The Eastern Cape has something for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Tourism Update rounds up some of the must-see and -do sights and activities.
- Explore the Wild Coast
“The Wild Coast is unique,” says Paul Miedema, Director at Calabash Tours and Co-founder of Calabash Trust. He says while it is not always easy to access and is definitely a slow journey destination, the coastline and the easy access to the local communities is exceptional. “Bulungula Lodge is unique. It’s 100% community owned,” he says, adding that the lodge is driven by renewable energy.
Christiaan Steyn, Marketing Manager at Drifters Adventours, says the Wild Coast offers unique hiking and cycling. “This area is still relatively untouched and definitely off the beaten track. With kilometres of isolated beaches and a multitude of hiking and biking routes, the Wild Coast makes for one of the best adventure destinations in SA.”
Velile Ndlumbini, Imonti Tours MD, suggests that visitors walk along the Wild Coast, from Coffee Bay to the Hole in The Wall, adding that it’s an easy walk.
- Meet the locals
Ndlumbini suggests visiting the people of the Eastern Cape. “People of the Eastern Cape are so welcoming,” he says.
Imonti Tours offers a township tour that takes guests to Mdantsane, the second-largest township in South Africa after Soweto. The tour is both educational and interactive and highlights include visits to a shebeen and a herbal shop.
For travellers looking for more than a township tour, Ndlumbini suggests visiting living rural villages in the province, such as the Ngxingxolo Cultural Village outside East London, or spending a night with a family at Cata Village outside King William’s Town.
- Whale watching in Port Elizabeth
Raggy Charters in Port Elizabeth offers a variety of cruises, including whale, dolphin and African penguin-watching cruises. The company’s permit allows it to approach cetaceans up to 50 metres, after which, if the cetaceans move closer, the boat need not move away. Raggy Charters is the only operator with this permit in Port Elizabeth.
The tour departs from the Algoa Bay Yacht Club in Port Elizabeth Harbour at 08h15 for 08h30 and returns at 12h00. Light refreshments and snacks are served during the cruise. Pre-booking is required.
- Bungee jumping at Tsitsikamma
For adrenalin seekers, Jacques De Kock, Senior Consultant at Your Africa, suggests bungee jumping.
Bloukrans Bungy in Tsitsikamma on the Garden Route is recognised by Guinness World Records as the world's highest commercial bungee jump. At a height of 216m, the jump is sure to satisfy the most avid adrenalin junkies.
The jump is open every day of the week. Booking at least 48 hours in advance is recommended, especially for groups.
- Addo Elephant National Park
Both Steyn and Ndlumbini say visitors should include some time at Addo Elephant National Park. The park covers 180 000 hectares and is known for its large elephant population. It is also unique, as it offers guests the opportunity to spot the ‘Big 7’ – elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino as well as the Southern Right whale and Great White shark.
De Kock suggests that guests take the St Croix island cruise for an opportunity to sight the Big 7. “St Croix island cruise is a great new product,” he says. “I personally saw a school of over 200 dolphins before reaching the penguins on the other side of the island, where thousands of penguins were sun bathing and swimming.” De Kock adds that the skipper provides plenty information while on board.
- Ziplining over Sundays River Valley
“Adrenalin Addo offers a 500m zipline, which is an awesome experience, zip-lining over the Sundays River,” says De Kock.
Adrenalin Addo boasts the longest double zip line in Africa, while other activities on offer include a giant swing and canoeing for the less adventurous. A café offering light refreshments overlooks the river. Adrenalin Addo is open every day from 09h00 to 17h00. Advance booking is recommended.
- Visit the Valley of Desolation
Miedema and De Kock recommend a visit to the Valley of Desolation.
Characterised by sheer cliffs and precariously balanced columns of dolerite overlooking the Camdeboo Plains, the Valley of Desolation offers travellers breath-taking views. The unique landscape was formed by volcanic and erosive forces. The area is also home to diverse fauna and flora, boasting over 220 species of birdlife and 336 plants.
The site is inside the Camdeboo National Park, just outside Graaff-Reinet.
- Skiing at Tiffindell
Guests looking for something unique can go to Tiffindell Ski Resort, says Miedema. “Where else can you go skiing in SA in winter?”
Tiffindell, at an altitude of 2 720m, is the highest resort in South Africa. The resort is geared to accommodate the whole family – those not taking part in skiing can make snowmen, throw snowballs or go tobogganing. Skiing is offered in the winter months while, during summer, hiking and mountain biking are on offer.
