City: Eastern Cape
Top Things to do in Eastern Cape
- 1. Shamwari Game Reserve
- 2. Valley of Desolation
- 3. Addo Elephant National Park
- 4. Schotia Tooth and Claw Safari
- 5. Mountain Zebra National Park
- 6. Storms River Suspension Bridge
- 7. Tsitsikamma National Park
- 8. Hole in the Wall
- 9. Kragga Kamma Game Park
- 10. South African Marine Rehabilitation and Education Centre
Countries
Top 10 Things to do in Eastern Cape, South Africa
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. Shamwari Game Reserve
Overall Ratings
5 based on 381 reviews
Please visit the official Shamwari Game Reserve Lodges page on TripAdvisor for more info, images, video & slideshow. Search "Shamwari Game Reserve lodges".Shamwari is the best private game reserve situated in the malaria free Eastern Cape,South Africa.This privately owned 25 000 hectares of prime natural terrain has received numerous international awards.Shamwari is an exploration of nature with close encounters of free roaming wildlife and the coveted big five with a choice of unique luxury lodges, an exclusive private villa and the adventurous Explorer Camp.Luxury accommodation is offered in 7 different game lodges at Shamwari Game Reserve, all of which are 5 Star graded. Choose a game lodge that perfectly compliments your ideal African experience
Reviewed By BenhamParty - Wokingham, Berkshire
Wow! We were so looking forward to our safari at the Shamwari Game reserve and it didn’t disappoint, it was most definitely the highlight of our 3 week stay. We arrived around 12.00 at Bayethe Tented Lodges, we were greeted with a drink and our accommodation was ready and waiting, speaking to other guests they experienced the same quality of service as the turnover of lodges is quick because most stays are only for 3 nights. The lodges are well equipped and serviced twice a day. The game drives are amazing and our guide Vuyo was superb he managed not only to track down 4 of the big 5 (Leopards are very elusive) but he drove the safari truck right up close and personal so that we get some amazing camera shots of the animals. Vuyo went that extra transfer step to ensure you got the best angle. The game reserve is huge, 63000 acres that at times feels like you are in Jurassic park. The food was great and everyone was very sociable sharing their stories each day at breakfast and the evening meal. They had blankets and rain proof ponchos in the trucks and it was a nice touch that they stopped for a tea or coffee in the morning and your beverage of choice in the evening game drive. We also booked in for massages which we both thoroughly enjoyed. We loved it and plan to go back with our family within the next two years.
2. Valley of Desolation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 745 reviews
Reviewed By Frogy007 - Cape Town Central, South Africa
Went late afternoon and enjoyed the different view points. Interesting geological site! Open wide landscape is very impressive. Easy hiking route to admire the valley from different view point. Take comfortable shoes. During the visit weather changed to cold and windy condition. So take always something warm just in case. Great spot for sundowner.
3. Addo Elephant National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By John M - Monmouth, United Kingdom
Fabulous self drive safari.Entered park from the south, and saw lots of elephants in the less densely scrubbed south of the park - top tip, and best entrance! Saw zebra and warthog too. Large waterhole produced a family group of elephants with young and Buffalo, and coming into view from behind our car a rhino which then had a stand off with the elephants. A great experience and not to be missed.
4. Schotia Tooth and Claw Safari
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 316 reviews
Schotia offers one of the best chances to see lions in the wild. This private malaria free reserve close to the Addo Elephant National Park is probably the most densely stocked reserve in Africa, and with over 40 mammal species and approximately 2000 animals, can offer consistently good game viewing throughout the year.
Reviewed By kathryn w
We had a great safari experience with our guide, Dale. He was very knowledgeable and personable, which made for a good experience. We stayed the night in one of the tented camps, which was very comfortable.
We didn't see hyena and didn't hear the lions roar. But we still felt this had been a great experience and would go back to Schotia again.
