Eastern Cape Holidays

The diversity of the scenery is one of the most striking characteristics of any Eastern Cape holidays, with the chance to explore everything 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 (which are malaria-free so great for families) to the lush green forests of the Tsitsikamma National Park. Eastern Cape 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 (technically just over the border in Western Cape). Other attractions include safaris in Addo National Park, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve and Shamwari Game Reserve and, for adrenalin junkies, the world's highest bungee jump, over the Storms River.
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Eastern Cape holiday ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

Eastern Cape Guide

Practical advice and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday

Practical guide

Best time to visit South Africa

Travel Advice & Information

South Africa Travel Advice & Information

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Best National Parks in South Africa

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Luxury Hotels on the Eastern Cape

South Africa testimonials

6 reviews
4.7 / 5
"We were kept in the loop at every stage of our journey and felt supported throughout. Seeing a baby kudu that had just been born was an extraordinary moment, and a real highlight of our time at Kwandwe!"
S - UK
Published on 17th February 2026
"The choice of lodges to stay in were brilliant. The settings were amazing as was the food! We were very well looked after. The guides were great too. So knowledgeable. We saw so much. It was good to have the Concierge always available in the background, though everything was so well organised beforehand we didn't really need to use them."
Jill - Surrey
Published on 11th March 2025
"Our honeymoon was absolutely incredible. The booking process was excellent, our consultant showed a great deal of expertise, listened to what we wanted and reassured us. The wraparound services you provide are superb, the whole honeymoon was easy and relaxed. The Original Travel app is extremely clear, as was the itinerary, and it was really useful and exciting to be able to refer back to this. The Concierges were AMAZING. They were so kind, kept in regular communication and were really helpful with recommendations."
Louise - London
Published on 5th September 2024
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What are the best ways to discover the Eastern Cape?

Eastern Cape holidays are the perfect extension to any Garden Route tour. If you’ve got some time to explore, you’ll discover that there’s a lot to love about this off-the-beaten-track region. The coastal city of Port Elizabeth makes a great base with its beautiful parks, botanical gardens and nature reserves, as well as a scattering of restaurants, theatres, and museums. From here, trips can be made to Tsitsikamma National Park - a hiking and water sports paradise - and Addo Elephant National Park, the largest game reserve in the southern half of the country.


Who is the Eastern Cape best for?

With a wild coastline known for its excellent surfing, sailing and diving conditions, Eastern Cape holidays are perfect for water sports enthusiasts. And with sunshine all year round, the beaches are popular with sun worshippers too. For families, the coastal cities of Port Elizabeth and East London are ideal, with a welcoming and friendly atmosphere and convenient access to areas of exceptional natural beauty. Safari lovers are well catered for too, with Big Five game watching opportunities and a handful of luxury lodges and camps.


Special Things to Do in the Eastern Cape

Big Five Safaris

With quality accommodation, no risk of malaria and excellent game viewing – including the Big Five and wild dogs, which are making a welcome return – Eastern Cape safaris are becoming increasingly popular.


Surf the waves at Jeffrey’s Bay

Jeffrey’s Bay – or J Bay – is among the world’s top surfing spots, attracting surfers from all over the world with its impressive and consistent waves. For the real enthusiasts, check out the break at Super Tubes which is east of the main beach.

Best places to go in South Africa

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