Eastern Cape Accommodation, South Africa

About the Eastern Cape

The Wild Coast covers the area also known as Transkei. This is the home of the Xhosa tribe as well as the birthplace of Nelson Mandela. Here you will experience rural Africa with hilltops dotted with round thatched huts normally painted green, and deep river valleys. Where the main rivers arrive at the sea there are holiday locations with beautiful coastal scenery and evocative names such as Coffee Bay.

Accommodation tends to be modest but with typically South African hospitality. Although the main N2 highway is in good condition, many of the local roads are potholed which makes driving slow and sometimes hazardous so you must allow plenty of time for your journey. Cattle and other domestic animals roam freely providing another driving hazard particularly after dark. Once there, however, you will be rewarded with sensational scenery, way off the beaten track and friendly people who are genuinely pleased to encounter tourists. We do, however, tend to recommend this area only for our clients who are experienced travellers in South Africa

Facts about the Eastern Cape

• History Although an area of historic conflict the British settled farmers here in 1820 Beaches Summerstrand, Kenton-on-Sea, East London, Coffee Bay, Umngazi River Mouth.
• National Parks Addo National Park is the main attraction but there is also Cradock Mountain Zebra National Park. 
• Private Game Reserves are numerous from ultimate luxury to the more affordable.
• Towns Port Elizabeth is rather tired but the historic centre is interesting. The Oceanarium is worth visiting as is the Boardwalk development. Grahamstown is the historic seat of learning in South Africa with Rhodes University. 
• Activities Horse riding can be arranged at many of the properties featured.
• There are a number of good golf courses in this area particularly around Jeffrey's Bay, Port Elizabeth, East London and Grahamstown.

Accommodation in Eastern Cape

For Safari lovers the Eastern Cape includes the Addo National Park This was established in 1931 to protect the last herd of wild elephants in this region. In 1952 the black rhino was reintroduced now most of the indigenous species have been re-established....with the exception of crocodiles! The park was extensively enlarged in the late 1990s and now extends from the Indian Ocean to the Zuurberg Mountains. This is an area of South Africa that is totally free from Malaria and you will be enchanted with the range of accommodation from luxury Private Safari Lodges and boutique hotels to more modest bed and breakfast accommodation.

Eastern Cape Weather

As you travel north eastwards the climate becomes less Mediterranean, hotter and drier. Winters are mild and although rain can fall at any time there is a tendency for more storms at this time of year. Temperatures rarely fall below 18C but early morning and late evening game drives will feel cold. In the summer months it is drier which is why we recommend choosing the Addo area for game viewing in the October - April period. It can be hot with temperatures likely to reach 35C.

Map of Eastern Cape