The Eastern Cape is the second largest province in South Africa and has the greatest diversity of environments, cultural attractions and outdoor activities.

Once considered the border between the British colony in the Cape and the forest of “Kaffraria”, the land of the Xhosa people, it was the scene of many bloody battles. This conflict continued and in the 1980s this province contributed more than its fair share of martyrs to the freedom struggle.

The capital of the province is Bisho, but the economically most important cities are Port Elizabeth and East London. As a traveler, the urban areas that are most worth visiting are Port Elizabeth, with its wonderful beaches, great cultural attractions and excellent hotels, and the smaller centers of Grahamstown, Graaff Reinet and Cradock for its beautiful old buildings and interesting museums.

Port Elizabeth is the third largest port and the fifth largest city in South Africa. Located on the shores of the Bay of Algoa, called Bahía de Lagoa (lagoon bay) by the Portuguese because of the small lagoon located at the mouth of the Swartskop River. Port Elizabeth was founded in 1799 when the British built Ford Fredrick in a low-rise building overlooking the bay.

Grahamstown is probably the most intellectual city in South Africa, with the University of Rhodes, many of the best schools in the country, and a host of academically oriented museums. It is also the headquarters of the National Festival of the Arts.

The region boasts the highest bungee jumping in the world and is considered South Africa’s water sports mecca with activities such as diving, skiing, windsurfing and sailing. Jeffreys Bay is known worldwide for its perfect waves and is home to the Billabong Surf Classic.

Miles of golden beaches and spectacular marine life, malaria-free animal watching, world-famous hiking trails through subtropical forests, millions of hectares of nature reserves and national parks.

Historically, elephants were found throughout the Cape colony, but as the land was converted to farms, their numbers rapidly declined. In 1931, an area of ​​6,852 ha of shrubbery was reserved as the Addo Elephant National Park, since then additional land has been acquired and Addo has now been linked with the Zuurberg National Park. The Addo Park supports more than 200 elephants and a great variety of games.

Attractions

– Ford Fredrick First stone building in the Eastern Cape and reportedly the first British building built in Africa south of the equator.

– The Campanile A 52 m square bell tower, built in 1923 to commemorate the landing of the settlers in 1820

– The Opera The oldest functional opera in the country and the only extant specimen of a theater built in Victorian times.

– Miles of golden beaches and spectacular marine life, malaria-free game viewing.

– You will find more detailed information on the Eastern Cape Tourism Board.

Contact:

Palm Square Business Park

Iron wooden house

Bonza Bay Road

Beacon bay

5247

POSTAL ADDRESS:

PO Box 18373, Quigney,

East London, South Africa

Phone: +27 (0) 43 701 9600

Fax: +27 (0) 43 701 9649

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.ectourism.co.za