The Eastern Cape
is South Africa's second largest and most diverse province. It's a great
sun, sand and sea destination with a coastline that runs from temperate
rocky shores in the south to sub-tropical beaches in the north. There is
a beach for every reason - from highly developed urban playgrounds to wild
and untamed stretches of wave-washed sand. It has some of the best surf
in the country - make that some of the best surf in the world. The small
towns of Jeffreys Bay and St Francis Bay are renowned and very popular
surf destinations and the Wild Coast has some legendary (and mostly secret)
breaks.
The
Eastern Cape is not classic lowveld, which is the vegetation type found
around the Kruger National Park and is most usually associated with big
game. However, this province has some awesome safari destinations. The
Greater Addo Elephant National Park, near the town of Addo, conserves a
staggering diversity of plant and animal life. There are a number of private
game lodges, both in the national park and in surrounding private reserves.
Best of all - it's totally malaria-free. South Africa's first and - to
date - only serious commercial ski resort is in the high-lying northern
part of the Eastern Cape. OK, it's not exactly Chamonix or Aspen - but
it is skiing in Africa. Snowboarding's big, too.
The Eastern Cape's cultural
heritage is particularly varied and interesting, and there are so many
interpretive tours, museums and monuments, you'll never be bored. Towns
that will particularly appeal to more culturally minded visitors include
Graaff-Reinet and Grahamstown.
Nieu Bethesda, which is close
to Graaff-Reinet, is a funky little village that owes its popularity to
the existence of the Owl House, which is South Africa's most well known
example of outsider art. Port Elizabeth is renowned for its excellent township
and cultural tours. The Nelson Mandela Museum in Umtata is a loving tribute
to South Africa's first president. There are great tours along the Wild
Coast, on which you get to spend time with the local people and see how
they live. The Grahamstown Festival or, more accurately, the National Festival
of the Arts, which showcases a huge variety of South Africa's visual and
performance arts, is held in Grahamstown at the beginning of July.
There are some excellent
golf courses, but they're not all as conveniently close together as they
are, for example, on the Garden Route. Some of the better courses are to
be found in or near Port Elizabeth, Port Alfred, East London and Port Edward.
A brand new golf course has been built at the rather interesting town of
Alicedale, which is experiencing a huge economic revival after spending
years as a virtual ghost town.
East London is a
pleasantly laid back little city with lovely beaches and great surf. Pretty
little seaside resorts stretch out to the north, eventually culminating
in the fabulously scenic Wild Coast, where you can do coastal hikes - on
your own or supported - horse trails, some gentle river paddling and awesome
surfing. There are some small game farms nearby and fantastic hikes in
the not too distant Hogsback Mountains. East London has some great
cultural attractions, including a wonderful natural history museum, where
you can see the only dodo egg in existence - but don't expect Jurassic
Park, it's a bit dodgy.
What isn't dodgy, though,
is the fact that it was this museum that identified the first specimen
of a coelacanth - there's a great exhibit outlining the history of this
awesome prehistoric fish. Previously known only from the fossil record,
it was assumed to be extinct, and is believed to be the missing link between
aquatic and terrestrial animals. OK - one of the missing links - it's quite
a long chain. East London has all the facilities you'd expect in medium
sized city - good hotels, sufficient shopping opportunities, yummy restaurants
and an airport - while still retaining the sleepy charm of a village.
Blue
Lagoon Hotel & Conference Centre - EAST LONDON Overlooking the site where
the Nahoon River meets the warm Indian Ocean, The Blue Lagoon Hotel and
Conference Centre (Eastern Cape, East London) lies nestled in indigenous
sub tropical foliage, against the riverbank. Although we are situated on
a coastal area, we are easily accessible and close to the Central Business
District. Our hotel offers a delightful blend of stylish garden facing
hotel rooms or modern luxury two bedroom lagoon-facing suites (self-catering
available), against the riverbank. Our hotel rooms have recently undergone
a refined face-lift focusing on décor, comfort and attention to
detail.
The
Manderson Hotel, EAST LONDON A small upmarket country
hotel & conference centre situated at the base of the Amatole Mountains.
Set in beautiful gardens the hotel offers 10 bedrooms and 2 junior suites
all en suite with separate bath & shower, T.V. With DSTV, direct dial
telephone, electric blankets for those cooler evenings and coffee/tea makers.
