Eastern Cape Escapades: Why Tourists Can’t Get Enough of This Enchanting Destination.

The Eastern Cape, situated in South Africa, is recognized as one of the nine provinces in the country. While Bhisho serves as its capital, the two major cities within the province are East London and Gqeberha. The Eastern Cape attracts tourists due to its pleasant climate and well-preserved nineteenth-century towns. Moreover, it holds significance as the birthplace of numerous anti-apartheid activists, including the renowned Nelson Mandela. If you find yourself visiting this province, here are some recommended activities to partake in.

1.Port Elizabeth: Addo Elephant Park Full-Day Safari

Embark on an unforgettable safari adventure through South Africa’s renowned Addo Elephant National Park. Experience the thrill of observing the park’s diverse wildlife, including the majestic “Big Five” – lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinos – as well as a variety of other fascinating species.

Your adventure begins with convenient pickup from your Port Elizabeth accommodation, hotel, or the port. Led by experienced guides, journey deep into the heart of Addo’s wilderness, where sweeping plains, dense thickets, and lush forests await.

Throughout your safari, gain insights into the behavior and ecology of the park’s inhabitants, while capturing unforgettable moments up close. As part of your experience, enjoy a light lunch amidst the natural beauty of Addo, providing a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or embarking on your first safari, Addo Elephant National Park promises an extraordinary journey filled with excitement, wonder, and the timeless magic of Africa’s wilderness.

Book your Addo Elephant National Park safari today and immerse yourself in the timeless enchantment of Africa’s wilderness.

2. Storms River: Tsitsikamma National Park Zipline Canopy Tour

This unique eco-wilderness adventure takes place in the magnificent Tsitsikamma indigenous rainforest. Most of the platforms are located in giant Outeniqua Yellowwood trees. The scenery and bird life are spectacular and professional guides provide interesting facts about the forest ecology throughout the tour.

The concept of guiding people through the upper canopy of a rainforest originated in Costa Rica, where adventurous biologists devised new methods for accessing the forest canopy in order to conduct research on the undiscovered canopy ecosystem. The idea soon developed into a breathtaking form of eco-tourism which allowed people to enter and experience a previously inaccessible natural environment.

The tour begins with a detailed safety briefing followed by a kitting-up session where full body harnesses, pulleys, and climbing equipment are issued and checked. A short drive into the Tsitsikamma forest and it is time to monkey around. From the start on the launch platform, a new world unfolds as one gently glides on a steel cable to the first tree platform.

All groups are escorted through the forest canopy by a lead guide and a follow guide to ensure your safety as you slide from tree to tree. The platforms are built high up in the giant Outeniqua Yellowwoods and provide an unbelievable view of this enchanting new world, any fear of heights is soon lost as you gather in your new surroundings

3. Stormsrivier: Green Route Tubing and Paddle-Boarding Tour

The fun and rejuvenating Green Route is a easy option for everyone to explore and soak in the pristine scenes of the Tsitsikamma forests. Be taken on a truly unique adventure where the Storms River is at its widest. Whilst there you can choose to tube, walk, or SUP through the stunning Tsitsikamma landscape.

This exquisite excursion on fresh drinkable water takes roughly 3 hours, and presents the perfect opportunity to try your hand at exhilarating activities such as river tubing and paddle-boarding. Engage in the environment as you get to know the demographics, history, and culture of the Tsitsikamma. You may even learn a traditional African song as you explore the remote, unique, and exquisite Tsitsikamma scenery.

4. Port Elizabeth: Sandboarding with Short Boat Trip

Travel down the picturesque Sundays River to the Alexandria Dune field; the largest and most impressive dune field in South Africa. Suited to beginners and experienced sandboarders, choose from 2 or 3-hour sandboarding tours which give you ample time to learn some new skills and have a great time while doing it.

If you are not quite comfortable to stand on the board, try a sit down or belly-board ride down the dune. Otherwise the guides will show you how to master the technique of standing on the board as you surf down the dune.

5. Port Elizabeth: River Cruise on the Sundays River

Enjoy a relaxing river cruise along the majestic Sundays River passing the Alexandria Coastal Dune field and many local birdlife feeding in their natural habitat. The cruise also includes a stop at one of the highest sand dunes.

If you climb to the top, you will be treated to spectacular views of the bay. Tours are from 1.5 to 2.5-hours and are perfect for small or larger groups, families, friends, bird watchers or birthday parties, bachelor/ achelorette parties and year-end functions.

6. Tsitsikamma Tour – Full Day

Commence your Tsitsikamma escapade by exploring the Big Tree, an enormous yellowwood marvel situated just a short 10-minute stroll from the main road within the awe-inspiring indigenous forest. This majestic tree, approximately 800 years old, stands tall at a height of 36.6 meters and boasts a circumference of nearly 9 meters. The Tsitsikamma region is renowned for its exhilarating activities, and your subsequent adventure entails embarking on a canopy tour or zip line tour. Traverse from one platform to another, suspended 30 meters above the forest floor, along a sturdy steel cable that connects the colossal yellowwood trees or even over cascading waterfalls! (Optional additional cost.)

Upon reaching the Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve, we will treat you to a captivating boat excursion along the Storms River, venturing into the breathtakingly beautiful gorge (subject to sea conditions, at your own expense). Delight in a leisurely stroll through the forest, leading you to a suspension bridge, followed by a delectable lunch at the Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve.

Prepare yourself for the next stop at Bloukrans, home to the world’s highest commercial bungee jump, towering at an astounding height of 216 meters! This remarkable feat proudly holds the record for South Africa and specifically Tsitsikamma. Are you ready to confront your greatest fear? (Cost of the jump is not included.) Following lunch, we embark on a scenic drive that descends the Groot River Pass, leading us to the enchanting Nature’s Valley.

Concluding our tour on a triumphant note, we pay a visit to one of the esteemed wine estates in the area, Bramon Wine Estate, renowned for producing South Africa’s first and only Sauvignon Blanc Méthode Cap Classique.

7. Plettenberg Bay: Bungee Jumping with Zipline and Sky Walk

Experience the adventure of a lifetime by taking the plunge and bungee jumping from Africa’s highest bridge. Rest assured as you jump, knowing that you are in the hands of a skilled and experienced team with a flawless safety record. This team has catered to celebrities like Prince Harry and Jack Osbourne, as well as individuals who have set bungee jumping records.

To reach the jumping point, you will zip line from the bank to the arch. Prior to your jump, you will be equipped with a full body harness and your feet will be secured with specialized gear. Take the leap into the valley and enjoy the exhilaration of free falling and bouncing back while being securely fastened to the bungee cord. Experience the seamless bungee jump thanks to Bloukrans Bungy’s pendulum technology.

As you are lifted back up, enjoy a winch ride guided by a recovery operator and take in the stunning views of the surrounding national park. Walk across the 216-meter SkyWalk to return to solid ground.

8. Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Great White shark cage diving

Departing from Port Elizabeth harbor at 7 am and returning at 5 pm, Shark Cage Diving in Port Elizabeth offers our guests an unforgettable experience of witnessing the awe-inspiring Great White Shark, one of nature’s most revered apex predators. Set in a serene and secluded location, this excursion takes you on a remarkable 10-hour journey, encompassing whale and dolphin watching, as well as an extensive exploration of the abundant wildlife and breathtaking natural wonders of Algoa Bay.