Eastern Cape

Xhosa Heartland and Living History

Eastern Cape is the heartland of Xhosa culture, the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu and Steve Biko, and a living classroom for anyone curious about South Africa's journey from apartheid to democracy. The Mthatha region draws visitors to Mandela's childhood home at Qunu and the excellent Nelson Mandela Museum. Cultural villages in the hills offer genuine insight into Xhosa traditions, from the significance of beadwork and ochre to the ceremonies that mark every stage of life.

Big Game and Karoo Skies

Addo Elephant National Park protects Africa's densest elephant population just 75 kilometres from Gqeberha, and the park has expanded to include a marine section, so you can watch great white sharks and southern right whales on the same trip that takes you within metres of a breeding herd. Further inland the Great Karoo opens into vast semi-desert plains under skies so clear that the Sutherland observatory sits nearby to take advantage of the exceptional seeing conditions. Malaria-free game reserves across the province mean families can track the Big Five without medical preparation.

Surf Towns, Whale Watching and Mountain Passes

Jeffrey's Bay is internationally celebrated as one of the finest surf breaks anywhere, drawing riders chasing the legendary Supertubes barrel every southern hemisphere winter. Port Alfred and Chintsa offer quieter alternatives with estuaries perfect for kayaking and birdwatching. The Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, laces together mountain passes through fynbos and succulent thicket, with hiking trails running for days without crossing a tarred road. Eastern Cape rewards those who slow down, take the back road and let the landscape do the talking.