The Western Region of the Eastern Cape stretches from the Tsitsikamma National Park to Algoa Bay and in the North to the Karoo as far as Middleberg. The main city of the area is Port Elizabeth, capital of the Eastern Cape and often referred to as the Friendly City. Port Elizabeth is the largest coastal city between Durban and Cape Town and is the third largest port in South Africa. The city was the landing place of the 1820 settlers and there are many examples of fine Victorian architecture to be seen there. The city sits on what has become known as the Sunshine Coast, and is renowned for its long unbroken sandy beaches. Beach entertainment is second to none, and the city is a mecca for old and young alike.
At the extreme western end of the Western Region of the Eastern Cape along the coast lies the Tsitsikaama National Park. This park is in fact two parks, the Coastal Park and the Forest Park, both of which abound with natural beauty. The coastal park starts a few kilometers to the East of Plettenberg Bay and runs eastwards for some 75 kilometres to the mouth of the Groot River. It is bounded in the North by the cliffs and beaches and extending some 800 metres into the sea. There are several hiking trails along the coast and a unique Tsitsikaama Underwater Trail where the marine life is unbelievable. The Forest Park is a relatively small park of natural indigenous forest and can be found where the Storms River crosses beneath the N2 national road. This park is home to the Outeniqua Yellowwood, some of which exceed 50 metres in height. There are also many examples of stinkwood, ironwood and several species of tree fern.
Just to the North of Port Elizabeth is the Addo Elephant Park. Back in 1919 a Major Pretorius was employed to eliminate all elephants in this area and described the area as "a bit of all that is bad in central Africa that had been picked up and dropped in the Eastern Cape". The surviving elephants from this slaughter, about eleven beasts, fled to the impenetrable Harvey Bush. There are now more than one hundred elephants roaming this 8590 hectare park.
The coast of the Western Region of the Eastern Cape is dotted with friendly, warm holiday resorts. There is Jeffreys Bay and Paradise Beach, Kenton on Sea and Colchester, Sea Vista and the Storms River Mouth. All are hospitable small resorts offering miles of unspoilt beaches and some of the best surfing in the world. But inland there are some of the most interesting small towns. Graaf-Reinet is the oldest town of the Eastern Cape being established in 1786 and making it the fourth oldest town in the whole of South Africa. Graaf-Reinet is known as the Gem of the Karoo and is situated at the foot of the Sneeuberg Mountains surrounded by the Karoo Nature Reserve. Just a few kilometers from the town is the Valley of Desolation, a deep, steep sided canyon that cuts through the Sneeuberg mountains to reveal the distant plains of the Karoo and its distant koppies.
Further South and just to the North of Port Elizabeth lies the fifth oldest town in South Africa and second oldest of the Eastern Cape. Uitenhage has a long and colourful history and is often referred to as the Garden Town on account of its beautiful parks and gardens. The town is the centre of vehicle manufacturing for the Western Region of the Eastern Cape. The Old Station Museum was built in 1875 and was one of the oldest stations in South Africa. It was turned into a museum when a more modern station was built in another part of the town. The museum houses two vintage locomotives and several old coaches, and is well worth a visit.
House Haven Guesthouse is right on the beach and situated in a quiet, peaceful area with unrestricted sea views, allowing long sandy beach walks. Expect a warm welcome, hearty food and exceptional service that will turn your stay into a true friendly P
Sea Whisper Self Catering Apartments overlook the pristine beaches of the Indian Ocean. The property, less than an hour's drive from Port Elizabeth is set in luscious, tranquil gardens with stunning sea views and adjoins a small nature reserve.
Come and enjoy the comfort, peace and tranquillity of Aan die Oewer Guest House's exquisite 3-star facilities and top-class service. Aan-die-Oewer Guest House offers their guests either Bed & Breakfast or Self Catering Accommodation in Graaff Reinet...
Your accommodation options include BLACK EAGLE CAMP where you will awaken to a chorus of forest birds. This comfortable camp is a 5 minute walk from the parking at the entrance to the Kleinrivier gorge
Matyholweni, which means "in the bush" in Xhosa is located near the coastal town of Colchester at the Sundays River Mouth, 3km off the N2 highway, Matyholweni is easily accessible and provides a second gateway into the Park.
In the heart of the quaint Karoo hamlet of Nieu-Bethesda, lies Outsiders B&B. Cosy double rooms offer an en-suite shower with toilet and a private entrance. Relax on your stoep and watch village life pass you by at the unhurried pace of bygone times.
7 double bedrooms, all en-suite, with own entrances, tea & coffee making facilities and TV. Electric blankets in winter & fans for summer. Tranquil surroundings with swimming pool and secure off-street parking. Relax after your tiring journey
Fifteen caravan or tent sites are situated beneath thorn trees on a gravel substrate. Each site has a braai unit and powerpoint. A communal kitchen provides deep freeze, stove top and microwave facilities while the communal ablutions have showers, toilets
Four rustic furnished tents provide a relaxed nature experience. Each tent sleeps two people and has a braai unit, fridge, table and two chairs. Bedding and towels are provided. There is a communal kitchen equipped with stove plates, cooking and eating ut
Dio Dell'Amore Guest House reflects the opulent of Tuscany and is situated right on the shores of the Kabeljauws River Mouth in Jeffrey's Bay. This Five Star Guest House is set in a tranquil escape that any discerning traveler of business person would app
Leeuwenbosch Shearers Lodge offers a homely Eastern Cape experience inclusive of dinner and breakfast. Game drives in the Amakhala Game Reserve are bookable at an extra cost. Shearers Lodge has three twin/double rooms, and two family rooms.
Dreamers Villa has the rare quality of being a Beach House with a farm like atmosphere and has a real holiday ambience. It has three bedrooms, sharing two and a half bathrooms. The TV Room has a sleeper couch. A fourth large en-suite bedroom is available
Ocean Sunset is situated on the beautiful coastline, west of Port Elizabeth in the peaceful little village of Seaview. Five minutes walk from the beach which is famous for its angling, snorkeling and rock pools.
1 on Ross consists of three cottages nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac just off Henry Road. It has a beautiful garden which featured in the Gardens of Grahamstown show, pool and offers braai facilities.
Enjoy peace and tranquility at Steytlerville Villa Guest House, one of the town's first historical buildings. Having been restored and extended, the Steytlerville Villa Guest House offers comfortable accommodation and a warm welcome to you.
The Astons is a luxury 3 bedroom apartment in a secure complex situated right on the beach and about 100 meters from the lagoon. You cannot get any closer! The apartment offers 3 neatly decorated bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
The fully equipped self-catering unit, with TV, (please bring own beach towels), consists of two bedrooms, one with a double bed and one with two single beds. It has an open plan kitchen with dining room / lounge, with a sleeper couch. In total it...
Anmar Villa in Kirkwood is situated in one of the most beautiful valleys in South Africa, namely the Sundays River Valley. It has breathtaking scenes of thousands of Citrus Orchards hugging the Sundays River and surrounds.
Two x2 bedroomed en-suite luxury up-market units each with fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, comfortable living area with full DStv and DVD. Ceilings fans and underfloor heating throughout. Private patio with patio furniture, Weber braai, ...
Aston Woods B and B is an intimate retreat, set amongst the dunes with un-spoilt views of the pristine, secluded Aston Bay Beach. Situated 7km. from the well known city centre of Jeffrey's Bay, with it's famous beaches, waves and shops.