The Eastern Cape has a coastline with over 800km of unspoiled beaches and further inland, the dry interior of the Great Karoo provides a harsh contrast. The province includes the coastal towns of East London and Port Elizabeth, the untamed beauty of the Wild Coast shoreline, magnificent game viewing at the Addo Elephant and Shamwari game reserves and the foothills of the majestic Drakensberg mountains.

East London, in the heart of the Sunshine and Wild Coast region, also offers many recreational facilities, sports facilities and watersports. On the Wild Coast stretch, the beauty of the untamed coastline attracts angling enthusiasts and is a favourite holiday destination for families.

Port Elizabeth, otherwise known as the 'Friendly City', is the capital of the province and is located on the shores of Algoa Bay. With its warm waters and calm seas, Port Elizabeth has many popular beaches and is a favourite for watersport and sailing enthusiasts. Other activities include nature trails and various historical sites.

Just inland from Port Elizabeth, the Addo Elephant National Park is the most concentrated elephant reserve in Africa and is home to a herd of 300 elephants. The park allows for close quarter viewing and visitors can stay in one of a few camps within the reserve or simply explore the park with a series of day trips. The exclusive Shamwari Game Reserve as well as the Mountain Zebra National Park also both offer prime game viewing opportunities with many accommodation and travel options available to visitors.

Copyright to About South Africa 2003-2004. Photographs on this website courtesy of South Africa Tourism.