Eastern Cape Overview
TheEastern Cape is South Africa's second largest and most diverseprovince. It's a great sun, sand an
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In and Around
Eastern Cape
Cities Game Reserves Through Routes Tourism Regions Towns Villages
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Author: Samantha Black
Submitted: 05 May 2009
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.
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Tiffendell Ski Resort
© South African Tourism
Addo elephant
© SafariNow.com
Port Elizabeth Beach
© Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism
Beach horse riding
© South African Tourism
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Accommodation near Eastern Cape
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(Please note: distances shown are 'as the crow flies', and not necessarily the actual travelling distance)
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This 2000 hectare biodiversified farm is privately owned and nestled between the majestic Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains on the banks of the Olifants river bed. Located on one of the world’s “17 hot spots” with three overlapping flower zones, only seven kilometers from Oudtshoorn on the R328 (road to Mossel Bay), opposite Safari Ostrich Farm.
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Langenhoven B&B is situated in the heart of the Klein Karoo – Oudtshoorn. Staying at our accommodation establishment will give you the opportunity to explore the town in all its glory.
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10% discount
see terms & conditions
RELAX LONGER
Don't let the saying "So much to see - do little time" be your problem !!
Stay 3 days or longer and get 10% discount on the total cost. Oudtshoorn is the Ostrich capital of the world - we have the famous Cango Caves - Cango Wildlife ranch - the majestic Swartberg Mountains - the Meerkats. How can you experience all in less than 3 days??
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Experience sincere South African hospitality and luxury Farm accommodation, centrally located to visit the Addo Elephant park , Schotia Safari, Amakhala Game Reserve and the moving sandunes of the Sunshine Coast. Stay in spacious, beautifully decorated, air-conditioned cottages on a working Dairy Farm. Finalist 2008 and 2009 AA Travel Guides and American Express Accommodation awards- Farm stay.
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15% discount
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World Cup 2010 special! Valid from 1 January 2010 till 31 August 2010.
Experience the lifestyle that farm-living has to offer on this beautiful Dairy Farm. Get that well deserved break, getting away from it all, in the wildlife gateway of the Eastern Cape. Finalist 2008 & 2009 AA and American Express Accommodation awards - Farm Stay.
Self-catering offer.
Our self-catering is on special offer for R295.00 per person sharing a night .
Children 0 - 2 years no charge.
Children 3-12 years R100.00 per child a night.
Subject to a minimum stay of 2 nights.
Bed and breakfast offer.
Our bed and breakfast is on special for R395.00 per person sharing a night.
Children 0 - 2 years no charge.
Children 3 - 12 years R180.00 per child a night.
Subject to availability and a minimum stay of 2 nights.
Terms and Conditions apply.
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Malherbe guesthouse is a National Monument and was built in 1859. The house has been lovingly restored and offers 5 en-suite rooms, 4 with private patios. Rooms have a bar-fridge, electronic safe, fan, a heater and electric blanket for the winter, hospitality tray and hairdryer, WI-FI hot spot; garden rooms have TV with M-Net. The guesthouse also has a spacious guest lounge.
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5% discount
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Malherbe Guesthouse is pleased to offer a 5% discount on any stays of 2 of more consecutive nights between October and April.
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Absorb the ambience of a lovingly restored Victorian villa. Sleep in a luxurious en-suite bedroom between percale linen sheets on an extra length bed. Enjoy an elegant breakfast served with freshly baked homemade breads on the verandah overlooking the garden and mountains.
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20% discount
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Winter Special - ZAR 250,- pps breakfast included*
Villa Victoria with its tranquail and beautiful setting - on the slopes of Langeberg Mountains, is a serene place to relax, take it slow or explore the nature (free loan of mountain bikes). Have a swim, taste some wine, listen to jazz in front of the fireplace ...
Do you enjoy a braai under the African Sky? We have a Bush Braai and Louise makes the most devine side dishes and hot salads ... We hope that you will love it here as much as we do!
Louise & Robin
* Winter Special is valid until end of Sept 09. Regular rates are ZAR 310 pps.
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A trove of African culture! Peace &, tranquility! Rooderandt Hillside Lodge is situated in the picturesque Schoemanshoek Valley near Oudtshoorn & surrounded by the enchanting Swartberg Mountain range. Centrally located from which to explore the world famous Cango Caves, Cango Ostrich Show Farm, spectacular Water Falls, quaid biking, hiking, etc. Blessed with THE most spectacular view, indigenous
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30% discount
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HOT SUMMER SPECIAL! Luxury, very spacious and comfortable cottages, equipped with air-conditioning for those hot Karoo summer days at a give-away rate of R280.00 p.p. sharing. This offer excludes breakfast. Terms and conditions apply. Kindly request the special deals summary when you make an enquiry.
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Surrender to the call of the wild at Idwala Lodge where you will find personalized service, luxury surroundings and unforgettable sights of the Big 5
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25% discount
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Romance is always in the air at Idwala! Why limit it to Valentine's. Book now for a minimum of 2 nights and receive a 25% discount during March and April 2010. Come see the abundance of new arrivals: 6 cheetahs, rhino and a host of other young ones.
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Situated in Port Elizabeth, this lavishly restored 15 en-suite bedroomed “Victorian Era” house with modern facilities and 3 Conference venues promises the ultimate in luxurious surrounds to satisfy the most discerning of guests – both Corporate and Tourist.
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A Stone's Throw Bed and Breakfast and self-cater accommodation, offers 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.
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Situated in Bunkers Hill, See More Guest House boasts 9 luxury rooms, with either pool or sea/valley views, own entrances, TV/DVD, tea/coffee making facilities. Whether leisure or business, you will experience the perfect blend of comfort and tranquility in a relaxed friendly environment. AA Superior.
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