Things to do & places to visit in Eastern Cape, South Africa

Eastern Cape #4 destination in South Africa 2023. The average rating score is 4.45 based on 24.9k traveler reviews, of 414 attractions. Timezone: Africa/Johannesburg, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 13:20.

Eastern Cape Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

68°F - 42°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Moderately chilly and breezy

Feels like

Chance of rain

27.0 millimeters

Amount

15.8 mph

Wind speed

58%

Humidity

10.5

Daylight length

6:52 AM

Sunrise

5:24 PM

Sunset

58%

Cloud cover

Sweater

What to wear

Top things to do (33)

Top destinations in Eastern Cape 100

See more 88 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Bloukrans Bungy - Face Adrenalin (1.540 reviews)
- Epic experience thanks to the amazing crew and vibes!!
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Adrenaline & Extreme Tours

Bungee jumping off the world's highest bungee bridge is bound to be an epic experience, but what made it truly amazing was the crew at Face Adrenalin. They are playing music, dancing, smiling, and making you feel as comfortable as possible considering you’re about to jump off a bridge. I would have been about 100x more terrified if it weren’t for the atmosphere they create up there on that platform. An epic experience that I will never forget!! See more..
5.0 Adrenalin Addo Adventure Park (459 reviews)
- Blast of a time!
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks • Gear Rentals

What an amazing little adventure!! We were 2 adults and a 14 year old, we did the zip-line, superman zip-line and the giant swing. The staff were all super friendly, made sure we understood all the safety rules before we started the hike. Joe was our first guide and what a patient man, it took me like 4 countdowns before I could "just let go" and he was more than happy to wait until I was ready. I wouldn't change a thing about our experience and would definitely do it again. See more..
5.0 Shamwari Private Game Reserve (440 reviews)
- Magical experience
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Please visit the official Shamwari Game Reserve Lodges page on TripAdvisor for more info, images, video & slideshow. Search "Shamwari Game Reserve lodges".Shamwari is the best private game reserve situated in the malaria free Eastern Cape,South Africa.This privately owned 25 000 hectares of prime natural terrain has received numerous international awards.Shamwari is an exploration of nature with close encounters of free roaming wildlife and the coveted big five with a choice of unique luxury lodges, an exclusive private villa and the adventurous Explorer Camp.Luxury accommodation is offered in 7 different game lodges at Shamwari Game Reserve, all of which are 5 Star graded. Choose a game lodge that perfectly compliments your ideal African experience See more..
5.0 Wavecrest Surf School (192 reviews)
- Best surf school in the world
Surfing & Windsurfing

I dare to say: this is the best surf school in the world. Perfect vibe. Friendliest teacher. All the equipment you need. Keeping you safe at all times. Improving your surf skills. I have done my first surfing lesson here and then surfed half a year while coming back from time to time - I always improved immensely when I took lessons. At all surfing levels this is the right school. Try it out and have fun surfing! Fun is guaranteed here :) See more..
5.0 Addo Cruises & Sand Sledding (117 reviews)
- Highly Reccomended - Amazing evening
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Boat Tours • Sightseeing Tours

Our evening sunset River cruise was part of our full day tour of Addo National Park with Alan Tours. Captain Les provided us with lots of laughs along with informative knowledge about the local area and the wildlife. The climb to the top of the dunes to see the sunset was the highlight of the evening!!! A great evening after a fantastic day! See more..
5.0 Hogsback Adventures (115 reviews)
- Amazing adrenaline and soul sooothing experience
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Biking Trails • Horseback Riding Tours

The one and only way to experience Hogsback - Bicycle Rental, Abseiling & Archery. Mountain Biking: Our scenic bike route takes you past numerous waterfalls to hidden viewpoints off the beaten track. Take in the breathtaking scenery and enjoy a refreshing swim in the rock pools. Picnic at Robinson Dam and meander through pine plantations along the old jeep tracks. Abseiling: Abseil down a 35m waterfall into the indigenous forests below - an exhilarating alternative to reaching the bottom of the famous Madonna & Child Waterfall. Archery: Looking for something safe, easy and fun for the whole family, then try your hand at the age-old tradition of Archery. See more..
5.0 Salted Surf School & Cafe (114 reviews)
- Amazing surf experience in Jeffrey’s Bay
Sunday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Surfing & Windsurfing • Gear Rentals

