The Eastern Cape is the second largest province in South Africa and has the greatest diversity of environments, cultural attractions and outdoor activities.

Once considered the border between the British colony at the Cape and the wilds of “Kaffraria”, the land of the Xhosa people, it was the scene of many bloody battles. This conflict continued and in the 1980s this province contributed more than its fair share of martyrs to the freedom struggle.

The capital of the province is Bisho, but the most economically important cities are Port Elizabeth and East London. As a traveler, the urban areas most worth visiting are Port Elizabeth, with its wonderful beaches, great cultural attractions and excellent hotels, and the smaller centers of Grahamstown, Graaff Reinet and Cradock for their beautiful old buildings and interesting museums.

Port Elizabeth is the third largest port and the fifth largest city in South Africa. Located on the shores of Algoa Bay, called Bahía de Lagoa (lagoon bay) by the Portuguese due to the small lagoon located at the mouth of the Swartskop River. Port Elizabeth was founded in 1799 when the British built the Ford Fredrick in a low building overlooking the bay.

Grahamstown is probably the most intellectual city in South Africa, with Rhodes University, many of the best schools in the country and a host of academically oriented museums. It is also the headquarters of the National Festival of Arts.

The region boasts the highest bungee jump in the world and is considered South Africa’s water sports mecca with activities such as diving, skiing, windsurfing and sailing. Jeffreys Bay is known worldwide for its perfect waves and is home to the Billabong Surf Classic.

Miles of golden beaches and spectacular marine life, malaria-free game viewing, world-famous hiking trails through subtropical forests, millions of acres of nature reserves and national parks.

Historically, elephants were found throughout the Cape Colony, but as the land was converted to farms their numbers declined rapidly. In 1931, a tract of 6,852 ha of bush was set aside as the Addo Elephant National Park, additional land has since been purchased and Addo has now been linked with the Zuurberg National Park. Addo Park supports more than 200 elephants and a wide variety of games.

attractions

– Ford Fredrick First stone building in the Eastern Cape and supposedly the first British building built in Africa south of the equator.

– The Campanile A bell tower of 52 square meters, built in 1923 to commemorate the landing of the colonists of 1820

– The Opera House The oldest operating opera house in the country and the only extant specimen of a Victorian-era theater construction.

– Miles of golden beaches and spectacular marine life, malaria-free game viewing.

– More detailed information will be found from the Eastern Cape Tourist Board.

Contact:

Palm Square Business Park

ironwood house

Bonza Bay Highway

beacon bay

5247

MAILING ADDRESS:

P.O. Box 18373, Quigney,

East London, South Africa

Telephone: +27(0)43 701 9600

Fax: +27(0)43 701 9649

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.ectourism.co.za