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A First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Eastern Cape
- What is Eastern Cape well-known for?
- Surfing Spots
- Jeffreys Bay
- Coffee Bay
- Safaris
- Addo Elephant National Park
- Mountain Zebra National Park
- What are the best adventure activities in Eastern Cape?
- Bungee Jumping
- Quad Biking
- Abseiling
- Horseback Riding
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Paragliding
- Scuba Diving
- Surfing
- Ziplining
- Sandboarding & Sledding
- Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP)
- FAQs on the Eastern Cape
Visiting the Eastern Cape is a fantastic experience we can vouch for – and we’re not just saying that because we live here! Just take it from the 5.7 million domestic tourists who visited us last year.
To give you an idea of what our province has to offer, we’re taking you on a virtual tour of our most popular tourist spots and the most exciting activities you should definitely try. Read on below!
What is Eastern Cape well-known for?
The Eastern Cape is well-known for its beautiful surfing spots and breathtaking safaris. Its pristine coastline and abundant wildlife are what make this area a tourist hotspot.
Below are some of the spots that we think should be on your bucket list.
1. Surfing Spots
Jeffreys Bay

Address | Southwest of Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
Hours | Always open |
Fondly called J-Bay by locals, Jeffreys Bay is one of the world’s best surfing spots.
The area has different sections but the most popular one is the Supertubes. It goes up to 300 metres high during peak surfing season between the months of May and September.
But more than a place to surf, you’ll also get a fill of seafood delicacies while you’re here. We highly recommend Ocean Basket or Catch of the Day, two of our favourite restaurants in town that serve the freshest seafood.
Coffee Bay

Address | Wild Coast, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
Business hours | Always open |
Website | http://coffeebay.co.za/ |
Don’t miss the chance to suit up in your best swimwear and soak in the warm waters of Coffee Bay Beach. It’s a pristine area with fine sand that’s perfect for long walks under the sun (or stars).
The Coffee Bay may be a small community but it has big things to offer for travellers and locals alike. It’s a picturesque location on the Wild Coast with both a traditional and modern feel.
If you have extra time, we also recommend taking a stroll to the Hole in the Wall. It’s an underrated spot with a scenic view, making you feel as if you were the main character of a Nollywood film!
2. Safaris
Addo Elephant National Park

Address | Addo, 6105, South Africa |
Business hours | 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily |
Website | https://www.addo.org.za/ |
Contact | +27 42 233 8600 |
Rates | For South African citizens and residents with ID presented: R94 for adults (per day) R47 for kids (per day) For SADC Nationals with passport presented: R188 for adults (per day) R94 for kids (per day) For international visitors: R376 for adults (per day) R188 for kids (per day) |
The Addo Elephant National Park was initially made to save 11 local elephants from facing extinction. Now, it’s the home of over 600 elephants!
We now know it today as the third largest national park in the country that houses the Big 5; namely lions, leopards, rhinos, cape buffalos and, of course, elephants.
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by their staff and guided to your chosen itinerary, whether it’s a tour of the park or checking into your preferred accommodation.
With the help of their friendly and knowledgeable guides, you’ll learn more about the different animals you’ll see during your tour while they are in their natural habitat.
However, you can also opt to drive yourself around the area if you want. Fair warning though, there may be a few bumps along the way because of the uneven terrain!
Mountain Zebra National Park

Address | Near Cradock, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
Business hours | 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily |
Contact | +27 48 801 5700 |
Rates | R157 for adults(excluding additional tax charges) |
Situated a few kilometres from the town of Cradock, the Mountain Zebra National Park houses a large number of wildlife species – yes, not just zebras!
Like the Addo Elephant National Park, this reserve was created to save the decreasing number of Cape Mountain zebras and it definitely worked wonders. Another win for Mother Earth!
It’s now the home of a big population of zebras along with other animals like springboks, kudus, cheetahs, birds and many more.
Once you get here, you might want to cross your fingers – and toes for extra luck! – for a chance to get a glimpse of the elusive aardwolf.
In case you don’t know what that is, it’s a type of hyena that hardly shows itself and often hides underground, earning its name the ‘earth-wolf’ in our local language.
But aside from the diverse species, you’ll love walking around the park because of its beautiful scenery. The lodges are also clean and well-maintained so booking a night would be a lovely idea.
It’s also a great way to be closer to nature so it’s worth a try, especially if you have lots of time to spare.
They have a kitchen and lounge area for you to wind down and enjoy the stillness in the middle of the wilderness. You can even set up a braai with your friends and family while you’re here!
What are the best adventure activities in Eastern Cape?
1. Bungee Jumping