For my boyfriend, the entire surf experience right from booking the lesson to catching waves in the water was extremely positive and professional. The staff were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. We would highly recommend any level of surfer to book lessons or rent equipment from ‘Salted Surf School & Cafe’. See more..
4.5 Parque Nacional dos Elefantes Addo (3.023 reviews)
- Ticked off 4 of the big 5
Parks

Would definitely recommend the park game drives. It’s not always easy to spot animals from a rental car. At one point during the day, all high sided vehicle passengers were watching the lions sat behind the bushes whilst we saw nothing. Went on the sundowner game drive - saw lots of elephants, black rhino and the lions, and the sunrise game drive - saw the buffalo as well as the hyena. Thought both tour guides were very informative and tried very hard to seek out the animals. National Park wiildly exceeded our expectations See more..
4.5 Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours (1.935 reviews)
- Positive canopy tour experience
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

What an amazing experience! From the actual zip lining to the excellence of the guides (Bernadette and Nadia), their attention to our safety was exemplary and much appreciated. It was however, the banter and their extreme friendliness that really stood out, was welcomed and elevated the experience even further. I will most definitely recommend to friends and be back myself. Thank you!!! See more..
4.5 Untouched Adventures (1.729 reviews)
- Beautiful Kayak tour
Sunday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling • Stand Up Paddleboarding • Kayaking & Canoeing

We (family with 2 adults and 2 kids (9 and 11 years old) booked a kayak trip. The route normally starts near their office and goes than via the ocean into the gorge. Due to the high waves we could not make the first part of the route. The gorge was really beautiful. Our guides Clifton and Curtley were helping and have a great sense of humour. They also tell about the gorge, how it emerged and which flora and fauna are living. After the kayaking we did some peddeling on a air bed to the end of the gorge. It was also possible to jump of the cliffs (4 meters) which the kids did (not me, I have the responsibility for the family ;)). I can really recommend this tour. See more..
4.5 Storms River Suspension Bridge (1.040 reviews)
- Take some time
Bridges

This picturesque suspension bridge is on one of the shorter hikes of this river gorge. See more..
4.5 Valley of Desolation (946 reviews)
- Epic Rock Formations & Landscapes
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Entering through the Camdeboo National Park, with a small fee at the gate, you have the added bonus of spotting some animals on the way up the mountain. Head up in the late afternoon for the most striking contrasts as the afternoon sun hits the rocks. We had an afternoon of dramatic clouds in the sky above as well, but it's ever changing over the valley. The first view over the valley as you drive to the top is beautiful. But then you park the car and follow a rough path up to the main viewing spots - and the views are definitely worth every bit of effort in walking up that path!! Stunning formations left by the standing rocks and boulders...with a sweeping valley falling away behind them. Just gorgeous! See more..
4.5 Kragga Kamma Game Park (723 reviews) from $25.08
- "Little Kruger"
Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Lush coastal forest and grassland is home to vast herds of African game, including White Rhino, Buffalo, Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra, Nyala, Bontebok, Lechwe and many more species. All the animals roam freely, unrestricted in natural surroundings. This owner operated animal friendly park, where no hunting or other disturbance of the game is permitted, means that you always get close up views and great photo opportunities. Take a drive in your own vehicle through the park on the well-maintained roads and enjoy viewing the game in any weather conditions from the comfort of your car. For those really close encounters, choose the 2 hour guided tour in an open Landrover with a professional guide providing you with interesting information on the animals and the historical background to the area. See more..
4.5 Mountain Zebra National Park (394 reviews)
- Outstanding @ Mountain Zebra National Park
National Parks

This is one of our favourite SANPARKS game reserves. It is impeccable, well maintained, has a variety of game and we enjoy the picnic spots. We overnighted at the main rest camp - in a chalet far away from reception with a view. Our two-bedroom chalet was comfortable and the kitchen was well equipped. Everything was spotlessly clean and well maintained: the kitchen, lounge, stoep and braai. Most crockery and cutlery appeared new! We appreciated the excellent service and friendliness from all the staff. We enjoyed two meals at the restaurant at the rest camp – generous portions, quality ingredients and excellent prices. Ideal as the perfect base to explore the game reserve for a few nights. See more..
4.5 Schotia Tooth and Claw Safari (387 reviews)
- Awesome adventure
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Schotia offers one of the best chances to see lions in the wild. This private malaria free reserve close to the Addo Elephant National Park is probably the most densely stocked reserve in Africa, and with over 40 mammal species and approximately 2000 animals, can offer consistently good game viewing throughout the year. See more..
4.5 The Owl House (322 reviews)
- Colourful and different
Speciality Museums

