Eastern Cape is one of South Africa’s 9 provinces/regions. What I love about Eastern Cape is it’s natural landscapes which, in my opinion, are the best in South Africa. I have shared a list of the top attractions in Eastern Cape. I will keep adding to this list as I explore more of Eastern Cape. Go ahead and use this list of places to visit in Eastern Cape to inspire your next trip!
Hole in the Wall
To kick off the list of places to visit in Eastern Cape – take a look at Hole in the Wall. Hole in the Wall is literally a huge, naturally formed rock formation in the ocean with a hole in it. Check it out in the photo below. It’s located along Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast. It is commonly accessed by completing a scenic, 9km hike from Coffee Bay. Expect cows and goats along the way!
This is a popular destination among backpackers in Eastern Cape. It’s also attractive to travellers looking to go on a digital detox in rural Eastern Cape. There are epic hiking trails and surfing beaches in the area. If you are wanting to visit Hole in the Wall, get some tips from this post: plan a trip to Hole in the Wall.
Mapuzi
Mapuzi is also part of Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast and is only 2.5 km from Coffee Bay. You can therefore combine a trip to Mapuzi with a trip to Hole in the Wall. Seen in the photo below is Mapuzi Hill – you will easily spot it because it’s a land mass that sticks out into the ocean.
Expect views of far stretching, undisturbed coastline as you hike to Mapuzi Cliffs. There you will find a cave pool the size of a jacuzzi, a 14m high cliff that you can jump off of and a rocky coastline scattered with lots of beautiful shells,.
Mapuzi is a very quiet spot with no buildings or shops in the area at all. When you are there, it’s just you and nature. Mapuzi Caves is one of the best places to visit in Eastern Cape if you enjoy hikes in nature.
Gonubie BEACH
If you are looking for places to visit in Eastern Cape that are close to East London, I recommend visiting Gonubie Beach. Gonubie Beach is a popular top attraction in Eastern Cape that is only a 8km (20 minute) drive from East London. There are stunning accommodation options here with views of the ocean and the lagoon. Spot dolphins as you walk along the wooden boardwalk to access the beach. Wake up early and take a walk/jog to Gonubie beach to catch the sunrise. Explore the shallow waters of the lagoon for small sea life.
Lavender Blue Market
Lavender Blue is another one of the places to visit in Eastern Cape that is near East London. Food and craft market lovers, Lavender Blue Market is your spot. It’s 20km (25min) from East London Airport.Lavender Blue market is a family friendly market that is open daily from 7:30 am to 2pm/3pm.
Picture farmstyle decorated, intimate food stalls selling a variety of fresh dishes. Once you’ve made the difficult decision of what to buy, enjoy your meal in their neat garden setting.
Addo Elephant Park
Is it just me or does the name Addo Elephant Park make it sound like there are only elephants there? It’s actually one of few locations where you can see the Big 7 – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino, southern right whale and the great white shark. As you would at Kruger National Park, go for a game drive through Addo Elephant Park to spot wildlife in their natural environment.
When you visit, remember that there are picnic & braai areas within Addo Elephant Park. Go prepared to make the most of these facilities.
Jeffrey’s Bay
If you haven’t tried surfing yet, you may as well learn on Jeffrey’s Bay’s world famous waves. Jeffrey’s Bay is known for being one of the the best surfing destinations – in the world! That easily makes it deserving of a spot in the top attractions in Eastern Cape.
Sardinia Bay
Not all beaches are the same. If you’re not convinced of that, visit Sardinia Bay. It’s high sand dunes give this beach a desert-like appearance. So unique! I must warn you though that you will need to climb up and over a high dune to access this paradise. It is well worth it.
Include a stop at this quiet beach the next time you are in Port Elizabeth. It’s only a 15km (20min) drive away from Port Elizabeth Airport. Sardinia Bay is one of my personal favourite places to visit in Eastern Cape.
Bloukrans Bridge
Adrenaline junkies assemble! This one is for you. The bungee off of Bloukrans bridge is the highest bridge bungee in the world. It is 216m high. If the sound of that gets you excited – remember to stop here while exploring Storms River & Tsitsikamma.
Tsitsikamma National Park
Tsitsikamma is along the Garden Route which is a scenic, coastal region from Western Cape to Eastern Cape, South Africa. What makes Tsitsikamma National Park special is it’s dense forests and the suspension bridges over the black water of the Storms River which meets the ocean there. It’s a spectacular sight with terrain unlike anywhere else in South Africa.
There are a number of outdoor activities to try in the area including zip lining and paddle boarding. Tsitsikamma is a must visit! Learn how to plan a trip to Tsitsikamma.
Which of the top attractions in Eastern Cape will you be visiting?
I never knew we had such nice places in Mzansi!
And there is so much more!
Beautiful places….Is it possible to do all the places on my 1st trip?
It is possible but it depends on how many days you have available
Oh my word, this is breathtaking.
Have 6 day trip I need to plan for early Jan wanna do Eastern cape and drive down to Cape town. Is this doable? Cost wise how much would cover us for our trip