The hotel is fully licenced with a small intimate pub. The hotel
restaurant is open for hotel and outside guests. Breakfast and al al la
carte lunch is served in the sunny breakfast room or on the wooden deck
overlooking the swimming pool. A table d hote dinner is offered in
the evening in the candle lit dining room.
B&B
at The Castle - Guest Apartment, B&B, EAST LONDON Our home resembles a 12th
century English castle, but the interior has the comfort and style associated
with South African homes. Located in the coastal sub-tropical region
of the Eastern Cape, the hillside garden and its surrounding vegetation
blends in with the ocean breezes. We offer two large units for families
or self-catering travellers and one unit for a single or double sharing.
The larger units has 1 queen size bed and 2 single beds in a bunk arrangement.
Adjacent to these units is a fully furnished kitchen. The smaller unit
is the typical B & B bedroom. All units have ensuite showers.
All units have separate entrances, walking distance to beaches and to 5-star
hotel and pub. Off-street parking is available.
German
Bay Lodge, Guesthouse, Gonubie, EAST LONDON The German Bay Lodge is
a new modern Guest Home on the Beach front of Gonubie. Each Bedroom
is en-suite with an unequalled view of the sea. There are single and double
suites to choose from. Breakfast is served either al-fresco on the
sundeck or in the dining room overlooking the Indian Ocean. Each
room has its own internet connection for your Laptop. The honesty
bar provides a nice tranquil, relaxing setting after a day of meetings
and business appointments.
Haga
Haga Resort & Self-Catering Cabanas, B&B, Self-catering, EAST
LONDON If the fragrance of wild
flowers, bird watching, fishing, shell collecting, long beach walks and
magnificent scenery is your idea of quality holiday times, then this is
the place for you! Personalised hospitality, excellent cuisine, congenial
atmosphere and romantic evenings are the trademark of this renowned establishment,
where the mystical Indian Ocean passionately kisses the rugged Wild Coast.
Excellent amenities for adults and children alike, including a pool and
tennis court on the beach to compliment the sea facing rooms
Smart
Villa Guest House, B&B/Self-Catering, Nahoon, EAST
LONDON 7
Beautiful decorated en-suite rooms will welcome the Business traveler,
small family and tourist. 15mins from the Airport, 2kms to the Golf
Club, Nahoon Beach, CBD and Sporting facilities. Complimentary Wireless,
MNet and Satellite TV. Walk to the nearest Restaurant and Shops will make
your stay more pleasant. Arrive as Strangers, Leave as Friends!
Smart Villa offers comfortable & spacious guest areas: a Breakfast/reception
room, downstairs lounge/dining area with an indoor & outdoor barbeque.
Satellite TV & Complimentary Wireless.
The
Oakhampton, Bed and Breakfast, EAST LONDON We are in East London. 4
Star graded, Multiple Winners of the AA Tavel Accommodation award for the
best B&B Homestay in S.A.. Welcome to the Sunshine Coast. We offer
a variety of rooms (8 to choose from) with en suite or private bathrooms,
award winning garden, braai's, swimming pools, Cocktail bar, craft gallery,
Private lounges, NO SELF CATERING. We are close to shops, restuarants and
the Beach We pride ourselves in providing top quality accommodation at
VERY reasonable prices You may arrive as a stranger but you will leave
as a friend.
The
Thatch Guest House, Guesthouse, EAST LONDON The Thatch has a 4 star
grading with TGSA ( Tourism Grading Council of South Africa ), the highest
Superior grading by the AA and is a finalist in their 2003 South Africa's
Best competition. The Thatch offers spotlessly clean luxurious accommodation
set in tranquil surroundings and overlooking the Indian Ocean. Unique building
and atmosphere. Spacious en-suite bathrooms, private entrances, satellite
tv in rooms, mini-bar; secure parking, swimming pool, dining room under
thatch, sundowner deck and much more. Only 10 minutes from the town centre,
20 minutes from the airport and set in tranquil surroundings, The Thatch
is perfectly placed for the discerning traveller.
Breaking
Waves, Self-Catering, EAST LONDON 25Km. from Gonubie. Situated
on our beautiful Wild Coast. Relax while the Dolphins go by, enjoy the
breathtaking view. Few places so close to the sea with a sea view from
every room. Your very own private apartment. Fully contained apartment,
sleeps 2-4 adults. Lounge, open kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Kitchen
complete with cutlery, stove, fridge, freezer, kettle, microwave TV etc.
Linen and bath towels. Own Braai/barbeque area.
