Why the Eastern Cape is worth visiting

  • by Jacqueline van Strijp
  • 30 Sept, 2022
Just a short drive from the popular beaches and seaside towns of the Garden Route lies South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, a place of traditional villages, abundant wildlife, big smiles and no crowds.
Our Ryan was fortunate enough to be hosted by SATSA (Southern African Tourism Service Association) for a familiarisation trip to the Eastern Cape, often overlooked by travellers to South Africa in favour of Cape Town, the Winelands and the Kruger, the Eastern Cape with its combination of culture, coastline and wildlife is well worth taking some time to explore. Read more about her experience here:

Our journey through the Eastern Cape began at Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, where we were met by what is known as South Africa's windy city and boarded the Bus for a scenic tour of this province's main attractions. Our first stop was Jeffrey's Bay, 'J-Bay' as the locals refer to it is renowned for its gorgeous beaches, endless summers, plentiful shells and is best known as “the Surf Mecca of the World”.

Next, we passed by forested hills, cliffs covered in fynbos and wild coastlines to the Tsitsikamma Region. We feasted on waffles and milkshakes for lunch at Marilyn's 60's Diner to the sweet sounds of Elvis Presley boogieing from a jukebox that was bound to keep playing in our heads all day long, before our next adventure.

We were not prepared for what was waiting for us next, so lunch was a terrific opportunity to relax. A short distance away, located in the magnificent Tsitsikamma indigenous rainforest, built around giant Outeniqua Yellowwood trees that are up to 700 years old looking down at the lush forest floor below is an experience of a lifetime. A First of Its kind In Africa – Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour involves cable sliding from one platform to another along a steel cable, 30 metres above the forest floor, to discover the secrets of the spectacular and unique wilderness of the Tsitsikamma Indigenous Forest.

The following day, we made our way to the Bloukrans Bridge. There is so much more to do in the Eastern Cape, but I had longed to bungee jump off South Africa's highest commercial bridge a place where like-minded adrenaline junkies gather to face what is an incredibly unnatural and senseless activity. It has been on my bucket list for a long time. Until now, that is.

The team at Face Adrenalin secured me in a full body harness and I proceed to walk along a specially designed catwalk, which is suspended beneath the road surface, which then lead me to the top of the arch - 216 meters above the Bloukrans River. Here I  was  given the final instructions by highly experienced staff, a countdown and off I went.Time stood still for those chilling 5 seconds of free-fall and after what seemed like forever, the bungee caught, and I was treated to an incredible view of the Bloukrans River.

Following that amazing experience, we continued our journey to Monkeyland, Birds of Eden & Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary. The world’s first free-roaming, multi-species primate sanctuary. Covering an area of 12 hectares of indigenous forest and providing a home to over 550 ex-captive primates to provide them with a healthier and more natural habitat. This was an Eco-Tourism experience that will stay with me for a lifetime.

After that amazing experience, we had the opportunity to experience the many other wonders of Plettenberg Bay with Ocean Blue Adventures. Our deep sea adventure started with an exhilarating boat launch from Central Beach. From here the boat goes to Arch Rock where we encountered Bottlenose and the rare Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins, you can often spot the resident Bryde's whales and Southern Right and Humpback whales here as well. The boat then went along the coastline allowing us to take in the beauty of the area before returning back to the beach.

Our second day came to a close at Tsitsikamma Lodge & Spa. Tsitsikamma is a Khoisan word meaning “place of much water”. The abundance of water in the area is evident and the lodge is surrounded by lush green gardens and mountains. The next day, we made our way to Cape St. Francis Lighthouse, also known as Seal Point Lighthouse, a beautiful white building that forms the focal point of St Francis Bay and named after the patron saint, St. Francis, this architectural marvel was completed in 1878, and built to ward off ships from the dangerous reefs that stretch out more than a kilometre out to sea.

We were hungry by the time we were finished, and enjoyed a calamari tasting at Chokka Block, located in St Francis Bay which overlooks the harbour and, if you’re lucky, a sea of docked chokka trawlers. Clive Canter, owner of Chokka Block, took us through the calamari tasting himself. With his 28 years of experience in the seafood industry, he manages to delve into the deeper details of the South African calamari industry while simultaneously keeping us gripped with a fresh ink-fish at hand.

Next, to clench our thirsts, we made our way to One33 Craft Distillery & Cheesery. The One33 craft spirits and craft cheese are inspired by the freshness and beauty of the Eastern Cape, and honours the Eastern Cape’s early inhabitants, its treacherous coast and its rich fauna and flora.

After a great breakfast,  at the Dune Ridge Country House, we made our way back to Qqberha to gain a better understanding of the area. Our city tour started from the Campanile Memorial - an important landmark situated at the entrance to the railway station. We then proceed to follow route 67 - an exciting trail that combines the best elements – both historical and modern-day – of the people and culture of the Eastern Cape. It also pays tribute to Madiba’s 67 years of service to South Africa.

We arrived at Black Impala Tshisanyama where we were treated to a fantastic home-cooked African lunch that can be served in a variety of settings both indoors and out, allowing us to take full advantage ofQqberha's stunning environment. Later we made our way to the Cape Recife Lighthouse. This unique and easily recognisable lighthouse stands as a beacon overlooking this natural wonderland and for those patient enough, nature might reward you with a glipmse of the Roseate Tern or perhaps the Cape clawless otter. From it’s unique blend of globally important plant and animal species to it’s breathtaking beaches - Cape Recife offers its visitors a truly unique natural experience.

Our evening came to a close at with a delicious dinner at SANCCOB , a registered non-profit organisation with the primary objective to reverse the decline of seabird populations through the rescue, rehabilitation and release of ill, injured, abandoned and oiled seabirds – especially endangered species like the African penguinand in no time at all, my journey through the Eastern Cape had come to an end, a wise man once said: “The joy of discovery is the single most important thing in life.” and I hope I urged you to travel through the Eastern Cape on your next discovery as far and widely as possible.

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