Roadtrippin’ around the Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape calls to the adventurous souls with an overwhelming choice in daring activities and undiscovered corners waiting to be found. Somewhat underestimated next to its neighbour the popular Western Cape, the Eastern Cape proudly holds claim to 500km pristine coastline, stunning beaches and dunes. And who doesn’t want to visit a place that offers more sunshine per year than anywhere else in South Africa, hence proudly earning its name “Sunshine Coast”.

This province of glorious contrasts also draws you inland and takes you on a journey of surprises in beautiful valleys and spectacular mountain tops. You can get lost in the forests of trees, swept away by rivers and stranded in Karoo dessert. Eastern Cape boasts 5 ecosystems between Storms River and East London… yes I said 5 different ecosystems.

Are you asking yourself, why have I not visited this marvelous place yet? I am asking myself why I haven’t gone back yet? It is one of the best places to road trip, witnessing the change of scenery through your car window.

General Travel Tips for the road:

• Being on the long road can be a bit mucky (stock up on hand wipes and hand sanitizer)

• Have lots of water in the car and snacks

• Use day backpacks – it’s easier to carry around especially if you have an unplanned stop along the road – like a walk up to a waterfall or short hikes to look out points (there’s a few)

• Have your car serviced and insure that your car insurance is still in place – it could be very useful especially if you need assistance on the road.

Here are some highlights the Eastern Cape offers that won’t cost you a cent but they will most certainly won’t be the only things to do!

Free things to do in the Eastern Cape:

Send a letter from South Africa’s oldest letterbox.

Stare at a steeple in Grahamstown.

Take in the view from on Gunfire Hill.

Get lost in a maze in Hogsback.

Check out cars of old at the St Croix Motor Museum.

Appreciate art at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum.

Spend the day at Van Staden’s Wild Flower Reserve.

Surf Jeffrey’s Bay.

Get an introduction to scuba diving.

Visit a lighthouse in Port St Johns.

Go shell spotting at Hazel Jeffries Shell Museum.

Watch out for whales in St Francis Bay.