residents, hoping to win the favor of mining tycoon Cecil Rhodes, gave it the name they had long used for the village.
Rhodes is a quiet, laid-back village for the most part of the year, but the streets come to life during the annual Rhodes Trail Run, Rhodes Mountain Bike Challenge, and the Wild Trout Festival.
12. Tsitsikamma National Park
There is some really breathtaking beauty on display at Tsitsikamma National Park, which includes gorgeous beaches, lush forests, and sparkling rivers that wind their way to the sea. So, if you’re looking for a location to go outside, you’ve found the right spot.
This beautiful section of Garden Route National Park is sure to please outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes thanks to its abundance of hiking trails, kayaking opportunities, snorkeling spots, and mountain bike trails.
Visitors can observe dolphins, porpoises, and whales in their natural habitat while strolling along beautiful trails like the Otter Trail. Tsitsikamma National Park is a must-see because of its stunning beauty and plenty of exciting activities.
11. Hogsback
Hogsback is situated in a picture-perfect location, with three picturesque peaks overlooking the tranquil village from high in the Amathole Mountains and among beautiful forests on all sides.
Hogsback attracts visitors from all over the world due to its picturesque landscape and quaint cottages and gardens.
There are a plethora of stunning hiking trails and paths that wind their way through the local forests and mountains. These paths lead to vantage points with breathtaking views of the Amathole Mountains, passing through glistening waterfalls on the way.
Amazing Places to Visit in Eastern Cape: Graaff-Reinet
Graaff-Reinet is one of the country’s oldest towns, having been founded in 1786 by the Dutch East India Company. Because of its long and storied past, it is home to many important historical monuments and cultural landmarks.
The town of Graaff-Reinet is surrounded by the scenic Camdeboo National Park, which has towering mountains and a wide variety of farms and wildlife reserves.
The town is wonderful for those in search of peace and quiet, as it provides an ideal blend of culture, history, and environment.
9. Mountain Zebra National Park
In spite of being established in 1937 to save the natural habitat of the Cape Mountain zebra, this magnificent national park is home to many other species, including lions, cheetahs, buffalo, and rhinos.
You can view the beautiful Cape Mountain zebra on any of the park’s paths or roads, whether you’re on foot or in a 4×4, and the landscape you’ll encounter will be breathtaking no matter how you choose to explore it.
Another great way to visit Mountain Zebra National Park is to spend the night under the stars at a campsite or in one of the park’s cottages, as the park’s wild and rocky landscapes take on a whole new appearance as the day draws to a close and night falls.
8. Cintsa
Located at the mouth of the Cintsa River, the peaceful village of the same name is an ideal weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of surrounding East London.
The village has a stunning coastal setting, with a magnificent sandy beach, lush forests, and tranquil rolling hills. There are also lagoons and rivers in the area.
Many visitors to Cintsa enjoy canoeing and fishing in the rushing rivers or horseback riding along the beach, thanks to the abundance of natural attractions. The alternative is to do nothing more than lie on the beach and soak in the natural beauty that surrounds you.
Amazing Places to Visit in Eastern Cape: Port St Johns
Port St. Johns is worth the trip since it is located in one of the most picturesque parts of the country. The town is surrounded by steep gorges, dense forests, and high mountains, and the Umzimvubu River runs directly through the center of town.
Many visitors come to Port St. Johns to enjoy the area’s natural beauty by going hiking, kayaking, fishing, or whale watching, but the town’s lively atmosphere and multicultural character are also major draws.
Located in Xhosa country, the town also speaks Afrikaans and English, and crumbling colonial-era structures hint to the town’s mixed background. The town’s bustling but laid-back character has long drawn travelers and hippies.
Port St. Johns is definitely worth a visit if you have the opportunity, since it is just a short walk from the spectacular natural beauty of the Wild Coast.
6. East London
East London, on the southeast coast, is the biggest city in the Eastern Cape and the only river port in the whole country of South Africa. The city’s location on the Sunshine Coast, which is blessed with natural beauty and pristine beaches, has made it a hotspot for tourists from all over the world.
As a result, it offers the full complement of services one would anticipate from a city of its size, including an abundance of high-quality restaurants, bars, and hotel options.
Visit the East London Museum to learn about the Khoisan people who formerly lived here and the Xhosa-British wars that took place during the 19th century Frontier Wars if you want to get a feel for the region’s long and storied past.
5. Camdeboo National Park
You should not miss the chance to explore Camdeboo National Park, which is home to amazing features with imposing names like the Valley of Desolation and the Cathedral of Mountains.
Mountain biking, hiking, and windsurfing and canoeing at Nqweba Dam are just a few of the exciting sports available to you here, and the scenery and views alone are worth the trip.
The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including buffalo, springbok, and wildebeest, so tourists can enjoy a day of birdwatching or game viewing in addition to everything else. The enormous Karoo plains, dramatically overshadowed by collapsing, jagged rock formations, are the undeniable centerpiece, though.
Amazing Places to Visit in Eastern Cape: Grahamstown
The town’s official name was changed in June 2018 to Makhanda, after a renowned Xhosa warrior and prophet, while many people still refer to it as Grahamstown. The town’s new name reflects its turbulent history as a focal point of conflict between British colonists and Xhosa tribesmen during the Frontier Wars.
The multicultural town has come into its own in recent years, and there are now several interesting museums to visit. Numerous people visit Makhanda annually for both the National Arts Festival (the biggest arts event in Africa) and SciFest Africa.
In addition, there is a beautiful stretch of coastline within easy driving distance, and Big Five game reserves are also close by.
3. Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth is one of South Africa’s major cities, and it’s known by the nickname “PE” (or “the Windy City”). It is located on the Sunshine Coast, near the end of the Garden Route. In addition to its numerous stunning beaches, the province of Prince Edward Island also offers a wealth of exciting activities, including a number of excellent surfing sites.
The downtown area has undergone renovations in recent years, and as a result, there are several excellent eating and drinking establishments there that contribute much to the town’s unique ethnic character.
Port Elizabeth boasts a wide variety of attractions, from the nearby Addo Elephant National Park to the opportunity to go whale and dolphin watching.
2. Jeffreys Bay
Surfers from all over the world go to Jeffrey’s Bay to try out the notoriously difficult Jeffrey’s Bay Surf Break, making it one of the most well-known surfing locations in the world.
The town’s chill atmosphere can be attributed to the abundance of surfers that congregate on its gorgeous beach and the number of coffee shops and seaside restaurants and cafés.
Even though most visitors come to Jeffrey’s Bay for the surf, sea, and sunshine, the area is surrounded by some stunning nature preserves. Great hiking opportunities and excellent birding can be found along the two rivers that flank it.
Amazing Places to Visit in Eastern Cape: Addo Elephant National Park
Addo Elephant National Park, conveniently located near Port Elizabeth, is the country’s third-largest national park and home to a diverse array of landscapes, wildlife, and vegetation.
More than 600 elephants live there, and you can also see lions, buffalo, leopards, and other big cats in their natural environment.
Visitors can spend the night under the stars at one of the park’s campsites, go on a hike or a bike ride in the park’s beautiful Zuurberg Mountains, or take a walk along the park’s coastline sand dunes. Addo Elephant National Park is the most visited attraction in all of the Eastern Cape, and with good reason.
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