Eastern Cape

From lush tropical forests to uninhabited desert expanses, and from easy-going hammock time to adrenaline-pumping adventures, the Eastern Cape offers a wide range of topography and experiences. Compared with the more developed Western Cape, it can feel like a different country and provides opportunities to learn about Xhosa culture. Some of South Africa's finest hiking (and slackpacking) trails wind along the province's largely undeveloped coastline and through its mountainous, waterfall-filled landscapes.

Private wildlife reserves and national and regional parks abound: see the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) or migrating whales and dolphins. You’ll find tranquillity and culture in the towns of the semi-arid Karoo; the imposing Drakensberg peaks and little-known valleys in the Highlands; good surfing in the Indian Ocean, coupled with amazing cultural experiences on the Wild Coast; and history throughout, including the legacy of some famous local sons – Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo and Steve Biko.

Explore Eastern Cape

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Eastern Cape.

  • Natural Feature

    Valley of Desolation

    The park’s most popular sight, the Valley of Desolation is a hauntingly beautiful valley with outstanding views – the rugged, piled dolerite columns are…

  • Museum

    Nelson Mandela Museum

    Set aside at least two hours for this inspiring museum right in the centre. It offers visitors a fascinating journey through the life of Nelson Mandela…

  • National Park

    Camdeboo National Park

    Camdeboo National Park covers an area of 194 sq km and almost completely surrounds the town of Graaff-Reinet. There are plenty of animals including…

  • National Park

    Addo Elephant National Park

    Located 70km north of Port Elizabeth, South Africa's third-largest national park protects the remnants of the huge elephant herds that once roamed the…

  • National Park

    Mountain Zebra National Park

    This underrated national park, 12km west of Cradock, is on the northern slopes of the Bankberg Range (2000m), covers 280 sq km and has superb views over…

  • Wildlife Reserve

    Schotia Game Reserve

    The smallest (and busiest) private reserve in the Addo area, Schotia is contiguous with Addo (accessed from the N10 south of Paterson). Aiming to evoke…

  • Nature Reserve

    Silaka Nature Reserve

    This small reserve, 6km south of Port St Johns, is worth a visit if you want to soak up the stunning scenery. It runs from Second Beach past Third Beach…

  • Wildlife Reserve

    Amakhala Game Reserve

    This reserve roughly 70km from PE is well worth a stay: it's beautiful, tranquil and easily accessible, and it supports a large diversity of fauna,…

  • Nature Reserve

    Dwesa Nature Reserve

    One of South Africa's most remote and beautiful reserves, Dwesa Nature Reserve blends lush forests, winding rivers, open grassland and rugged coastline,…

  • Historic Building

    Owl House

    The idiosyncratic vision that inspired artist Helen Martins (1897–1976) to turn her home and studio into a singular work of outsider art is the bedrock of…

  • Museum

    Schreiner House Museum

    Olive Schreiner is best known for her classic Karoo novel, Story of an African Farm. Published in 1883 under the pseudonym Ralph Iron, this provocative…

  • Nature Reserve

    Hluleka Nature Reserve

    Approximately midway between Coffee Bay and Port St Johns, this nature reserve is known for its spectacular coastline of rocky seashores, pristine beaches…

  • Park

    Donkin Reserve

    This pleasant hilltop park is a good place to get your bearings, particularly if you climb to the top of the lighthouse. The pyramid is a memorial to…

  • Wildlife Reserve

    Sibuya Game Reserve

    A few kilometres north of Kenton-on-Sea, Sibuya is a wonderfully scenic place to see a variety of wildlife, including a few lions, white rhinos, elephants…

  • Park

    Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area

    One of South Africa's largest conservation areas, Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area is a World Heritage Site between the Kouga and Baviaanskloof mountains,…

  • Wildlife Reserve

    Kariega Game Reserve

    An upmarket (but not luxurious) choice, this 100-sq-km reserve 14km north of Kenton-on-Sea offers a chance to see the Big Five (although leopards are very…

  • Nature Reserve

    Mkambati Nature Reserve

    North of Mbotyi and 30km south of Port Edward lies this breathtaking (and largely underrated) reserve, which encompasses 77 sq km of grassland, dotted…

  • Wildlife Reserve

    Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve

    The private Inkwenkwezi is well worth a visit (or a stay). It's beautiful, upmarket, well organised and features the Big Five (although the elephants and…

  • Wildlife Reserve

    Pumba Private Game Reserve

    A fantastic, luxurious and exclusive reserve, Pumba is home to the Big Five (including a pride of white lions – a rarity in Africa, and you're guaranteed…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Eastern Cape.

  • Activities