Well worth watching the video about the Owl Houses eccentric Miss Martins before going into the house to understand her better. Her sculptures with lovely colour glass woven in are eccentric and different but tell us much about her state of mind. Inside the house is bright with colours and decorative glass and mirrors. Worth visiting See more..
4.5 CrissCross Adventures (317 reviews)
- Simply perfect
Sunday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Safaris • Sightseeing Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing • Day Trips

Whilst staying at their sister company Chrislin Lodge we used Crisscross for 2 days of fantastic trips in the Addo Elephant park area. Experienced and clearly professionally managed they have to be the premier operator in the region. High quality vehicles on both full and half day game drives - driven by the wonderful Philip on both occasions. His outstanding knowledge of everything Addo is a credit to Crisscross and Philip. On the full day tour he even cooks the scrumptious braai. We saw probably all the animals Addo contains included of course the awesome elephants. We also experienced a truly unique river safari paddling your own kayak down beautiful river scapes via the odd little faster stretches of water, seeing some lovely bird life again expertly described by Philip. At the end of the trip we went back to Crisscross HQ for another delicious braai, cooked by the fantastic Philip. Don’t miss. See more..
4.5 Hole in the Wall (273 reviews)
- Beautiful but becoming too commercial
Points of Interest & Landmarks

I last visited Hole in the Wall about 15 years prior to this visit and I was so disappointed to the see the construction taking place and the way the area has grown, becoming so commerialised . We couldnt move around freely to take photographs because we constantly harrassed by the locals asking for a "guiding fee", we actually felt very unsafe and uncomfortable and kept asking that they please leave us alone as we know the area and are quiet capable of exploring it without a guide. Because we are freelance photographers, we had expensive equipment with us and this also made us feel very uncomfortable. I wouldnt like to go back in a hurry, unless it is in a big group and we have our own "guide" as protection. See more..
4.5 Daniell Cheetah Project (260 reviews)
- Recommended for close contact with Africa's cheetahs and other cats
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops

Daniell Cheetah Project offers you the unique opportunity to experience cheetahs from several age groups up close while they are relaxing, playing or being fed. See more..
4.5 Tsitsikamma Segway Tours (243 reviews)
- A wonderful 70th birthday present!
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Segway Tours

I decided to spend some money I was given for my birthday on an experience I'd long wanted to have - and the hour-long Segway adventure didn't disappoint! Our Guide was Madom and he was brilliant. Safety is paramount and so we didn't set out from the centre until we'd practised for 15 minutes and he was confident we were proficient. He was attentive and patient throughout and constantly reminded us what to do. You aren't allowed to take photos while you're riding the Segway but he offered to take both photos and a short video of us. A really memorable 70th birthday present! See more..
4.5 Tsitsikamma Falls Adventures (229 reviews)
- The Best zip lining adventure!
Sightseeing Tours

The Best zip lining adventure! This is an absolute must in the Storms river area. Myself, hubby and couple friends of ours spent a couple hours zip lining down a stunning gorge, crisscrossing back and forth over three beautiful waterfalls. It was the perfect mix of adrenaline, nature, and fun. And, we couldn't have asked for better. The guides was funny and entertaining yet made us feel safe and in good hands. Definitely a must!! See more..
4.5 Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (219 reviews)
- Lovely find! Great staff!
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

It was quiet when we went. We got a full tour and lots of time close up to see the penguins and our guide was new but very knowledgeable! Lovely place and cool museum. Would recommend for rainy day or budget visit too! See more..
4.5 The Reinet House (198 reviews)
- Well worth seeing!
Speciality Museums

