Eastern Cape

Eastern Cape Holidays: An Overview

South Africa is famous for the diversity of its landscapes and the Eastern Cape is no exception.

The diversity of the scenery is one of the most striking characteristics of the region, with surroundings ranging from the arid Great Karoo of the interior to endless sweeps of sandy beaches, the big game safari parks in and around Addo National Park to the lush green forests of the Tsitsikamma National Park.

Luxury Eastern Cape holidays are all about experiencing the great outdoors. It is particularly renowned for its coastline, which is a paradise for watersports enthusiasts. Surfers come from far and wide to ride the waves at Jeffreys Bay, and there are many spots that make for an ideal seaside escape such as Plettenberg Bay.

Other attractions include the unspoilt Tsitsikamma National Park, big game safaris and, for adrenalin junkies, the world's highest bungee jump, over the Storms River.

Show less

If You Do Three Things

Safari in a Private Game Reserve

Enjoy a safari in one of the fantastic private game reserves throughout the Eastern Cape, such as Shamwari or Kwandwe (both known for their conservation efforts), spotting the Big Five as well as cheetahs, giraffes, antelopes and more. As with elsewhere in South Africa, these game reserves are especially good for families because they are malaria free.

If You Do Three Things

Learn Some Xhosa

Take the opportunity to learn a phrase or two of the second most common language in South Africa (after Zulu) - Xhosa. The majority of Xhosa speakers are found in the Eastern Cape, and in many of our favourite lodges the team can introduce you to the clicks and sounds of this unique language.

If You Do Three Things

Visit the Valley of Desolation

Admire the sheer cliffs and columns that rise up some 400 feet up from the floor of the Valley of Desolation in Camdeboo National Park. Hike through the park to take in the huge variety of flora and fauna that are found here and the dramatic landscapes, formed as a result of volcanic and erosive forces over the course of 100 million years.

Discover More

When to go

Where to stay

Gallery

When to go

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Eastern Cape

Eastern Cape

Best time

Low season

Off season

Where to stay

Africa > South Africa > Eastern Cape

Camp Figtree

Camp Fig Tree is a remote private lodge set on top of the stunning Zuurberg mountain range. Resting between a conservancy and the Addo Elephant...

Africa > South Africa > Eastern Cape

Samara

...

Africa > South Africa > Eastern Cape

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is spread along the Great Fish River, with the added bonus of being in the malaria free Eastern Cape.

Showing 1 - 3 of 11 hotels in Eastern Cape

See more luxury hotels in Eastern Cape

Gallery

Map of Eastern Cape

Places to go (0)

Itinerary Start (0)

Activities (0)

Hotels (0)

A Note on Price

South Africa’s USP is the sheer variety of experiences it offers (from food and drink to diving to safari), which makes it tricky to provide guide prices. A luxury holiday combining Cape Town and the Winelands could cost around £2,000 per person, while upgrading to the best hotels and including a top end safari could add a few thousand to the bill.

Itinerary Suggestions

Eastern Cape Family Escape

9 Days

From £2,925pp

Land & Marine Big Five

12 Days

From £11,340pp

Original Travel Expert: Matt Shock

My highlight: It’s an easy and attractive drive from Cape Town to the coastal playground of Plettenburg Bay, and there's some beautiful, non-malarial safari territory beyond.

Enquire now

Call us on: +44 (0) 20 7978 7333