What to do and see in Eastern Cape, South Africa: The Best Things to do

October 23, 2021 Enriqueta Cusson

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

Shamwari Game Reserve N2 between Port Elizabeth & Grahamstown, Port Elizabeth South Africa +27 42 203 1111 [email protected] http://www.shamwari.com
Excellent
93%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 434 reviews

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

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. Chokka Trail

South Africa
Excellent
94%
Good
6%
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5.0 based on 16 reviews

Chokka Trail

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.

3. Storms River Suspension Bridge

Tsitsikamma National Park South Africa +27 42 281 1607 http://www.sanparks.co.za
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,022 reviews

Storms River Suspension Bridge

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. The Dolphin Trail

Storms River, Tsitsikamma National Park 6308 South Africa +27 42 280 3588 [email protected] http://www.dolphintrail.co.za/
Excellent
84%
Good
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4.5 based on 69 reviews

The Dolphin Trail

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

5. Kragga Kamma Game Park

Kragga Kamma Road Theesecombe, Port Elizabeth 6000 South Africa +27 83 410 2883 [email protected] http://www.kraggakamma.co.za
Excellent
55%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
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4.5 based on 702 reviews

Kragga Kamma Game Park

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.

6. Parque Nacional dos Elefantes Addo

335 Paterson Road, Addo Elephant National Park 6130 South Africa +27 42 233 8600 http://www.sanparks.org/parks/addo
Excellent
67%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 3,017 reviews

Parque Nacional dos Elefantes Addo

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

7. Paradise Beach

Jeffreys Bay South Africa
Excellent
67%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 165 reviews

Paradise Beach

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.

8. Waterfall Trail

Tsitsikamma National Park 6308 South Africa http://www.sanparks.org/parks/garden_route/camps/storms_river/tourism/naturetrails.php
Excellent
63%
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Satisfactory
5%
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4.5 based on 110 reviews

Waterfall Trail

Reviewed By williamhblair - Muizenberg, South Africa

Excellent coastal trail! You definitely need good shoes for slippery rocks and be able to boulder a bit.

9. Sardinia Bay Beach

Sardinia Bay Road Schoenmakerskop, Port Elizabeth 6070 South Africa
Excellent
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Good
34%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 90 reviews

Sardinia Bay Beach

Reviewed By flightguru2017 - Nantwich, United Kingdom

This is a fantastic location to spend a day away from the rat race. The beach is nice and secluded with loads of rocky areas for the kids to climb. The water is clear and great for snorkeling and swimming

10. Nahoon Beach

Beach Road Nahoon, East London 5241 South Africa
Excellent
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Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 136 reviews

Nahoon Beach

Reviewed By BrianBBriighton - Brighton and Hove, United Kingdom

A delightful and picturesque place to visit and in sight of Nahoon Estuary Nature Reserve. We enjoyed a swim in the Mermaids Pool (which can only be seen at low tide since the water covers the rocks, marking the outline of the pool, a tight tide) and making the acquaintance of lots of small and colourful fish. There is plenty of free parking and also toilets nearby, at the Best Beach Cafe which is closed on Mondays!

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