City: Eastern Cape
Top Things to do in Eastern Cape
Top 10 Nature & Parks 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. Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 434 reviews
Please visit the official Shamwari Game Reserve Lodges page on TripAdvisor for more info, images, video & slideshow. Search "Shamwari Game Reserve lodges".Shamwari is the best private game reserve situated in the malaria free Eastern Cape,South Africa.This privately owned 25 000 hectares of prime natural terrain has received numerous international awards.Shamwari is an exploration of nature with close encounters of free roaming wildlife and the coveted big five with a choice of unique luxury lodges, an exclusive private villa and the adventurous Explorer Camp.Luxury accommodation is offered in 7 different game lodges at Shamwari Game Reserve, all of which are 5 Star graded. Choose a game lodge that perfectly compliments your ideal African experience
Reviewed By laurdan - London, United Kingdom
Hey guys you stole a part of my heart that will stay with you forever! From the moment we drove onto Shamwari land I was in heaven I couldn't believe after all the years waiting that I was going on Safari and would enter what to me is sacred land "Born Free Foundation" We stayed at Bayethe lodge and loved every minute of it, the sounds in the morning were amazing of the animals waking up and we would stand on our terrace to breathe in the bush and just look out at the reserve and say hello to the little monkeys that would stop by on the off chance of something to eat. The food is amazing from breakfast to dinner and nothing is too much trouble, the staff really looked after us and treated us like royalty. They always greeted us with a smile. Our spa treatments were relaxing and listening to the animals outside at the same time was just perfect. Our ranger was JB who was so much fun and made the four day trip so enjoyable sharing his experiences and knowledge with us, we adopted him as our South African son and we were so sad to leave him when our time came to go. He really enjoys his work and I can honestly say he loves driving that jeep! He made sure we saw so much on Safari, all of the big 5 and more. We had cocktails in the bush one afternoon and then a picnic another day and the most fabulous coffee and hot chocolate one cold morning. Many thanks for all of the little special surprises JB x On our last day we went to the Born Free Foundation within Shamwari, which is a bitter sweet experience.....but not to be missed. I loved everything about my trip to Shamwari and it will stay in my heart forever. I often think of them all there and hope one day I can return xx
2. 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!!
3. Chokka Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By adriennee360 - Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
This was our third multi day slackpacking experience in six months and must rate as the best one thanks to Esti and Eric for their seamless logistics and varied hikes each day. The accommodation, hosting and food were all superb with our favourite being the Oyster Kaya where we spent the first night. Lindy and Bokkie are gourmet chefs and served the most delicious food of the trip. Our favourite day was the second hike of 18km through the dunefield and wow did we feel privileged to be seeing parts of this pristine coast which are not open to the public. The guiding was excellent and we enjoyed the company of both Esti and Frikkie. We loved our sunset canal cruise with David from the St Francis Bay Resort and a highlight was the chokka tasting and talk by Clive at the Chokka Block restaurant in the Port. All in all a fabulous experience which we can recommend to anyone of reasonable fitness.
4. Baviaans Camino
5. Alexandria Hiking Trails
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By SimpiweS
The Alexandra hiking trail is a lovely hike through the forests and the beach. It is not for the faint hearted though as it is 19km on day one and 16km the following day. There is no water source on the route so I suggest taking at least 4litres of water for the hike, trust me, you will need every drop. I would suggest making a stop by the backpackers just before you start the beach hike to get a rest and some food before you start the long beach hike. Our hiking time for day 1 was 7 seven hours, excluding the stop at the backpackers. We saw dolphins as we were hiking towards the hut which was a beautiful site after a long day of hiking. The hut has no electricity and there is no cellphone service. There is a gas stove and cutlery in the kitchen with a sponge and dishwashing liquid. There are candles as well as beds to sleep in, just bring a sleeping bag. There is rain water from the tank which is the only water source on the route. The view from the hut is amazing and I would suggest arriving earlier to catch the sunset from the balcony and unwind before day 2. While it was hot, I enjoyed doing the hike in summer as the days are longer and we spent a good time outside in the balcony. Starting the hike on day 2 at about 5/6am might be a good idea as the combination of heat and sand dunes is torcherous. It took us 3 hours to complete the sand dunes, it might take you a bit quicker if you are all fit. A great and challenging hike overall, I would certainly bring a bigger backpack next time to carry more water.
6. 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.
7. The Dolphin Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Imagine the beauty of the famous Otter Trail, but without heavy backpacks. Join us for 4 days of unspoilt beauty hiking the magnificent Tsitsikamma coast, with 3 nights in charming lodges, all meals inclusive, and accompanied by experienced guides. This experience is memorable and special.
Reviewed By helenhoare - Cape Town, South Africa
Such a treat to have extremely professional and informative guides - Werner and JJ - to shepherd a happy group of two South Africans and eight delightful Germans through the magical Tsitsikamma (place of sparkling waters) National Park. The two day hiking path weaves between ancient indigenous forests, fynbos and the rocky seashore, At the end of each day, we were welcomed at the friendly four star accommodation at "Misty Mountain" and "The Fernery". A supreme experience of a pristine world. Thank you from Christopher and Helen
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Schotia Tooth and Claw Safari
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 380 reviews
Schotia offers one of the best chances to see lions in the wild. This private malaria free reserve close to the Addo Elephant National Park is probably the most densely stocked reserve in Africa, and with over 40 mammal species and approximately 2000 animals, can offer consistently good game viewing throughout the year.
Reviewed By JoanneM604
We went on this safari at the end of October with our 3 boys. Nic was our guide and he was great - really enthusiastic and knowledgeable. We seen all the animals except the hippo. Loved that we were able to get so close to the animals. We had an evening meal too were there was a wonderful atmosphere and great hospitality. As a family we had a wonderful experience and made great memories.