There’s nothing like bungee jumping to get your blood pumping – and Bloukrans Bridge is a superb place to take the plunge!
The bridge is famously known as a Guinness World Record holder with the highest bridge bungee jump that’s 709 feet – chills, we know – above the Bloukrans River. You can find it near Nature’s Valley, bordering the Eastern and Western Cape.
Of course, before you get started on the fun, you’ll be given all the necessary safety (is South Africa safe to live in) briefings.
To make the most of the experience, we recommend wearing comfortable clothes like a shirt and sweatpants.
Pro tip: Leave your cameras with friends or staff so that they can capture your (literal) leap of faith!
We know it can be scary, but do challenge yourself to keep your eyes open so that you can take in the amazing views of the nearby mountains. We promise it’s worth it!
You’ll even get a jump certificate after it to commemorate the experience.
Where You Can Book
- Bloukrans Bungy- Face Adrenaline
Contact: +27 42 281 1458
Rate/s: starts at R1,670.57
Inclusions:
Free cancellation
Safety briefing
Zipline access to the bridge
World’s best bungee
Winch recovery ride
216-meter SkyWalk
Jump Certificate
- Afroventures Tours & Safaris
Contact: +27 60 630 2633
Rate/s: R5,200 per person
Inclusions:
Bungee jump at Bloukrans
9,000 feet tandem skydive over Jeffrey’s Bay
Driver and guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Air-conditioned transport
2. Quad Biking

Adrenaline junkies, we know quad biking is the right fit for you! Not only do you get to indulge your need for speed – you get to soak in great views while you’re at it, too.
It’s an exciting activity that’s suitable for kids and adults alike. Even if it’s your first time, you don’t have to worry because all quad bike tour areas are easy to navigate and you have the option to get a guide.
Plus, you’ll be given proper instructions beforehand which are easy to follow, especially for beginners.
As you feel the wind in your hair, don’t forget to take a moment to look around you too. The area’s breathtaking flora and fauna are a feast for the eyes!
Where You Can Book
- Tsitsikamma Adventure Land
Contact: +27 79 715 4621
Rate/s: starts at R775.46
Inclusions:
Bottled water
Quick informative safety briefing
Practice ride on the ATV
Ride the Quad Bike along the Garden Route
Areena Riverside Resort
Contact: +27 43 734 3055
Rate/s:
R240 per person for 20 minutes tour
R450 per person for 60 minutes tour
R600 per person for 120 minutes tour
Inclusions:
Guided quad bike safari tours
Three tour duration options: 20 minutes, 60 minutes, 120 minutes
Rundown on how to ride a quad bike
Going around the 400-hectare private game reserve
- Segway Wild Coast Sun
Contact: +27 78 458 0055
Rate/s: R450 per driver with an additional R140 if there is a passenger on the bike (for 30 minutes)
Inclusions:
Extreme Quad Tour of the Wild Coast
Customised off-road experience
3. Abseiling

Abseiling in the Eastern Cape is perfect for active individuals with a thirst for nature. It’s a great way to get that workout in while taking in the gorgeous scenery.
Also known as rappelling, abseiling involves descending down a rope at a controlled pace using a friction device or descender.
If you’re worried about the safety part, fret not because the guides of these tours have thoroughly checked all the equipment to be used. You’ll also have a trusted companion the entire time so keep calm and enjoy the experience.
Where You Can Book
- Areena Riverside Resort
Contact: +27 43 734 3055
Rate/s: R550 per person
(*note: must be a minimum of six people and arranged 2 weeks before)
Inclusions:
Experienced guide
Safety equipment like helmet and harness
- Hogsback Adventures
Contact: +27 74 721 4885 or +27 73 567 9487
Rate/s: R760 for two adults
(*note: each booking should have at least 2 participants)
Inclusions:
Abseiling 35 metres down from the famous Madonna and Child Waterfall
Safety equipment like a helmet and harness
4. Horseback Riding

There’s something magical about riding your stallion along the beautiful coastline of the Eastern Cape.
Even if you’re a beginner, you won’t have to worry about your safety or skills because it’s fairly easy to learn horseback riding. Plus, you’ll have a guide by your side to look after you the entire time.
Also! Don’t forget to put on lots of sunblock all over your face and body so you can protect your skin while you’re out under the sun.
Where You Can Book
- Featherfoot Horse Riding and Beach Trails
Contact: +27 72 396 6848
Rate/s: around R2,422.58 per person
Inclusions:
Horseback riding experience along Jeffrey’s Bay
Two daily trails: sunrise and sunset
Knowledgeable and friendly guide
- Wild Coast Horse Riding Adventures
Contact: +27 82 567 0972
Rate/s: starts at R2,300 per person
Inclusions:
Two different ride lengths: 1 hour and 30 minutes, and 2 hours and 30 minutes
Horse Trail tour in the Wild Coast
Fit horses
Experienced rider guides
Accommodation options (for those who want to stay a night or more)
- Amakhala Horse Trails
Contact: +27 42 235 1109
Rate/s: R1,200 per person
Inclusions:
Two to three hours of riding time
Provided equestrian helmet
Horse Trail tour of the Amakhala Game Reserve
Expert guide
5. Hiking

