What to do in Eastern Cape

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Eastern Cape

Top places to visit

1. Addo Elephant National Park

Get up close to graceful African elephants and other members of South Africa’s “big five” at the Addo Elephant National Park. Explore hiking trails, join kayaking trips and enjoy breathtaking scenery. This huge national park spreads from South Africa’s semi-desert Karoo region, across the Zuurberg Mountains and through the Sundays River. It is home to almost 600 African elephants, which is one of the biggest densities in the world.

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Addo Elephant National Park showing landscape views, mountains and land animals

2. Tsitsikamma National Park

The magnificent Tsitsikamma National Park is spread over valleys, rugged mountains and a sweeping coastline. Hike through the scenic landscapes, explore the coursing Storms River and try extreme sports. Tsitsikamma National Park is part of the Garden Route National Park and stretches approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) along South Africa’s southern coast.

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Tsitsikamma National Park featuring caves as well as an individual male

3. Jeffreys Bay Beach

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Dolphin Beach showing a coastal town, a house and a sandy beach

4. Eastern Beach

The attractive Eastern Beach is one of East London’s most popular and centrally located beaches. Enjoy relaxed walks around a bay of golden sand backed by large dunes, watch talented surfers on the beach’s breaks and learn to catch a wave with a kitesurfing lesson.

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Eastern Beach which includes a sandy beach, a coastal town and landscape views

5. Nahoon Beach

Whether you hit the beach to carve up the surf breaks, reel in a catch or simply relax on the sand, Nahoon Beach is a versatile getaway on the Wild Coast. Surf big waves, watch national surfing competitions and enjoy kayaking adventures. This area is also a popular destination for picturesque hikes and spectacular views of the coast. Nahoon Beach fronts a suburb of the same name, located a short drive east from East London’s city center.

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Nahoon Beach featuring a sandy beach, surfing and general coastal views

Discover the most popular places to visit in Eastern Cape

Addo Elephant National Park

5/5(3 reviews)

Spot majestic South African animals, including one of the world’s largest populations of African elephants, at this sprawling wildlife reserve on the Eastern Cape.

Tsitsikamma National Park

5/5(1 review)

Picturesque valleys, beaches and mountains, diverse wildlife and adventure sports make this one of the Eastern Cape’s most appealing national parks.

Jeffreys Bay Beach

Ride the rolling waves featured in the classic surf movie The Endless Summer, watch international surf competitions and spot migrating whales at this stunning beach.

Eastern Beach

Enjoy long coastal walks, learn to surf, spot colorful marine life at the nearby aquarium and admire the scenery at East London’s main beach.

Nahoon Beach

This popular East London beach is famous for its surfing competitions, kayaking excursions, river fishing and scenic walks across the headland.

King's Beach

5/5(2 reviews)

Play among the waves in the Indian Ocean, ride waterslides, watch surfers and visit an aquarium at this beach close to Port Elizabeth’s city center.

Hobie Beach

5/5(1 review)

Swim, surf or scuba dive at this popular and family-friendly Port Elizabeth beach, known for its diverse marine life, scenic parks and entertaining festivals.

Kragga Kamma Game Park

Embark on superb wildlife experiences from the comfort of your own car. Enjoy guided safaris and nature walks at this owner-operated reserve.

Port Elizabeth City Hall

5/5(1 review)

After visiting Port Elizabeth City Hall, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Gqeberha. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Explore areas of Eastern Cape

Port Elizabeth Central

4/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Port Elizabeth Central, Port Elizabeth City Hall and St. George's Cricket Ground are top sights worth seeing.

Walmer

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

While Walmer might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Greenacres Shopping Centre and Port Elizabeth Golf Club.

Wavecrest

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Wavecrest and surrounding area, you can visit Albatross Beach and Fountains Mall.

Quigney Beach

While Quigney Beach might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Eastern Beach and Jan Smuts Stadium East London.

Newton Park

While visiting Newton Park, you might make a stop by sights like Newton Park Swimming Pool and Main Public Library.

West Bank

Though West Bank might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like The Royal Port Alfred Golf Club and Shipwreck Hiking & Canoe Trails.