The Eastern Cape, lying on the south-eastern South African coast, is a region of great natural beauty, particularly the rugged cliffs, rough seas and dense green bush of the stretch known as the Wild Coast. In the Eastern Cape, various floral habitats meet. Along the coast, the northern tropical forests intermingle with the more temperate woods of the south. The province is serviced by airports situated in Port Elizabeth, East London, Mthatha and Bhisho.

Bisho

Bhisho lies east of King William's Town in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Bhisho (formerly spelt Bisho) is the provincial capital of the Eastern Cape, having previously been the capital of the Ciskei homeland during the apartheid era.

Bhisho, which means Buffalo in isiXhosa, named after the river that runs through it, has some of the most spectacular views of the Amathole (Amatola) mountain range. Today Bhisho is one of the newest urban centres in the Eastern Cape, having only been established in the 1970s and 1980s. This recently built capital of the republic of the Ciskei was granted independence in 1981 and was reincorporated into New South Africa in 1994.

Bisho is a small place in South Africa and can be easily explored within a day. There aren’t many things to do and attractions to visit in this town. Also, being a small town, there are fewer accommodation options. People usually consider making a quick stop here before heading to the neighboring cities. You can halt here for a quick snack and take a little break from your journey.

The Big Pineapple is a family attraction in Queensland. Children looked forward to the pilgrimage during vacations and it brought smiles to many along the Sunshine Coast.

You can visit, The Royal Port Alfred Golf Club is one of the oldest in South Africa and can be tricky during windy weather conditions. The course runs through pristine coastal forest and hilly dunes which provide panoramic vistas of the blue waters of the Indian ocean. The resident wildlife including bushbuck, springbok, blesbok, giant tortoise, and impala pronk add to the beauty and charm of the gold club.

Visit Knysna-amatole Montane Forests, Knysna, a marvelous natural resort perfect place to be on your vacation on the pearl of the garden route- Knysna. This forest reserve is spread over 80,000 ha and has a mesmerizing variety of flora and fauna. The forest is home to African Elephant, African leopard, Bushbuck, Blue duiker and Bush pig. The highlight of this one of the largest forests of South Africa is the 600-year-old King Edward VII tree. The place is also great for bird watching. Its an expansive strip of dense timberland. Due to its preservation of nature and wildlife, the Knysna and Amatole forests are considered to be South Africa's largest individual forests that offer a stunning holiday experience to those who visit it. The forest is conserved and makes for a perfect outing in Knysna. Hiking is also a favorite activity here and this picturesque forest is a beauty worth admiring. Accommodation in Bhisho includes B&B's, guesthouses and self catering.

East London

East London, Afrikaans Oos-Londen, port city, Eastern Cape province, South Africa. It lies at the mouth of the Buffalo River along the Indian Ocean. The city has beach resort facilities. Built mainly on the east bank of the river, it has wide straight streets and gardens. It is a terminus of the South African Railways line servicing the Free State province goldfields. There is a considerable fishing industry, and manufactures are diversified. The East London Museum (established 1921) has a noteworthy natural history collection.

In East london you can have the sells the best milkshakes in the world as thousands of fans will attest at The corner shop in Tennyson street. Gonubie Beach is a beautiful Blue Flag beach perfect for boardwalk strolling, kayaking and beach runs. Take a dip in the tidal pool and cool off from the summer heat with this best thing to do in East London. No visit to the sunshine coast would be complete without dolphin spotting on Esplanade Street in Quigney. Visit Chintsa, a lovely laidback little village, less than an hour’s drive from East London, has a lot to offer with pristine beaches, swimming, low-cost accommodation and beach walks. Have a beer at Emeral Vale Brewery, a small craft brewery and restaurant on the Wild Coast Jikeleza Route in the Eastern Cape.

Mthatha

Mthatha, formerly Umtata, town, Eastern Cape province, South Africa. It was the capital of Transkei, a nominally independent but not internationally recognized southern African republic that was reincorporated into South Africa in 1994. Located on the Mthatha (“The Taker”) River (so named because of its destructive flooding). Subsistence agriculture and livestock raising are the primary economic activities in the area; Mthatha has some secondary industries that produce textiles, wood products, foodstuffs, and processed tobacco. The town has buildings dating back to colonial times, including the Town Hall and a hospital. Mthatha is home to the Nelson Mandela Museum as well as Walter Sisulu University.

The city has the best of the accommodations, from cheap prices to high-end hotels. Excellent services are provided during the stay. There are various guides and travel agencies to help in giving a tour in and around Mthatha. Along with a convenient array for the ideal accommodations, Mthatha is a city that is brimming with an innumerable of once-in-a-lifetime sights as it acts as the sanctuary and homes to exotic species of flora and fauna.

