City: Eastern Cape
Top Things to do in Eastern Cape
Countries
Things to do in Eastern Cape, South Africa: The Best Outdoor Activities
The Eastern Cape is a province of South Africa. Its capital is Bhisho, but its two largest cities are Port Elizabeth and East London. It was formed in 1994 out of the Xhosa homelands of Transkei and Ciskei, together with the eastern portion of the Cape Province. Landing place and home of the 1820 settlers, the central and eastern part of the province is the traditional home of the Xhosa people.
Restaurants in Eastern Cape
1. The Shipwreck Coast
2. Beachcomber Horse Trails
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By Helma_Smit - Cape Town Central, South Africa
What an unforgettable bucket-lust adventure. Sure-footed, enthusiastic horses who cantered, swam , climbed steep hills and were consistently steady during the beach rides, river trails and game viewing. Even though I am still a novice when it comes to horse riding, Jono paired me with first Hazel and later Abby - and both of them were a perfect fit. I never felt unsafe through out this amazing adventure and both of them carried me with the utmost care. We experienced breathtaking views, enjoyed and enjoyed exceptional home-made food. I loved the tented camp, the farm dogs, wildlife and the interaction with Jono and his team (Edain our trail guide, Catherine the wonderful cook and Thulane who helped with the horses, the swims and trekking us around). Jono also went out of his way to add to our adventure and we enjoyed late afternoon sunsets on the beach and end off with an excillerating boat ride on the Kariega river. I met the most wonderful and exceptional group of people that made this adventure unforgettable. I would most defintely recommend Beachcomber Horse Trails to anyone who loves to experience the outdoors on horseback.
3. Chokka Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By adriennee360 - Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
This was our third multi day slackpacking experience in six months and must rate as the best one thanks to Esti and Eric for their seamless logistics and varied hikes each day. The accommodation, hosting and food were all superb with our favourite being the Oyster Kaya where we spent the first night. Lindy and Bokkie are gourmet chefs and served the most delicious food of the trip. Our favourite day was the second hike of 18km through the dunefield and wow did we feel privileged to be seeing parts of this pristine coast which are not open to the public. The guiding was excellent and we enjoyed the company of both Esti and Frikkie. We loved our sunset canal cruise with David from the St Francis Bay Resort and a highlight was the chokka tasting and talk by Clive at the Chokka Block restaurant in the Port. All in all a fabulous experience which we can recommend to anyone of reasonable fitness.
4. Otter Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By belindas731 - Durban, South Africa
Amazing, challenging, adventurous, beautiful! Don’t think you can just get up off the couch and hike the Otter trail - it requires cardio fitness and strong legs and arms to carry the backpack and you up those steep ascents! However, don’t not try if you haven’t had time to train - just take lots of Deep Heat/ Arnica ice and anti-inflamm tabs because you will feel muscles you never thought you had! It’s absolutely worth the effort and worse comes to worse, you take one of the escape routes... you tried! You’ll also need a head for heights as there are a couple of rock climbs that take you up high... all the better to see dear. This was our first Otter Hike for the whole group so we found ourselves chasing low tides on day 3 (Lottering 10:50) and day 4 (Bloukrans 11:30). In the end it was the Kleinbos river (!) which gave us the biggest challenge as the flow of water from upstream was quite strong due to previous days rain. We laughed our way through the other 2 biggies. Every day of the year is going to offer up a different set of weather conditions for river crossings and hiking - be prepared and try reach the big rivers round low tide (it helps take the stress out of the event). But worse comes to worse, take the escape... hey - you’re on the Otter, it’s part of the adventure!! Practical tips: We all had different priorities when it came to luxury ‘necessities’ - some had a small pillow, some binoculars, some whiskey, some goggles & snorkels (or small swimming goggles) - take what will add to the enjoyment of your experience.... just don’t overpack! Don’t share toothpaste or Vaseline with someone sleeping in the other cabin - it’s a schlep. 2 thumbs up for water bladder, but take an empty water bottle for practical use around camp Trek pole - some of the group swore by them and a few put them away. Suggest you take one (safe) and decide on route. Some of us drank the water without purification drops (we only filled up at the huts) and were fine. If in doubt, rather use them. If you like taking photos, carry a pouch around your neck to store your phone in for easy access (but remember to cover it in plastic if it rains or water crossings) Red survival bags for river crossings are so big - we tested 2 backpacks in 1 surv bag across the Bloukrans and it worked fine. Share between 2 and save weight and space on the hike. Bloubaai (Blue Bay) turnoff is now clearly sign marked. Leave your bags on the trail, put your lunch in a small bag and carry it down to the beach. Lovely spot. It’s not a bad thing if you get to the huts early on a few days - you can chill, wash & recover in a beautiful setting. By the way, crows can open your top zipper, open your marshmallow packet and fly off with your booty. Did I mention we saw an Otter?? Day 3 Elandsbos River. JUST DO IT!!