5. Mountain Zebra National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 253 reviews
Reviewed By derek r - plettenberg bay
My wife and I agreed that this was easily the worst of the many South African national parks and others in Botswana and Namibia that we have so far visited. This in spite of the many good reviews by others ,and we are forced to conclude that the marked deterioration is relatively recent. Cottage 2, where we stayed [we weren't offered an opportunity to stay in the newly completed cottages] was poorly maintained[ 3 out of 4 bedside lights fused, garbage bin lid broken off, toilet only flushed for as long as lever held down, Television remote dead {original batteries still in}, cutlery drawer very seriously sticky, missing shower curtain had caused serious damage to a number of the terracotta floor tiles, bath in need of silicon seal replacement, window sill paint showing black mould]. Meal times were a complete surprise packet.The normal arrangement of brunch only plus dinner was very temporarily replaced over the season by the usual breakfast, lunch and supper Result was that two French adults plus 5 young children managed supper on Xmas eve, no breakfast on Xmas day, no lunch because this had been fully pre-booked by prior arrangement, no supper , no breakfast on Boxing Day because it was to be replaced by brunch. Result .. no food for one and a half days. Moreover, this arrangement was not conveyed to guests.
Although a lot of money has gone into the civil engineering of the admittedly impressive road structure, nearly all roads were quite badly corrugated. and in need of bulldozing The shop seemed to have an overabundance of curios and an under-ditto of bread, fresh milk and meat. The petrol pump remained broken for the duration of our stay. Cottages on both sides of ours remained empty during our stay and the absence of a number of cottage lights at night suggested the camp was not very full
6. Storms River Suspension Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 781 reviews
This picturesque suspension bridge is on one of the shorter hikes of this river gorge.
Reviewed By Bokkie15 - Johannesburg
One for the bucket list! A half day adventure, that takes you on a 900m hike up and down a mountain side( it does have a few sheer drops) to get to the suspension Bridges. Beautiful scenery, with 360' view of the river mouth and sea.
Great hike for the entire family, but take care if you are elderly or unfit as the hike can be fairly strenuous.
7. Tsitsikamma National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
Reviewed By Janet G - Sandwich, United Kingdom
But well worth the cost to walk amidst lovely coastal scenery, reasonable toilets and ice cream. Lovely self-catering lodges and completely over run with dasie. Kayaking and swimming on site. Don’t be put off by the cost. The suspension Bridges are fun and not too tricky but the steps to get to and from them are real Bs.
8. Hole in the Wall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
Reviewed By Chris5630 - Port Elizabeth, South Africa
The Hole in the Wall is a site that must be visited once in your life. Awesome spot and a great place to spend a day swimming and picnicking. The "guide" that perster you are a bit od a problem but not really needed..
9. Kragga Kamma Game Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 533 reviews
Lush coastal forest and grassland is home to vast herds of African game, including White Rhino, Buffalo, Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra, Nyala, Bontebok, Lechwe and many more species. All the animals roam freely, unrestricted in natural surroundings. This owner operated animal friendly park, where no hunting or other disturbance of the game is permitted, means that you always get close up views and great photo opportunities. Take a drive in your own vehicle through the park on the well-maintained roads and enjoy viewing the game in any weather conditions from the comfort of your car. For those really close encounters, choose the 2 hour guided tour in an open Landrover with a professional guide providing you with interesting information on the animals and the historical background to the area.
Reviewed By Armant G - Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Small game park allowing you to get intimate with the selection of animals roaming around here.
Not usually very busy so there is no need to rush or worry about traffic.
Brilliant little restaurant near reception as well as the Cheetah cages (makes me a little sad this).
overall, awesome place
10. South African Marine Rehabilitation and Education Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
SAMREC is Port Elizabeth's new marine bird rehabilitation and education centre situated in the Cape Recife Nature Reserve. The centre's purpose isn't just to rescue and rehabilitate, but to also inform and educate the public through their different programs.Tour our marine rehab and education centre and experience nature through sight, sound and touch.Visitors can experience the hospital and see the volunteers in action helping to save our environment, in particular the endangered African Penguin.
Reviewed By Tim C - Milborne Port, United Kingdom
This is a short destination. Place feels remote, even though just out of PE. Chain security to get in so Lord knows what else is on site. Lovely little explanatory display, albeit perhaps too many stuffed birds for the modern taste. Rehab penguins just gorgeous. Great to see them in their pool/den. Sad to see that they have to be there at all. Most of the work is behind the scenes. I am full of admiration for people who are committed to projects like this. It's not high entertainment, but it is informative, with a sense of wonder.
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