Mthatha is imbued with the purest essence of the South African nation. The city is intricately set alongside the banks of the river Mtata. The city has clean and calm beaches for those long walks and an unforgettable coastal hike. You can get engaged in various things to do in Mthatha, as there are majestic cliffs and grassy hilltops, nature reserves and an old long museum of South Africa’s most famous president, Nelson Mandela.

With sandy beaches and beautiful mangrove swamps, cliffy hills and amazing caves, the hole in the walking hiking trail is one of the must things to do in Mthatha. The trail is a new twist to usual coastal hikes. This hiking trail is as historically significant as it is beautiful as it built on the foundation of an abandoned gold mine. The trail still retains its historical essence even after several decades as the hikers can still see the remains of what once was an extensively populated gold mine. You can also visit The Hluleka nature reserve is paradise to nature lovers. There are well-laid footpaths, suitable to take a walk. Through the beautiful forests of stink ebony, the rocky coastline, and the sandy beaches you can find absolute respite. Or visit, The Mdumbi River Kayak is the ideal choice if one wishes to witness the beauty of the oceanic scenic views that South African county has in stores for visitors. Along with various awe-inspiring oceanic sights, the kayaking trail is enclosed with an overwhelming family of fauna as they guide the path ahead towards the destination. Or take a walk alongside Coffee Day beach to unwind at the day’s end. This is the ideal spot if one wishes to relieve themselves from the mundane routine of everyday life. You can witness the wondrous oceanic sights as you sip on your preferred choice of beverage. Take time off the hustle and bustle of the city crowd in the reserves of Dwesa and Cwebe. These two reserves lie on either side of the River Mbashe. Less known to the people this is a quiet and less crowded place. The reserves protect the inter-tidal and marine environment.

Mkambati

Located on the wild coast. A favourite amongst visitors to the coast of north-eastern Pondoland, the Mkambati Nature Reserve is nothing shy of an African coastal paradise. Where landscapes are pieced together in a patchwork of indigenous forests and grassland plains and coastline terrains serve us scenes of rocky beaches and untouched sandy coves.

The Mkambati river makes its way through the reserve, over a series of cliffs forming breathtaking waterfalls (Horseshoe Falls, Strandloper Falls and mkhambathi Falls) and a series of pools, before tumbling into the Indian Ocean. Other attractions include a secluded cave in the forest, +/-100m up river from the coast, the spectacular misty Falls, Four Falls and the mtentu and msikaba river gorges where endangered Cape vultures can often be seen circling high above.

Great fish river

Located in Frontier Country. Pinned midway between Grahamstown and King Williams Town, the Great Fish River Nature Reserve is connected in a loop of conservation by the Andries Vosloo Kudu Reserve, Double Drift Kudu Reserve and Double Drift Nature Reserve. Offering an authentic, malaria-free safari experience, visitors can expect to find prolific wildlife including black rhino, cape buffalo, hippo and kudu, vast birding species and unspoilt African outdoors.

The 45 000ha reserve is defined by significant plant biodiversity, ranging from sub-tropical thicket to savannah and grassland. It’s a birder’s paradise with 245 bird sightings. The Adam’s Krantz viewpoint over the twisting Fish river canyon is one of the most iconic Eastern Cape vistas. magnificent sunsets can be celebrated from a wooden deck perched on the cliff while the Double Drift picnic site alongside the river is the perfect spot for braais.

Baviaanskloof world heritage site

Located in Kouga/Baviaans. Made up of 270 000ha of some of the most diverse landscapes, animal life, flora, fauna and other forms of life, as part of the Cape Floristic Region the Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site is one or the Worlds 34 biodiversity hotspots and listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site. In addition to the scenic splendour of the region, Baviaanskloof is fast gaining recognition as one of South Africa’s premier adventure destinations. Traversing this reserve by 4×4 or on mountain bike (permission and support vehicle required), up rugged mountain passes, through rivers and across the plateau, is an unforgettable true wilderness experience.

Double Mouth

Located in Wild Coast. Showing off with magnificent coastline views, dolphin spotting and glorious sunrises to start the day off inspired, Double Mouth Nature Reserve makes for an idyllic family friendly adventure destination offering camping, walking trails and hiking, mountain biking, safe swimming and diving.

Remnants from the shipwreck – Santo Espiritu that ran aground in 1608 just off Black rock between Haga- Haga – ‘money cowries’ (cowrie shells used as money to buy goods), carnelian beads (red in colour and were mined in India over a century ago) and Chinese blue and white ming porcelain shards can be found in the shingle and sand at what has become known as ‘Bead Beach’, between Black rock and the Quko river at Double mouth.