The Eastern Cape province sits between Western Cape and Kwa Zulu Natal and stretches from Tsitsikamma area in the west to Port Edward on the eastern boundary. It is an area rich in cultural history and contains the large towns of Port Elizabeth and Port Edward both with interesting backgrounds of the early settlers.
The Wild Coast is part of the Eastern Cape province, and runs for about 200km between East London and Port Edward, including the major town of Port St Johns. The northern section of the Wild Coast is also known as Pondoland, and this is an area with a particularly high plant biodiversity, indeed it is a global biodiversty hotspot. This stretch of coastline is indeed wild, with rugged cliffs and gorges all along the coast, and remote areas of wilderness which are visited only rarely by tourists. Both Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki came from close to the Wild Coast, and cultural visits to find out more of the Xhosa and Pondo people can be arranged. The area is also known for fishing (for example at Mtentu Gorge), horse-riding, and bird watching, as well as the "Sardine Run" when the annual sardine migration attracts thousands of dolphins, birds, sharks and whales.
The Garden Route ends at Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape from Tsitsikamma and as such, visitors here often include the safari element of their South Africa itinerary in one of the many good game reserves near Port Elizabeth.
Safaris in Eastern Cape - this area offers a range of excellent game reserves, many of them 'big 5' and within easy reach of Port Elizabeth. Mostly offer guided inclusive game viewing in very nice accommodation and open vehicles but in Addo you can self drive if you wish.
Shamwari Game Reserve - founded in 1992, this private and well known reserve covers 20,000 hectares and has received numerous awards for conservation. It is in malaria-free bush land about one hour from Port Elizabeth. There are a range of eco-systems supporting a wide variety of natural history. There are 5 luxury lodges of very different styles in Shamwari, see seperate accommodation listings.
Amakhala Game Reserve is a family run, malaria free reserve with a varied landscape and 4 small lodges to choose from. The guiding here is excellent and there is a good conservation centre.
Addo Elephant Park has been a great conservation success and with the adjoining areas now making up the 'Greater Addo' region, there is a wide variety of game to be found here.
The coastal route along the Eastern Cape, between St Francis Bay and East London is sometimes known as 'The Sunshine Coast'. It is a malaria-free region, and incorporates the major towns of Port Elizabeth and East London, as well as miles of stunning beach, gorgeous bays and even some game reserves.
Main destinations on the Sunshine Coast include:
Cannon Rocks: This is a small seaside village not far from Kenton on Sea.
Jeffreys Bay: If you're a surfer, you'll know that this is the home of the best right hand point break in the world! If you're not, it is better known for beautiful beaches and proximity to great nature reserves.
St Francis Bay: This is about 1 hour's drive west of Port Elizabeth.
Kenton on Sea: Kenton is a small village roughly half way between Port Elizabeth and East London. It is known for its wide sandy beaches, sand dunes, and it is also between the two rivers of the Bushmans and the Kariega. It has generally excellent weather, with mild winters and superb summers.
Kariega Game Reserve and Sibuya Game Reserve are also within the coastal region.