Miley Cyrus once sang, “Life’s a climb, but the view is great.” You’ll get a taste of what she’s talking about by going on a hiking tour in the Eastern Cape.
Whether it’s wandering through Coffee Bay or passing through the Wild Coast, you’ll get to sweat it all out as you bask in the panoramic views of the coastline.
If you’re up for a challenge, try the Amatola hiking trail – FYI, it’s 100 kilometres long! – which starts at Maden Dam and ends with a turn around the Hogsback Mountains.
But for something fairly easy, the Tsitsikamma Big Tree trail is great and it’s only 1.3 kilometres, taking around 20 minutes to complete.
Where You Can Book
- Afroventures Tours & Safaris
Contact: +27 83 656 4350
Rate/s: R8,800 per person
Inclusions:
5-Day Central Wild Coast Tour
Meals for the entire tour
4 nights accommodation
Guided hikes from Lubanzi to Coffee Bay and Coffee Bay to Mdumbi
Kayaking on Mdumbi River
- Areena Riverside Resort
Contact: +27 43 734 3055
Rate/s:
R500 as minimum fee
R150 per person if more than 4 participants
Inclusions:
Bottled water
Expert guide
- Wild Side Hiking
Contact: +27 71 706 7590
Rate/s: around R5,359.24 per person (but the price varies on group’s size)
Inclusions:
Wild Coast 5-Day Hike
Meals for all days
Private transportation
All extra fees and taxes on visited attractions
6. Kayaking

Kayaking is a great idea because it allows you to observe the quiet and breathtaking scenery of the lakes and lagoons of the Eastern Cape at a leisurely pace.
What’s more, this activity can be done by both kids and adults. We can all have fun without leaving anyone behind!
Where You Can Book
- Crisscross Adventures
Contact: +27 83 330 0480
Rate/s: R700 per person
Inclusions:
Drinks and snacks
Waterproof buckets
Paddles
Life jackets
- Pro Dive Port Elizabeth
Contact: +27 41 581 1144
Rate/s: R495 per kayak
Inclusions:
Single or double kayaks
Life jackets
Safety briefing
7. Paragliding

You’ll feel your breath being taken away (literally!) when you try paragliding in the Eastern Cape. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should be on every adventure lover’s bucket list!
While you’re up in the sky for around 10 to 20 minutes, you’ll get to see the beautiful sights of our province.
Whether it’s the sand dunes of Port Elizabeth or the stunning coastline of The Garden Route, there are a lot of fantastic views to uncover as you take flight.
If you’re doing it alone and feel a bit nervous, we suggest tandem paragliding, where your guide will manoeuvre the glider for you.
Where You Can Book
- AirVentures Paragliding
Contact: +27 78 374 3612
Rate/s: R1,500 per person
Inclusions:
Glider
Trusted guide
Safety equipment
- Flytime Paragliding
Contact: +27 72 612 8168
Rate/s:
R1,100 for Standard Tandem Flight
R1,600 for Adventure Tandem Flight
R300 for GoPro Video and Photos
Inclusions:
Safety demonstration
Within 10 to 20 minutes on air, depending on chosen package
Experienced instructor
8. Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is a relatively ‘gentler’ introduction to ocean life – but it’s an adventure nonetheless. As you glide underwater, you’ll find intricate coral reefs and alluring sea creatures like turtles, manta, eagle rays and more.
But be on the lookout for sharks too! They’re very common in the Eastern Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal provinces but they’re not as dangerous as you might think.
They don’t attack humans so you can look at them from a safe distance with your guide.
If this is going to be your first time, you can even enrol in beginner diver courses to learn everything from scratch under professional supervision.
Where You Can Book
- Pro Dive Port Elizabeth
Contact: +27 41 581 1144
Rate/s: R100 per person
Inclusions:
Quick beginner course
Scuba diving equipment (e.g. snorkel and fins)
2. Untouched Adventures
Contact: +27 73 130 0689
Rate/s:
R190 per diver
R260 per diver with full gear and cylinder fill
Inclusions:
Scuba diving equipment (e.g. snorkel and fins)
Guided dives (if preferred)
3. Offshore Africa
Contact: +27 82 256 9414
Rate/s: varies on chosen itinerary
Inclusions:
Customised scuba diving experience
Complete diving equipment
Photos (if requested)
Experienced guides
9. Surfing

