City: Eastern Cape
Top Things to do in Eastern Cape
Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Eastern Cape, South Africa
The Eastern Cape is a province of South Africa. Its capital is Bhisho, but its two largest cities are Port Elizabeth and East London. It was formed in 1994 out of the Xhosa homelands of Transkei and Ciskei, together with the eastern portion of the Cape Province. Landing place and home of the 1820 settlers, the central and eastern part of the province is the traditional home of the Xhosa people.
Restaurants in Eastern Cape
1. Otter Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By belindas731 - Durban, South Africa
Amazing, challenging, adventurous, beautiful! Don’t think you can just get up off the couch and hike the Otter trail - it requires cardio fitness and strong legs and arms to carry the backpack and you up those steep ascents! However, don’t not try if you haven’t had time to train - just take lots of Deep Heat/ Arnica ice and anti-inflamm tabs because you will feel muscles you never thought you had! It’s absolutely worth the effort and worse comes to worse, you take one of the escape routes... you tried! You’ll also need a head for heights as there are a couple of rock climbs that take you up high... all the better to see dear. This was our first Otter Hike for the whole group so we found ourselves chasing low tides on day 3 (Lottering 10:50) and day 4 (Bloukrans 11:30). In the end it was the Kleinbos river (!) which gave us the biggest challenge as the flow of water from upstream was quite strong due to previous days rain. We laughed our way through the other 2 biggies. Every day of the year is going to offer up a different set of weather conditions for river crossings and hiking - be prepared and try reach the big rivers round low tide (it helps take the stress out of the event). But worse comes to worse, take the escape... hey - you’re on the Otter, it’s part of the adventure!! Practical tips: We all had different priorities when it came to luxury ‘necessities’ - some had a small pillow, some binoculars, some whiskey, some goggles & snorkels (or small swimming goggles) - take what will add to the enjoyment of your experience.... just don’t overpack! Don’t share toothpaste or Vaseline with someone sleeping in the other cabin - it’s a schlep. 2 thumbs up for water bladder, but take an empty water bottle for practical use around camp Trek pole - some of the group swore by them and a few put them away. Suggest you take one (safe) and decide on route. Some of us drank the water without purification drops (we only filled up at the huts) and were fine. If in doubt, rather use them. If you like taking photos, carry a pouch around your neck to store your phone in for easy access (but remember to cover it in plastic if it rains or water crossings) Red survival bags for river crossings are so big - we tested 2 backpacks in 1 surv bag across the Bloukrans and it worked fine. Share between 2 and save weight and space on the hike. Bloubaai (Blue Bay) turnoff is now clearly sign marked. Leave your bags on the trail, put your lunch in a small bag and carry it down to the beach. Lovely spot. It’s not a bad thing if you get to the huts early on a few days - you can chill, wash & recover in a beautiful setting. By the way, crows can open your top zipper, open your marshmallow packet and fly off with your booty. Did I mention we saw an Otter?? Day 3 Elandsbos River. JUST DO IT!!
2. Cathedral of St Michael and St George
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
This stately cathedral’s prominent tower dominates High Street.
Reviewed By Wendles542 - Cape Town, South Africa
Went to listen to a choral recital by the Kwantu choir during the Grahamstown festival. Gorgeous stained glass windows and tapestries adorn the church. Lovely sculpture of Reverend Trevor Huddleston, with accompanying info about him and his work against racial prejudice.
3. Storms River Suspension Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,022 reviews
This picturesque suspension bridge is on one of the shorter hikes of this river gorge.
Reviewed By west0909 - Metro Minneapolis-Saint Paul, United States
There is an entrance fee to the park, but IMHO it's worth every penny--the park is just another one of the amazing landscapes South Africa has to offer, but is so unlike the rest. The walk to the Storms River Suspension Bridge is lovely, the type of walk you want to have your camera at the ready throughout b/c every turn is more beautiful than the next. The walk to the bridge was 20-30 minutes each way, leisurely, and was quite accessible (it wouldn't be doable with wheels, there are too many stairs, but it is a board-path that makes for pretty easy walking. There are several suspension bridges (the one in all the pictures at the mouth of the river, then a few others right nearby). We only had time to walk tot he bridge and back, but you can continue onto other paths to make the journey as long as you'd like. If the weather is cooperating, the views alone are worth the walk, but the walk itself is a great experience, too.
