Eastern Cape -Top Attractions

Mid-Karoo Tourism Route
Including the towns of Noupoort, Middelburg, Rosmead, Steynsburg and Nieu-Bethesda, this route offers a diverse range of interests. Situated within the Nama Karoo Biome, this region is recognized for its diverse herbal plants and variety of scarce bird breeds.

Inaugurated on 1 February 2008, this route aims to alleviate poverty and increase conservation by supporting the various cultural resources in the area.

A visit to this region would not be complete without a visit to the "Owl House", home of the artist Helen Martins which has become a tribute to her work of figurative sculpture.

Baviaanskloof Route
Situated between the Kouga and Baviaans Mountains, this route encompasses the towns of Hankey, Patensie, Willowmore and Steytlerville.

Mdodla Eco-Heritage Route
This route introduces the visitor to the Fish River canyon and region.

The Blue Crane Route
Following the national road - the R63 -this route begins in Pearston and ends in Cookhouse.

The serene town of Somerset East at the foot of the Boschberg Mountains famous for its natural beauty is one of the towns that can be visited en route. Other attractions are the Boschberg Nature Reserves, trout fishing, safaris and golf, while annual events include the Castle Lager Biltong Festival, the Bruintjieshoogte Marathon, Bruintjieshoogte Cycle Tour (run between Pearston & Somerset East) and the Spring Rose and Flower show.

Eastern Cape - Popular Tourist Routes
Roads to Travel By
The Sunshine Coast - white, sandy beaches, stretching for as far as the eye can see.
Ben MacDhui - the white, snow-covered slopes of South Africa's only ski resort.

One province - two faces - and numerous others in-between. This is the diverse Eastern Cape.
From the minute you enter the Eastern Cape by road you will find yourself faced with a variety of wonderful tourist routes to choose from. If you're travelling south from the Free State on the Friendly N6 Route you will have to make a choice as soon as you cross the Orange River at Aliwal North - continue south towards East London, turn left towards the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains, or turn right to experience the beauty of the huge Gariep Dam.

A left turn towards the Drakensberg will take you along breathtaking scenic drives. Snowfalls during the winter months draw visitors to Ben MacDhui, near Rhodes, to try out their skiing skills, but even when there's no snow, you will revel in the sights as you drive along the R58 through small towns and villages such as Lady Grey, Barkly East, Elliot, Ugie and Maclear. From Maclear you can take a circular drive back to the N6 through Rhodes, or you can follow the R396 down to Mthatha - home to the Nelson Mandela Museum, and close to where the beloved statesman grew up in the little village of Qunu.

Perhaps you are travelling up from Cape Town - if this is the case, you will enter the Eastern Cape via the gorgeous Garden Route, and almost immediately you will find yourself in the Tsitsikamma Falls Adventure Park. As the name suggests, this is the centre of adventure tourism. World records and firsts in the park include the highest commercial bungee jump in the world - 216m - the highest narrow gauge bridge in the world, South Africa's first national marine park - the Tsitsikamma National Park - and the country's first tree-top canopy tour. Hiking trails include the world-famous 48-kilometre Otter Trail and the 72-kilometre Tsitsikamma trail. There are tractor rides and horse trails to take you into the heart of the forests, or you can take the road from the N2 down to the wild and beautiful Storms River mouth.

Closer to Port Elizabeth, the world-famous surfing mecca of Jeffrey's Bay marks the start of the Kouga Route. Leaving the N2 a few kilometres north-east of J-Bay - as it is known locally - pass through Hankey on the R331 and head for Patensie. The beautiful and tranquil 28-kilometre Kouga Dam lies a little further to the northwest, and Patensie is the last stop before entering the wilderness of the Baviaanskloof. A single dirt road, which follows the dry river beds where it can, takes in some magnificent mountain passes as It wends its way through the valley. With 42 river crossings, assisted only by causeways that are liable to flood during heavy rains, your journey is bound to be both exciting and beautiful. If that sounds just a little too adventurous for your liking, then you may want to try a guided tour into the Baviaanskloof, which will introduce you to the magic of long-forgotten cultures, spectacular scenery and a real touch of wilderness.

A circular drive from Port Elizabeth up towards Kirkwood along the R335 will take you along the Sundays River Valley Route. You will be able to visit the world-renowned Addo National Elephant Park at the beginning of the route, as well as the Darlington Dam further north. The road up the valley will take you into an evergreen world of citrus trees, and in October - with the trees in full blossom - the warm air is heavy with their perfume. Besides the obvious attractions of the Addo Elephant Park and the beautiful surrounds, the valley has much to offer in the way of historical, cultural and sporting interests. For the more adventurous, there are 4X4 trails in the Zuurberg Mountains, while bush camps on the banks of the Sundays River offer fishing, canoeing, abseiling, bird watching, hiking, microlighting and boating. Children will be fascinated by the Addo Valley Raptor & Reptile Centre and the donkey cart rides.

If you're wanting to experience the beauty and tranquility of the mountains, but feel that a trip up to the Drakensberg is too far, then the lovely Amathole Mountain Escape is for you. Taking in the towns of Cookhouse, Bedford, Adelaide and Alice along the way, this route takes you to the mountainous wonderland that is the Amatolas.

From Port Elizabeth, the Sunshine Coast unfolds as you drive first along the N2, then turn towards Port Alfred along the newly-repaired R72. The scenic coastal towns and resorts along this under-developed jewel of South Africa lead you ultimately to East London, the Gateway to the Wild Coast.