Regions of the Eastern Cape
Karoo
The Karoo is the largest ecosystem in South Africa and is home to a fascinating diversity of life, all having adapted to survive in the unique and harsh conditions. You can see this struggle for survival in the Karoo National Park. Over 20 breeding pairs of black eagle also find sanctuary within the park.
The Valley of Desolation, near Graaff-Reinet, will provide you with breathtaking views of the haunting lanscapes that are dotted with dolerite columns. Graaff-Reniet, the Jewel of the Karoo, is a beatiful town with great historical importance for the Afrikaners. The town also has more National Monuments than anywhere else in South Africa.
Although The Karoo is not as popular as the coastal areas of the Eastern Cape, it is a place of astounding beauty and real character that is bound to stay with you for a long time. See Karoo towns
Langkloof Valley
The Langkloof Valley is a beautiful agricultural region that lies in the valley between the Kouga and the Baviaanskloof mountain catchment complex in the North and the Tsitsikamma mountain range in the South. This area is famous for its fruit wich is exported all over the globe. Be sure to check out the Langkloof Fruit Route taht winds through the local fruit farms. See Langkloof Valley towns
Midlands
The Midlands, also known as The Frontier Country is a hauntingly beautiful region that played a very important role in South Africa's history. When Xhosa, Boer, British and Khoi met here for the first time, often under hostile circumstances. As such this region has more forts than the rest of the country combined. This region is undoubtedly the historic heartland of the Eastern Cape.
The cultures with them a rich heritage that can still be seen today in towns and villages all over the Eastern Cape. The broad tree-lined streets and buildings of Grahamstown are the legacy of a time when this was the Cape's second city. Take time to walk through this historic centre and visit the Observatory Museum which houses one of only two Victorian Cameras Obscura in the world - the other is in Bath, England - with a magical mirror that reflects the town onto a large circular table.
With Grahamstown at its centre, The Midlands include Adelaide, Alicedale, Alice, Bedford, Fort Beaufort, Hogsback, Peddie, Riebeeck East, Salem, Seven Fountains and Sidbury.
This is one of the most diverse ecological regions in South Africa, with a variety of biomes that provide unspoilt and spectacular scenery. Thousands of hectares are devoted to nature and game conservation, bringing with them the return of great herds of wildlife to the places where they once roamed freely. This malaria-free region is fast gaining local and international popularity for excellent game-viewing with a variety of private reserves which include the Big Five.
The area offers much for the outdoor enthusiast and adventurer. Activities include skydiving, hunting, game viewing, fly-fishing, hang-gliding, abseiling, river rafting and mountaineering.
True country hospitality is provided throughout the region in world class game lodges, top quality hotels, guest houses, farm stays and B&B's, and Grahamstown boasts some of the finest schools, colleges, universities and educational institutions to be found in South Africa. See Midlands towns
Northern Interior
Largely a farming region, with wool, maize, wheat and potatoes being the cornerstones of the industry. The Northern Interior is one of the coldest regions in South Africa and provides the best skiing in the form of Ben MacDui, the highest peak in the Southern Drakensberg. Trout fishing is also activity that brings many visitors to this area. The region also boasts some of the best Bushman paintings in South Africa. See Northern Interior towns
Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is an area that has only recently developed into a tourist destination. Until the late 90s the area very much under developed and properties were quite cheap. This is not the case anymore though. This region together with the Western Coastal region of the Eastern Cape has some of the best beaches around. Port Alfred is the biggest town in the area. This area was where a lot of the 1820 British settlers settled. There is still a distinct 1820s atmosphere here. There are exceptions though. Bushman's River Mouth is traditionally Afrikaans.
This area has some fantastic rivers as well. The Bushmans, Kariega & Kleinemonde are all very clean rivers and relatively safe* to swim in. Watersports are very popular in all these rivers, but only non-motorised water sports are allowed in the Kleinemonde. This website is against motorised watersports in rivers because of the negative environmental impact.
The Kowie River (stradled by Port Alfred) is not as good for swimming, but it is used as a launch river for divers and fisherman.
This area is also well know for its fishing. See Sunshine Coast towns
Western Coast
The Western Coastal region is the most developed part of the Eastern Cape. The brand new Coega harbour is also currently being constructed.
If you want to enjoy the traditional tourist aspects of the Eastern Cape then this is the region you want to be in. Port Elizabeth, the biggest city in the Eastern Cape, is situated in this region. This would probably be most visitors' first stop.
Together with the Sunshine Coast, this region is most famous (especially in South Africa) for its idyllic beaches. Port Elizabeth, Jeffreys Bay, St Francis Bay and Cape St Francis all have fantastic beaches.
Lately this area has also become very well known around surfing circles. Meccas like Jeffreys Bay (better known as J Bay) and Cape St Francis attracts professional and amateur surfers from all over the globe. This region is also the best place to start if you want to do organised adventure sports like river rafting or bungie jumping.
You will also find the Addo Elephant Park in this region.
This is where the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape come together.
The Garden Route has the biggest tree in South Africa. Tsitsikamma is also part of this regions. Tsitsikamma/Garden route is a awe-inspiringly beautiful forest that stretches parralel to the Ocean. Here you can find some of the best hikes on the face of the planet. The most well know hikes/trails are the Otter Hike, the Tsitsikamma and Harkerville. You will experience some natural beauty here that you will struggle to match on the planet. See Western Coast towns
Wild Coast
This stretch of largely unspoilt coast offers some very good hiking oppurtunities. Don't forget to take your diving kit as the rugged coastline is ideal for diving and snorkelling.
Although surf angling can be done anywhere on the Eastern Cape coastline, this region is probably one of the best spots because of its remoteness. You can reel in a big Kabeljou with you being the only person on the beach. Imagine that!
The cultural diversity of the region also makes the Wild Coast well worth visiting.
Visitors should be aware though that this region is well know for its bad roads and wandering cattle; slow and cautious driving is therefore recomemded. See Wild Coast towns