4. Mountain Zebra National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 372 reviews
Reviewed By elsebev - Johannesburg, South Africa
Mountain Zebra National Park is a real gem! It is one of the quieter reserves in South Africa and very different to the Kruger Park in that it has a hilly terrain. There are other animals here, not only Zebra. We saw five lions and lots og other buck and smaller animals. The Zebras here are very different to those in the Kruger Park. The Chalets are superior - clean and well designed, with a patio to sit and relax. If you can book Chalet 18 or 19, the patio is right on the border of the camp and you can sit and watch the animals whilst relaxing with a drink. It is very hot is summer but the winter months are quite mild. Ther is also a swimming pool with a magnificent setting - like swimming in the middle of nature! Restaurant was not open for breakfast - only opens later. The shop is very basic, so make sure you bring as much as you will need in the line of food and drink.
5. Seal Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
World renowned surfing spot!
Reviewed By westcoastcat - Vancouver, Canada
Starting at the white lighthouse one can walk along this wide open beautiful beach for miles. Many surfers can be seen among the waves and it’s fun to watch them surf. This is a popular spot for dog walking too. For refreshments afterwards try Tradewinds which is just up the road.
6. Addo Raptor and Reptile Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By 610antonial - Ascot, United Kingdom
A really lovely spot to visit, especially with animal-mad kids. As it does wild animal rehabilitation, many of the animals have a back-story which makes it more interesting. The walk-in aviary is amazing, built around a beautiful tree and a platform for viewing the colourful inhabitants. The restaurant area is very neat and comfortable, and the menu is good. The service is friendly. It is a perfect place to visit on your way in or out of Addo Elephant Park. Highly recommended.
7. Kragga Kamma Game Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 702 reviews
Lush coastal forest and grassland is home to vast herds of African game, including White Rhino, Buffalo, Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra, Nyala, Bontebok, Lechwe and many more species. All the animals roam freely, unrestricted in natural surroundings. This owner operated animal friendly park, where no hunting or other disturbance of the game is permitted, means that you always get close up views and great photo opportunities. Take a drive in your own vehicle through the park on the well-maintained roads and enjoy viewing the game in any weather conditions from the comfort of your car. For those really close encounters, choose the 2 hour guided tour in an open Landrover with a professional guide providing you with interesting information on the animals and the historical background to the area.
Reviewed By mrtoerien - Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Recent I spent two nights at this amazing venue,with two friends,to celebrate a special birthday and a reunion of our hitch-hiking experience in Europe in the 70's. One friend travelled from Jbg; the other from East London.We checked into the fully-equipped Giraffe Cottage, after waiting for ten minutes, while one of eight giraffes blocked the road, as it browsed lazily from the bushes. What a welcome! The facilities in the spotlessly -clean cottage are amazing. With very comfortable accommodation, beautiful views and every conceivable piece of kitchen equipment one would need,it was home from home! The park itself is beautifully maintained. Pleasantly rugged, well-marked roads, litter-free foliage, ample water-holes and plentiful game, make a visit to the Kragga Kamma reserve an amazing experience. Having had close encounters with all the various species, we were left with only the rhinos to track down on our last morning. No need! Right there, on the grass, outside our chalet, five spectacular rhino CAME TO VISIT US!! What a treat! We enjoyed a braai in the convenient barbecue area, had a hearty breakfast in the restaurant and made some excellent purchases in the gift shop. All in all, an unforgettable visit.
8. Parque Nacional dos Elefantes Addo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,017 reviews
Reviewed By riyaze - Toronto, Canada
Hillary is a very professional tour guide who has a vast knowledge of tourism. She is very welcoming pleasant and highly motivated guide (recommendable!) My husband and I truly enjoyed her company and she made us very comfortable hence went out of her way to show us the animals in the Addo National Park and accommodate us with lovely coffee break, delicious lunch and fulfilling our requests. Hillary is friendly and a humorous lady filled with interesting information and you can tell that she really loves what she does. All the respect for Hillary who does a great job there; a true sample of Excellent Tour Guide. Way to go Hillary, keep up your good work!!! Riyaz Essa, Toronto, Canada
9. Paradise Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 165 reviews
Reviewed By Jeets2804 - Pretoria, South Africa
Went in December 2021. The beaches were closed due to the local restrictions. However, the beach is away from the cente of Jefferys Bay. Persons with fishing licences were allowed on the beach. We took advantage of this and went for long walks on the beach which has soft sand and great waves.
10. Cape Recife Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Reviewed By Y9488JPeds
Pop down here after you've been to the penguin rescue centre. It's a lovely walk around the lighthouse and along the beach.