Haga
Haga Resort & Self-Catering Cabanas, B&B, Self-catering, EAST
LONDON If the fragrance of wild
flowers, bird watching, fishing, shell collecting, long beach walks and
magnificent scenery is your idea of quality holiday times, then this is
the place for you! Personalised hospitality, excellent cuisine, congenial
atmosphere and romantic evenings are the trademark of this renowned establishment,
where the mystical Indian Ocean passionately kisses the rugged Wild Coast.
Excellent amenities for adults and children alike, including a pool and
tennis court on the beach to compliment the sea facing rooms.
Smart
Villa Guest House, B&B/Self-Catering, Nahoon, EAST
LONDON 7
Beautiful decorated en-suite rooms will welcome the Business traveler,
small family and tourist. 15mins from the Airport, 2kms to the Golf
Club, Nahoon Beach, CBD and Sporting facilities. Complimentary Wireless,
MNet and Satellite TV. Walk to the nearest Restaurant and Shops will make
your stay more pleasant. Arrive as Strangers, Leave as Friends!
Smart Villa offers comfortable & spacious guest areas: a Breakfast/reception
room, downstairs lounge/dining area with an indoor & outdoor barbeque.
Satellite TV & Complimentary Wireless.
With a large university,
some of South Africa’s top schools and a plethora of museums and other
cultural attractions, Grahamstown is a rather erudite destination.
It’s also the venue of the National Festival of the Arts, which is the
second largest arts festival in the world, coming in just behind Edinburgh.
Of Grahamstown’s numerous lovely old buildings, many of which are national
monuments, the one that – literally – stands out is the magnificent Cathedral
of St Michael and St George, which forms a focal point at the top of High
Street. The more academic of the many museums in Grahamstown include the
Observatory Museum, which has the only genuine Victorian Camera Obscura
in the southern hemisphere, the National English Literary Museum, the Library
of African Music and – rather unusually considering its inland position
– the SA Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, where you can see exhibits
relating to the coelacanth – the fossil fish that was thought to be extinct
but still lives off the South African coast.
Grahamstown’s position on
the 19th century frontier between the British colonialists and the Xhosa
tribes, has contributed to its interesting history. And the culture of
rebellion that was forged in the Frontier Wars was brought to bear during
the 20th century to the extent that Grahamstown was one of the major centres
of resistance to the apartheid regime.
Local historians offer insightful
tours of the area, highlighting seminal moments in South Africa’s history.
Grahamstown has a decent golf course and it is very close to one of the
newest golf resorts in South Africa – the Gary Player-designed Bushman
Sands in the interesting and unusual town of Alicedale.
There is good climbing near
the town, a skydiving club and – less than an hour’s drive away – good
surfing at Port Alfred. There are numerous excellent game viewing destinations
within an hour’s drive of Grahamstown.
Leeuwenbosch
Country House, near Grahamstown Leeuwenbosch
has been in the Fowld’s family since 1873, and offers warm African Colonial
hospitality. The original manor house invites comfortable country living,
and Shearer’s Lodge is a converted shearing and wool-classing building,
offering a more contemporary living. Situated on Amakhala Game Reserve
in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, amidst scenic bushveld and indigenous
gardens. Our cosy cellar pub is a good start to the evening before dining
in the original homestead, circa 1834. Enjoy a bush dinner, a game drive
tracking rhino, elephant, buffalo, cheetah, lion and giraffe. Or take a
relaxing river cruise along Bushmans River which can be seen at various
position in the reserve at offers breathtaking views..
A
Stone's Throw Bed and Breakfast, Grahamstown A
Stone's Throw Bed and Breakfast, Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
We aim to offer warm Eastern Cape hospitality in the heart of Frontier
Country, Grahamstown. Freedom is a Stone's Throw Away, Stunning Sunsets,
Country Garden Setting, Spectacular View, Bird Lover's delight, Scenic
Walks, Welcome atmosphere. Attractions nearby include: *Museums *Nature
trails *Thomas Baines Nature Reserve *A Variety of Day Trips within accessible
driving distances. Including Addo, Double-Drift, Thomas Baines, Bathurst,
Kenton-on-Sea, Port Alfred (about 33 minutes drive to the sea). A Stone's
Throw is also ideally located as a convenient halfway stopover off the
N2 between the Garden Route and Kwazulu Natal.
