Eastern Cape
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Photo by Colin Urquhart |
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on the image for larger version |
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Where else can you surf the world’s biggest waves,
ski down the only snow slopes in Africa, go on a `big seven’ safari,
visit the birthplace of Nelson Mandela and bungee the highest bridge in
the southern hemisphere? The Eastern Cape, of course!
The second largest of South Africa’s nine provinces,
the diverse Eastern Cape landscape ranges from the dry desolate Great
Karoo to the steamy forests of the Wild Coast and the Keiskamma Valley.
The area also embraces the fertile Langkloof, renowned for its rich apple
harvests, and is cradled by the mountainous southern Drakensberg.
Here, widespread hills are juxtaposed with sandy beaches;
here small-town South Africa comes to greet you – gently offering
hospitality and friendship and asking for nothing in return. This is where
the `big seven’ roam, and where the tropical forests share their
space with abundant birdlife and nature at its most generous.
GETTING TO KNOW THE EASTERN CAPE
Some of the Major attractions
in the area:
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Photo
by Nigel Dennis |
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• Nelson Mandela Museum.
The museum was officially opened on the 11 February 2000, at a function
to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the release from prison of Nelson
Mandela in 1990. The birthplace/museum is situated at Qunu, along the
N2 highway, south of Umtata.
• Addo Elephant Park.
Situated 73km from Port Elizabeth, in South Africa's Eastern Cape, the
park is a true conservation success story.
• Valley of Desolation.
The product of volcanic and erosive forces of nature over 100 million
years, the Valley of Desolation is one of the most spectacular sights
in the country. A steep and narrow road leads into the mountains that
surround the valley – a journey not to be dared by the faint-hearted.
• Snow Skiing.
Tiffindell is the only ski resort in Africa. Situated in the Southern
Drakensberg on the slopes of the highest mountain peak in the Eastern
Cape (3001m). The resort was started in 1994 with basic small accommodation,
a rough road and few facilities and has since become a popular destination
for those in search of an exciting snow adventure.
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Photo
by Andrew Honey |
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• Beaches.
The Eastern Cape offers 800km of untouched and pristine coastline along
with some of the world’s best beaches. Port Elizabeth, alone, has
40km of magnificent beaches and, with its perfect combination of warm
water, calm sea and fair breezes, it is one of the best sailing venues
in the world, and a magnet for all beach and water sports enthusiasts.
Port Elizabeth’s Southern Beaches offer safe and
sheltered swimming, body surfing, sunbathing, boardsailing, excellent
waves and surfing opportunities as well as interesting inter-tidal sea
life, while the Northern Beaches offer vast stretches of sand and dunes,
ideal for long beach walks and superb angling and swimming options.
Whale spotting. Southern right whales and their calves
are regularly spotted from the high dunes, usually between May and November,
and common and bottlenose dolphins are often seen close to shore.
Editor's Note: As usual, we have
barely begun to describe this great country. Be sure you visit the South
African Tourism web site!
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