Top 5 Eastern Cape Day Trips: Explore South Africa

Planning a South trip and find yourself looking for adventures around the Eastern Cape? Well, it’s true the Eastern Cape province of South Africa usually gets overlooked. So, many travelers tend to make a beeline for the scenery of Cape Town or Kruger’s wildlife. But honestly, the Eastern Cape, that underrated gem, packs a punch when it comes to natural attractions and historical hotspots. From its long, untouched coastline to interiors filled with wildlife reserves and historical trails, the region really gives something to everyone, really.

1. Addo Elephant National Park

First off, Addo Elephant National Park is, like, the third largest national park in South Africa, and it’s probably most known for its massive elephant population, elephant population, you know? Located quite a short trip northeast of Gqeberha (that was formerly called Port Elizabeth), Addo presents, in some respects, a perfect day-trip destination for those interested in wildlife. Expect not just elephants, alright; keep your eyes peeled, since you could spot lions, buffalo, rhinos, and a whole host of bird species, too, that.

Self-drive safaris tend to be pretty popular, you see, allowing one to explore the diverse landscapes at their pace. That said, if one’s feeling a bit more adventurous, then very early guided tours exist. Very often they offer the knowledge and experience of the guides. Basically, for the photography enthusiasts, very late afternoon provides soft light which happens to be magical for capturing the animals. Also, there are several accommodations in and around Addo, too, so in that case, if a day doesn’t feel long enough, an overnight stay could be really something.

2. Jeffreys Bay (J-Bay)

Next up is Jeffreys Bay, otherwise pretty known as J-Bay to those in the know, which makes a nice stop for surfers and beach lovers, since. A bit famous for its perfect waves, mainly at Supertubes, so people from all over travel here to surf these legendary breaks, literally. Even so, you needn’t actually be a surfer, really, to enjoy what J-Bay has going on, actually. That perfect beach atmosphere really creates a laid-back kind of feel. It’s hard, arguably, not to feel completely relaxed by it.

Really consider spending some time, anyway, browsing the surf shops, you see. Maybe soak up the sunshine at Dolphin Beach, actually a bit perfect for families. Dolphin spotting from the shoreline also takes place, too. Should you have an urge to feel something different, that watersport also comes along there; horse riding on the beach is a memorable experience, actually.

3. Tsitsikamma National Park

Tsitsikamma National Park needs saying. Tsitsikamma, alright, situated along the scenic Garden Route, gives you a mix of coastal beauty and wonderful forest. As a matter of fact, the Storms River suspension bridge needs crossing, a fairly iconic experience, with wonderful views, that, too. Hiking trails give possibilities, still, that go along the coastline as well as deep in the forest, literally, with difficulty grades being given which, clearly, caters for everybody.

For the quite adventurous folks, quite a lot of possibilities also exist, so in that case various outdoor activities, like kayaking up Storms River Gorge, still, which is worth considering. Consider your binoculars too, because there’s fantastic birdwatching here. All around you, keep an eye on marine wildlife since the waters close by provide a house to dolphins, whales and seals, really.

4. Bathurst

Bathurst doesn’t seem like that big a stop for many travellers, then again those in search of something with some some cultural heritage will actually be more at peace here. As a matter of fact, steeped as it is in the background of early British settlers in South Africa. This nice town is situated relatively near Port Alfred. The main landmark definitely would have to be the remarkably large Big Pineapple, actually. Take some pretty goofy photographs in that general region.

Get exploring in and out of the local galleries as you move towards spotting pretty regional arts and crafts. It will feel as if the past gets echoed in the centuries-old buildings that mark Bathurst’s streets; it’s often not actually unusual that this gives an especially weird experience. If you’ve some luck you could come along when country fairs do appear, which happen often within the neighbourhood, actually, it’s as honest as that.

5. Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Last on our little group there is, very well, Shamwari, and even if technically that it could be an overnighter kind of adventure then again one trip that, obviously, should at no costs happen by those who, obviously, would prefer an exceptional safari, actually, is definitely that there private games area. In contrast, Shamwari does stretch past just wildlife watches. These luxury lodges will allow you not to just witness wildlife out but very often to sleep and relax in total style.

Very professional guides go and guide every one there through close activities, actually, that in that general district lets everybody find lions but in particular to know way beyond your typical safari tours about preservation projects. Not every one there has exactly always got loads to pay so as that the fees go slightly upward so that could actually be worth every single bit regarding those whom see great ethical trips. After dusk very nearly do Shamwari feel magic due what lighting can do for what you witness. Really often after sunset activities will also take residence but that could then again differ.