Eastern Cape, South Africa

The birthplace of former South African President Nelson Mandela, the Eastern Cape is home to legendary surf spots, malaria-free safaris, luxury lodges and landscapes rich in tribal history. Kid-friendly game reserves offer excellent game viewing. Meet the gentle giants of Addo Elephant Park. Jeffrey’s Bay is a surfer’s mecca.

Landing place of the British 1820 settlers, the area is rich in history of  the great battles fought between early settlers and Xhosa people.  

One of the Southern Destinations team comes from the Eastern Cape, and all of us love to visit the area, so contact us for first hand information and personalised itineraries.

An ideal family safari destination, lodges in the Eastern Cape are free of the malaria mosquitoes. Fun and educational kid's programmes and childcare facilities are a big attraction to certain safari lodges.  There is excellent game viewing - all of Africa's Big 5 (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard). Shamwari Game Reserve is affiliated to the Born Free Foundation, who work to protect threatened species in the wild. A natural extension to the Garden Route, experience an African safari adventure.

A rich history and the fact that it is a malaria-free area add to the appeal of the Eastern Cape. The private game reserves accommodate guests in lavish style and offer excellent game viewing.
Our favourite lodges in the Eastern Cape :
Kwandwe - the very best safari experience
Shamwari - luxury accommodation
Kariega -  is ideal for family safari's
Lalibela - awesome kids program

A megapark comprising some 164 000 hectares and covering 6 terrestrial habitats, Addo Elephant National Park was established in 1931 to shelter the region's last remaining elephants from angry farmers. In addition to 450 elephants, other species include black rhino, Cape Buffalo, zebra, eland, leopard, wild dog, cheetah and lion. It is the only park in South Africa where you can see the Big 7 (the Big 5 plus Whales and Great White Sharks).

A beach destination only 1.5 hours from Port Elizabeth, Cape St. Francis enjoys long sunshine hours, mild temperatures year round and pristine beaches. It is within the eastern sector of the Cape Floristic Region with a spectacular diversity of bird and plant species. Referred to as 'endless summer', it is a surfer's paradise and famous for its wave breaks. The lighthouse, built in 1878, is a National Monument. We recommend Dunes Country House, surrounded by indigenous gardens.

'Home of the perfect wave', J-Bay as known to locals, hosts the annual Billabong Pro international surfing contest. International and local surfers, young and old alike, flock to this seaside resort to surf the legendary Supertubes. Crowded in summer, this bustling town is bordered on both sides by nature reserves and rivers and is a paradise of sunshine, aloes, dolphins, classic reefs, seafood and shells. In addition to the surf shops on just about every corner, there is a thriving local craft industry.

Wide, well maintained roads make the Eastern Cape a perfect self-drive destination to explore. Fly into the 'friendly city', Port Elizabeth, and hire a car from there. Cape St. Francis is 1.5 hours drive, Jeffrey's Bay about an hour. Alternatively, transfers in chauffeur-driven vehicles can be arranged to some of the private game reserves. Get in touch with us and, depending on your needs, we'll put it all together for you.