South Africa Accommodation

~ ABOUT EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE ~

Eastern Cape: What exactly is it that makes the Eastern Cape such a magnificent holiday destination? Could it be the absolute diversity of it's scenic landscape? From fresh lush forests, uncorrupted by civilisation to bare, thirsty deserts echoing with sounds of silence. From towering sandstone cliffs to kilometers of pristine coastline – constantly being lapped at by the brilliant green sea. Close your eyes and imagine it for a minute,... it’s beautiful.

With its national parks and game reserves, the Eastern Cape is home to an abundance of wildlife. The Mountain Zebra National Park is a must-see. It is here that the rare Cape Mountain Zebra were saved from extinction.

Another rare specimen, found exclusively in the Addo Elephant National Park is the one and only Addo Flightless Dung Beetle! Like the name suggests, they are a species of Dung Beatles unable to fly. Like in a storybook, perhaps Alice In Wonderland for example, it is here where one will see signs erected throughout the park – ‘Dung Beetles Have Right Of Way’ – ‘Do Not Drive Over Dung Beetles Or Elephant Dung’. After all, we are giants in this incredible creatures world…

Other animals which one may have the privilege of seeing are the Black Rhino, Buffalo, Eland, Warthog, The Stanley's Bustard and the Blue Crane - to mention a few. The Eastern Cape also boasts beautiful displays of what I like to call ‘prehistoric fine art’ – in the form of rock paintings. These are some of the highlights that the many winding hiking trails offer along with spectacular views.

For those of you who enjoy the coast, the Eastern Cape offers splendid opportunities for fishing, sunbathing and swimming. If you are a surfer, you may be lucky enough to catch your perfect wave at one of the popular internationally known surfing spots. Other water sports such as Canoeing, rubber ducking, windsurfing and diving are a few of many attractions that this un-spoilt coastline has to offers.

The Towns and Cities have a welcoming atmosphere and are bustling with friendly beings always happy to chat with any tourist. Enjoy an evening meal at a fine restaurant or spend some time lapping up history at a museum while you send the kids to the cinema! If a spot of shopping serves to be the ‘Icing on the cake’ of your holiday - then one is sure to be spoilt for choice. Flea markets are popular too.

All holidays are unique, and so is the accommodation available in the Eastern Cape. Depending on the type of holiday one is after, accommodation venues range from beautiful hotels and game lodges to guest houses, bed and breakfasts, apartments, villas, game reserves, country houses, farm stays and self catering cottages.

Are you seeking a holiday full of adventure or simply time-out? The Eastern Cape offers it all. From wild safari’s to romantic honeymoon trips, you are sure to find an accommodation venue to suit your needs perfectly. The Eastern Cape is a malaria free area and has a climate that varies between areas. The coastal regions enjoy beautiful hot summers and moderate winters while Port Elizabeth and its nearby surrounding areas boast 8 hours of sunshine a day! The Northern regions are generally much cooler in comparison to the coastal areas.

The Eastern Cape coastline stretches form the Tsitsikamma National park in the south all the way up to Port Edward, in the far north. Indigenous forest and picturesque beaches lines this 800km coastline, which we call the ‘Sunshine Coast’. Full of culture and history, this is home to the Xhosa Nation. One of the most famous descendants of this area is Nelson Mandela, one of South Africa’s former presidents.

The Eastern Cape comprises of two major cities, those being Port Elizabeth and East London with there up-to-scratch tourist facilities and many tourist attractions. Smaller popular towns include Grahamstown, Bathurst and Port Alfred.