Travel to the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Eastern Cape Travel

Travel Guides To The Majestic Eastern Cape: Uncover South Africa's Best-Kept Secret

The Eastern Cape is a beautiful province in southeast South Africa. It is the country's second-largest province, after the Northern Cape, and has many remarkable attractions, making it a popular destination for tourists worldwide.

Visitors to the Eastern Cape can enjoy the scenic mountain ranges, the captivating Karoo, the magical coastline of the Indian Ocean (known as the Sunshine Coast), and stunning wildlife reserves home to the "Big 5" and numerous malaria-free game reserves.

Travellers interested in exploring and experiencing South Africa's natural beauty, culture, history, and wildlife should consider visiting the Eastern Cape. Nature lovers can take advantage of the many hiking and walking trails available to fully experience the serene beauty of the Karoo and the town of Graaff Reinet, tranquil rolling hills located just inland from the ocean and let us not forget the Drakensberg Mountain Range.

In addition to its rich history and deep-rooted Xhosa traditions, the Eastern Cape provides a glimpse into South Africa's cultural diversity (the birthplace of Nelson Mandela).

The area is home to several malaria-free nature reserves (including Mountain Zebra National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, Camdeboo National Park and a whole host of private game reserves), which are popular among families, friends, romantics, and single travellers. Not only do these reserves offer sightings of the "Big Five," but they also provide a secure and unforgettable experience. These nature reserves are highly recommended for families and offer a fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with some of Africa's most iconic wildlife, including elephant, lion, rhino, leopard, Cape buffalo, cheetah and wild dog, to mention only a few of the species on offer.

Some of the coastal towns and coastal attractions to look forward to including East London, Port St Johns, Jeffrey's Bay, Coffee Bay and the Hole in the Wall.

When visiting the Eastern Cape, we recommend combining your trip with destinations such as Kruger National Park, Cape Town, Cape Winelands, or Victoria Falls.

The Eastern Cape Province from Port Elizabeth and Nelson Mandela Bay to the Wild Coast, Addo Elephant National Park to Kwandwe Game Reserve and everything in between offers a variety of attractions and information for visitors of all ages. From its stunning landscapes and wildlife reserves to its rich cultural and historical heritage, something here will appeal to everyone looking for an authentic African experience.

Your Guide To Travel In The Eastern Cape

  • Eastern Cape Lodges

    The Eastern Cape is an incredibly diverse region of the country, offering various activities and attractions. From world-renowned game reserves and national parks to long stretches of white sandy beaches, historical cities and towns, the Eastern Cape has something for everyone.

    And with its central location between KwaZulu Natal and the famous Western Cape Garden Route, it Is the perfect starting or ending point for a safari adventure.

    To ensure your stay in this beautiful part of the country is one to remember, Uyaphi has carefully selected a portfolio of safari lodges, tented camps and boutique guesthouses throughout the province that cater to all budgets.

Map Of Eastern Cape Safari Lodges And Boutique Hotels
Eastern Cape Travel Topics

  • Samara Game Reserve Review

    About three hours' drive northwest of Addo National Park (see Tuesday's blog) lies a different country.

    If Addo enjoys a lush and verdant environment, Samara Game Reserve (close to Camdeboo National Park) is the opposite. Its semi-desert environment is more akin to Namibia.

    Yet here we are in the middle of the Great Karoo near the historic farming town of Graaff Reinet.

  • Death of a Cheetah

    When you live in Africa, love the smell of nature and its strong call, and perhaps even more importantly, understand the natural cycles; you see the death of wildlife as part of the natural order.

    The strong conquer the weak, and the old give space to the young.

    When you look at a magnificent animal and predator die in an area which is desperately (and successfully) trying to rehabilitate natural corridors of flora and fauna over a previously devastated land, no one would think less of you for shedding a tear.

  • Addo Elephant Back Safari

    I have been travelling in Africa for over three decades. In that time, I have been on countless safaris; by Land Rover, on foot, by canoe and horseback, up and down mountains and valleys.

    The sense of wonder and appreciation of natural beauty has never left me.

    There are, of course, individual animals which I prefer above all others. Some are large, very large and some small but all, for some reason or other, have endeared themselves towards me. I will start with the very large.

  • Kwandwe Game Reserve Review

    My husband and I were fortunate enough to visit the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It had been many years since I had been on safari in the Eastern Cape and I was eager to see how the experience had changed.

    We flew from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth where we picked up our rental car and drove the 2 hours to Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. From the moment we arrived at the reception, we experienced the service that this Relais and Chateaux property is famous for.

    We were met with a welcome drink, a cold towel and fresh homemade cookies accompanied by our check-in.