5. Baviaans Camino
6. Alexandria Hiking Trails
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By SimpiweS
The Alexandra hiking trail is a lovely hike through the forests and the beach. It is not for the faint hearted though as it is 19km on day one and 16km the following day. There is no water source on the route so I suggest taking at least 4litres of water for the hike, trust me, you will need every drop. I would suggest making a stop by the backpackers just before you start the beach hike to get a rest and some food before you start the long beach hike. Our hiking time for day 1 was 7 seven hours, excluding the stop at the backpackers. We saw dolphins as we were hiking towards the hut which was a beautiful site after a long day of hiking. The hut has no electricity and there is no cellphone service. There is a gas stove and cutlery in the kitchen with a sponge and dishwashing liquid. There are candles as well as beds to sleep in, just bring a sleeping bag. There is rain water from the tank which is the only water source on the route. The view from the hut is amazing and I would suggest arriving earlier to catch the sunset from the balcony and unwind before day 2. While it was hot, I enjoyed doing the hike in summer as the days are longer and we spent a good time outside in the balcony. Starting the hike on day 2 at about 5/6am might be a good idea as the combination of heat and sand dunes is torcherous. It took us 3 hours to complete the sand dunes, it might take you a bit quicker if you are all fit. A great and challenging hike overall, I would certainly bring a bigger backpack next time to carry more water.
7. The Dolphin Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Imagine the beauty of the famous Otter Trail, but without heavy backpacks. Join us for 4 days of unspoilt beauty hiking the magnificent Tsitsikamma coast, with 3 nights in charming lodges, all meals inclusive, and accompanied by experienced guides. This experience is memorable and special.
Reviewed By helenhoare - Cape Town, South Africa
Such a treat to have extremely professional and informative guides - Werner and JJ - to shepherd a happy group of two South Africans and eight delightful Germans through the magical Tsitsikamma (place of sparkling waters) National Park. The two day hiking path weaves between ancient indigenous forests, fynbos and the rocky seashore, At the end of each day, we were welcomed at the friendly four star accommodation at "Misty Mountain" and "The Fernery". A supreme experience of a pristine world. Thank you from Christopher and Helen
8. Seal Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
World renowned surfing spot!
Reviewed By westcoastcat - Vancouver, Canada
Starting at the white lighthouse one can walk along this wide open beautiful beach for miles. Many surfers can be seen among the waves and it’s fun to watch them surf. This is a popular spot for dog walking too. For refreshments afterwards try Tradewinds which is just up the road.
9. Paradise Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 165 reviews
Reviewed By Jeets2804 - Pretoria, South Africa
Went in December 2021. The beaches were closed due to the local restrictions. However, the beach is away from the cente of Jefferys Bay. Persons with fishing licences were allowed on the beach. We took advantage of this and went for long walks on the beach which has soft sand and great waves.
10. Kwantu Private Game Reserve - Day Visits
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By hakdent
5 star accommodation and service without a doubt. We stayed in the bush lodges near the waterhole. The rooms were spectacular as was the views as well as the staff. Being in the lodges away from the hotel is not a problem as the drivers are always around to take you back and forth. There are 3 game drives per day. We managed to see all the animals including lions, elephants and rhino's, wildebeest, giraffes and various bucks. The rangers were informative and entertaining. The food in particular was excellent and the reserve makes sure that you never go hungry. There are lions being bred in captivity as well and a fabulous game room for younger kids as well as a huge swimming pool. Thank you kwantu for providing us with good accommodation and halal food. Noerraan