Dating back to 1812, this house acted as parsonage for the Rev Andrew Murray and then his son Charles. The museum was opened in 1956 and is now fitted out as a complete home, with drawing room, dining room, kitchen and bedrooms, whereas the cellar space is now used to display collections of toys, medical equipment, clothing, laundry equipment and other miscellania from times gone by. I loved the high ceilings and the cool interior -although I would not enjoy the task of dusting all those household itmes on display. The grounds are well worth seeing, especially the old grape vine, planted way back when, still producing a harvest of grapes each year. There is also a particularly fine Australian Banyan tree which provides much needed shade in the summer. Newer additions are the watermill and the still, used to produce a brew called "Withond"! I thought this to be the best of the 5 museums of the complex - I certainly spent the longest time here. See more..
4.5 Paradise Beach (170 reviews)
- Our amazing family stay in Paradise Beach
Beaches

Amazing stay in very tranquil and peaceful Paradise Beach. What an amazing place to sit back and just enjoy your family time. The ambience and the surroundings just blows your mind. If you looking to just get away and just spend quality time with your loved ones then this is the place to be. See more..
4.5 Cape Recife Nature Reserve (139 reviews)
- Walk up and down from Humewood - 20 km
Sunday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Cape Recife activities are subject to parking at the gate just before SAMREC and walking to the starting point of your trail. Some of these distances may be a challenge. The 366 hectare Cape Recife Nature Reserve was proclaimed in 1973, and is situated next to the Pine Lodge Holiday Resort off Marine Drive, Summerstrand. The reserve offers some of the best beaches and views within Port Elizabeth, the Roseate Tern Hiking trail and is home to SANCCOB Port Elizabeth where one can view the rehabilitation of marine animals in particular the African Penguin. Cape Recife activities are subject to parking at the gate by the entrance of Pine Lodge or at SANCCOB parking area if your visit includes a visit to SANCCOB. Alternatively a permit is required to obtain entrance to the reserve. See more..
4.5 Barefoot Addo Elephant Lodge (139 reviews)
- Wonderful experience
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Safaris • Nature & Wildlife Tours

This is an excellent experience. The elephants roam the reserve and are found and called in for the ride then released again, so are very healthy. Feeding them was brilliant. The guides are very helpful and friendly. The ride is 20 minutes and then you get to stand with them and then feed them. It’s a very rewarding experience. See more..
4.5 Nahoon Beach (138 reviews)
- Best beach in EL
Spent 2-3 hours Beaches

Nahoon has to be one of the best beaches in SA - a hidden gem. It's not too big, so you don't have to walk for ages to get to the water. It's not too long, so it keeps its cosy feel. The corner and cliffs protects the beach goers from the west wind, whilst on the other side is Nahoon river which is protected from the east wind and is ideal for a volleyball game or sundowners. Good waves can be found, plus the Indian Ocean water is always warm. And at 5pm every day, it's full of families walking their doggies. See more..
4.5 Dutch Reformed Church, Groot Kerk (131 reviews)
- Wow
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals

You turn a road and are wowed by the beauty of this church. This church really takes your breath away. Pity that most people pass through Graaff-Reinet without ever seeing this church. If you are in the area, you have to see it. See more..
4.5 Papiesfontein Beach Horse Trails (128 reviews)
- Gallop on the beach!
Equestrian Trails

Just 10 km outside Jeffreys Bay and 70 km from Port Elizabeth, between the Gamtoos and Kabeljous rivers, lies the farm Papiesfontein. Here, on this special piece of land, the unique combination of bush, river and beach come together to offer you an unforgettable ride. Experienced guides escort riders twice daily along the 13km circular route. The trail takes about two hours to complete, leading through beautiful fynbos coastal vegetation, towards the Gamtoos river with breathtaking views from the dunes and finally returning along a 6 km stretch of deserted beach. Here on this isolated beach, riders can canter their mounts in the shallows or have an exhilarating gallop on the sand.The trail provides magnificent views of the area and affords ample opportunity to spot a variety of bird species, tortoises, bushbuck, plant and marine life. Imagine whale watching from horseback! See more..
4.5 Dolphin Beach (121 reviews)
- If you like it windy
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Beaches

So we had the pleasure to spend our Christmas holidays in Jeffreys Bay. Right on the beach. Such an awesome place to wake up in. Make sure you are out early to catch the best time of the day on Dolphin beach. We even played hopscotch at around 10pm one night. The family enjoyed the swimming and I did get the chance to catch a few waves with a body board. All in all, it was fun and can suggest spending some time off on Dolphin beach. Just beware that the wind can get to be a nuisance. See more..