Riding the waves is like wading through life’s ups and downs – at least that’s how surfers love to describe it. There are always times when you’ll lose your balance but eventually, you get back up and be ready again to face new challenges.
Cheesiness aside, surfing is a popular adventure activity because it pushes you out of your comfort zone. If you’re worried about your lack of skills, there are loads of beginner classes offered by various schools near the area.
Where You Can Book
- Wavecrest Surf School
Contact: +27 73 509 0400
Rate/s:
R350 per person for group surfing lessons
R550 for private surfing lessons
R300 for surfboard rental only (full day)
Inclusions:
2-hour surfing lessons
Board
Wetsuit
- Salted Surf School & Cafe
Contact: +27 76 501 6191
Rate/s:
R340 per person for beginner group class
R420 per person for intermediate group class
R600 per person for advanced group class
R425 for a private group lesson (minimum of 3 people)
R490 for private beginner lesson
R70 for wetsuit rental of 2 hours
R150 for wetsuit rental for a full day
R130 for surfboard rental of 2 hours
R250 for surfboard rental for a full day
Inclusions:
Experienced instructor
Wetsuit
Board
- Jeffreys Bay Adventures
Contact: +27 42 293 4214
Rate/s: starts at R2,392 per adult (but the price varies on group size)
Inclusions:
2-hour surfing lessons
Meals and accommodation for those with overnight stays
Board
Wetsuit
Experienced instructors
10. Ziplining

The thought of zipping through a cable may sound terrifying, but we know a lot of people with a fear of heights who overcame it with this activity!
This experience will let you see the different forests and rivers of the Eastern Cape while zipping through the air. If that doesn’t make your heart thump in excitement, we don’t know what else will!
You can even take a video of your tour to document your real-time reactions. Don’t be afraid to let it all out and scream while in flight – trust us, it’ll feel so therapeutic!
Where You Can Book
- Areena Riverside Resort
Contact: +27 43 734 3055
Rate/s: R500 per person
Inclusions:
Complete zipline tour (with a minimum of 6 people)
Safety gear
Quick briefing
- Adrenaline Addo
Contact: +27 78 911 1619
Rate/s:
R370 per person for adults in regular zip line
R270 per person for kids (below 13 years old) in regular zip line
R450 per person for adults in superman zip line
R350 per person for kids (below 13 years old) in superman zip line
Inclusions:
Unique zipline experience with a hike through Addo’s indigenous bush
Safety gear
- Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours
Contact: +27 79 492 0467
Rate/s: R550 per person
Inclusions:
Complete zipline tour with 8 slides
Safety gear
11. Sandboarding & Sledding

Now, you might have heard of gliding through the snow or the sea. But it’s also possible to skid through sand dunes!
There are two specific activities you can do in the sand, either sandboarding or sledding. The main difference between them is how you position yourself on the board.
The former makes you stand on it while the latter allows you to sit on it while you wade through the sand.
You can’t go wrong with either of these activities as they’re both perfect for thrill-seekers!
Where You Can Book
- Addo Sand Sledding
Contact: +27 41 468 0140
Rate/s:
R400 per child for 12 years old and younger
R700 per adult
Inclusions:
Boards/sand sleds
Experienced instructor
Return cruise to Dune Fields
Safety gear
Toilet facilities
Blankets
Poncho’s
Light snacks and refreshments
- Crisscross Adventures
Contact: +27 83 330 0480
Rate/s: R500 per person
Inclusions:
2 hours of using the boards or sand sleds provided
Guided tour
Ferry boat ride
Safety gear
- Jeffreys Bay Adventures
Contact: +27 42 293 4214
Rate/s:
R250 per adult
R200 per kid under 16 years old
Inclusions:
2 hours of using the boards or sand sleds provided
Safety gear
Experienced instructor
12. Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP)

Contrary to what you might think, learning stand-up paddle boarding is relatively easy, even if it’s your first time. Once you get used to standing on top of the board while slowly wading through the water, you’ve pretty much got it down already.
Regardless of your age or weight, you can do this adventure activity in the Eastern Cape.
Don’t hesitate to approach your guide and ask for tips on how to be better at it.
Where You Can Book
- JBay Wind
Contact: +27 82 507 8887
Rate/s: R310 per person
Inclusions:
Paddle
Boards
Guide
- Jeffreys Bay Adventures
Contact: +27 42 293 4214
Rate/s: R250 per person for 2 hours
Inclusions:
Transport to and from the SUP adventure point
Board
Paddle
FAQs on the Eastern Cape
If we missed out on any local spots or fun activities that you tried, let us know by commenting down below!