Eastern Cape Tourism and Attractions
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 wild lands 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 fight for freedom.
The capital of the province is Bisho, but the most economically important cities are Port Elizabeth and East London. As a traveller, the urban areas 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 their 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 Algoa Bay, called BahÃa de Lagoa (bay of the lagoon) by the Portuguese due to the small lagoon located at the mouth of the Swartskop River. Port Elizabeth was founded in 1799 when the British built the Ford Fredrick in a low-rise building overlooking the bay.
Grahamstown is probably the most intellectual city in South Africa, with Rhodes University, many of the best schools in the country and a host of academically oriented museums. It is also the venue for the National Festival of the Arts.
The region boasts the world’s highest bungee jump and is considered South Africa’s watersports mecca with activities such as diving, skiing, windsurfing and sailing. Jeffreys Bay is world renowned for its perfect waves and is home to the Billabong Surf Classic.
Miles of golden beaches and spectacular marine life, malaria-free wildlife viewing, world-famous hiking trails through sub-tropical forests, millions of acres 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 dwindled. In 1931, a 6,852 ha tract of bush was set aside as Addo Elephant National Park, since then additional land was purchased and Addo has now been linked with Zuurberg National Park. Addo Park supports more than 200 elephants and a wide variety of games.
attractions
– Ford Fredrick First stone building in the Eastern Cape and reputedly the first British building in Africa south of the equator.
– The 52 square meter Campanile A bell tower, built in 1923 to commemorate the 1820 settler landings
– The Opera House The oldest working opera house in the country and the only extant specimen of a Victorian-era theater construction.
– Miles of golden beaches and spectacular marine life, malaria-free game viewing.
– More detailed information can be found at the Eastern Cape Tourist Board.
Contact:
Palm Square Business Park
ironwood house
Bonza Bay Highway
beacon bay
5247
POSTAL ADDRESS:
PO Box 18373, Quigney,
East London, South Africa
Telephone: +27(0)43 701 9600
Fax: +27(0)43 701 9649
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.ectourism.co.za