+44 (0)20 7819 9770
  1. Home
  2. South Africa 
  3. Places of interest 
  4. Eastern Cape
South Africa Kartiega Settlers Drift Eastern Cape South Africa 2
Back to Listing

Eastern Cape

The spectacular shoreline of the Eastern Cape, known as the Wild Coast, runs east from Port Elizabeth, and is one of the main draws of the area. You'll understand why when you discover its secluded sandy coves licked by the azure-blue Indian Ocean, encircled by lush tropical forests and rocky outcrops. There’s no surprise that marine life here is sensational, with plenty of dolphin sightings throughout the year.

However, there is so much more to see than just beaches in this region, and the Eastern Cape is a great option for a safari after exploring the beautiful Garden Route. Inland is dotted with wildlife rich national parks and game reserves, including the Addo Elephant National Park where you can stay at a luxury lodge and fall asleep to the rhythmic trumpeting of the nearby elephants. This non-malarial region also offers spectacular Big Five game viewing opportunities, and even a chance to spot the rare White Lion.

There’s also the semi-desert Karoo (240 km north of Port Elizabeth), where you can contemplate the sheer cliffs with echoing bird calls, expansive skies and epic vistas in the awesome Valley of Desolation. This area lends itself perfectly to hiking, with numerous trails throughout the area. Bird lovers should also keep a look out for the majestic Verreaux’s (or Black) eagle, which uses the sheer rock faces as ideal hunting grounds for its favourite prey, the Rock Hyrax. Nearby is the quaint colonial town of Graaff-Reinet, one of the oldest towns in South Africa and with much of its historical centre is intact. It is home to pretty pink shuttered cottages, delightful café’s, antique shops and Dutch Reformed churches; staying here makes one feel as though they have stepped back in time into an old saloon town.

The region’s largest city, Port Elizabeth, boasts numerous heritage buildings, as well as some beautiful bathing beaches, excellent water sports and some of the best surfing spots in the country. It makes for a great stop over point pre or post safari, or in between connecting flights and is well connected with its airport operating a number of flights to Cape Town and Johannesburg daily.

Features in the following itineraries

Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 42
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 38
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 36
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 34
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 32
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 30
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 28
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 6
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 8
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 21
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 23
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 62
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 52
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 67
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 12
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 6
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 8
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 21
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 23
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 62
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 52
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 67
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 12
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 9
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 8
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 3
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 1
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 76
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 71
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 69
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 68
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 18
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 65
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 51
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 49
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 27
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 26
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 22
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 20
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 16
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 5
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 45
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 44
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 42
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 38
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 36
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 34
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 32
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 30
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 28
You either get the point of Africa or you don’t. What draws me backyear after year is that it is like the world with the lid off.
AA Gill
Make an Enquiry

Client Testimonials

So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India

Let us keep you up to date

Sign up to our newsletter and never miss out on unmissable exclusive luxury experiences