Port Elizabeth is
a great little coastal city with loads of great things to do, and a whole
host of fantastic attractions right on its doorstep. It's big enough to
have everything you'd really want from a city but small enough to occasionally
feel like a village. There are wonderful beaches, good diving, excellent
kitesurfing and windsurfing, and good surf. There are sailing trips from
the harbour, as well as good whale watching. Among the many golf courses
is Humewood, which is regularly voted in the top five courses in South
Africa and is our only true links course. Transport buffs will enjoy a
ride on the Apple Express, a narrow gauge steam train, or a visit to the
St Croix Motor Museum with over a hundred vintage cars.
If you're into beautiful
old buildings and history, you'll have a field day in PE. There is a self-guided
walk round the central part of the city taking in some great old buildings
and monuments but it's probably not a good idea to walk it alone. Go in
a reasonable sized group or just chicken out and drive it. You could also
do it as a guided trip, if you like. Among the interesting things you'll
see are an early 19th century settler home, the Victorian Feather Market
that was built during the ostrich feather boom, a beautiful Victorian library,
presided over by a statue of good old Queen Vic herself, and a fascinating
monument to Prester John - believed to be the only one in the world. Well,
that's not really surprising as the only people who believed in his existence
anyhow died out a few hundred years ago.
Bishops
Inn, Port Elizabeth Situated opposite Kings
Beach, lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and near the world-renowned
water sport mecca of Hobie Beach, the Bishops Inn stands majestically overlooking
Algoa Bay - Port Elizabeth, South Africa, offering panoramic sea views
from its luxuriously-appointed rooms & self-catering suites.
Brookes
Hill Suites, Port Elizabeth The Brookes Hill Suites
is a four star establishment situated in Port Elizabeth's beachside district
of Humewood. From the lofty heights of Brooke's Hill, overlooking the shores
of Algoa Bay, you'll benefit from fabulous views, spectacular amenities,
and the warmest welcome the Friendly City has to offer. Set in an atmosphere
made up of sparkling blue ocean, gently waving palms and fine golden sand,
you may think yourself on some remote desert island rather than only minutes
to the bustling downtown business center of Port Elizabeth. Each
of the Brookes Hill Suites 66 private chalets is luxuriously furnished
and fully equipped with all the amenities modern travelers have come to
expect.
Protea
Hotel Marine Port Elizabeth Set
on the Bay of Port Elizabeth, the Protea Hotel Marine has panoramic views
of the ocean and is situated six kilometres from the city centre. It features
63 guestrooms on five floors, all decorated in soft greens or reds with
ocean or garden views. Modern amenities in rooms include air conditioning,
Internet ports, satellite television, direct-dial phones, safes and complimentary
newspapers. The hotel has two outdoor pools, where guests can admire
sea views and top up their tans on the poolside sun loungers. Guests can
also work out with the hotel's fitness equipment, or relax in the sauna
or steam room.
Splash
Guesthouse, Guest House, Summerstrand, PORT ELIZABETH Splash
is located at 53 Brighton Drive on the Port Elizabeth beachfront, one block
from the popular bathing beaches, within close walking distance to shops,
restaurants and the Boardwalk, and 5 minutes from the famous Humewood golf
links. In-room flat screen TV with DSTV, En-suite bathrooms, Mini-bar
fridge, WIFI internet access, Guest swimming pool and braai area. Guest
lounge with book library and large flat screen TV with DSTV. Lock-up parking
with remote control
The
Windermere Hotel, Port Elizabeth The Windermere is a hip
stylish hotel situated in the beach suburb of Humewood, a short walk from
Kings Beach and Blue Flag status Humewood beach. Combining elements
of contemporary chic with classic comforts and the designs of today.
The eight large luxury rooms provide every comfort, with spacious sitting
areas, mini bars, satellite television and DVD, air conditioning and heating,
safes and dedicated IT port. One large suite is ideal for families as it
has a second interleading bedroom for children.
The
Eastern Cape is not classic lowveld, which is the vegetation type found
around the Kruger National Park and is most usually associated with big
game. However, this province has some awesome safari destinations. The
Greater Addo Elephant National Park, near the town of Addo, conserves a
staggering diversity of plant and animal life. There are a number of private
game lodges, both in the national park and in surrounding private reserves.
Best of all - it's totally malaria-free. South Africa's first and - to
date - only serious commercial ski resort is in the high-lying northern
part of the Eastern Cape. OK, it's not exactly Chamonix or Aspen - but
it is skiing in Africa. Snowboarding's big, too.
