2010 soccer world cup match venue:
Nelson Mandela Bay Port Elizabeth
Areas in Eastern Cape:
Cacadu District
East London
Nelson Mandela Bay
Annual Events:
National Arts Festival
Prickly Pear Festival
Sasol Scifest
Read Kathy Waddington's stories of her travels through the Eastern Cape
Steal a heart under the star studded skies of the Karoo, or brave the wild of the Addo Elephant National Park. Seek adventure in Tsitisikamma or simply relax on the glorious beaches of the Sunshine Coast. Enjoy the breath-taking natural setting of the Baviaanskloof or surf champion waves in Jeffreys Bay. If you are not an outdoor, soak up the rich history and culture of Grahamstown. South Africa is home to the beautiful Cacadu district where Addo, Baviaans, Grahamstown, Jeffreys Bay, Karoo, Sunshine Coast and Tsitsikamma converge to offer the complete seven wonders of our world.
Addo AreaSituated in the Sundays River Valley, the Addo area is known as the valley of elephants and roses. The neighbouring areas are primarily citrus farms and when the trees are in full blossom, the smell of citrus permeates the air. Addo is host to many delightful festivals throughout the year such as the Kirkwood Wildlife Festival in June, the annual Rose Festival in October and is home to many exclusive game reserves including the Addo Elephant National Park. Visit the Addo area for an unforgettable African experience - the Big 7, guided walks, quad biking, elephant back rides and more. Towns in the area include:
Addo
The quiet hamlet of Addo encompasses the communities of Nomathamsanqa and Valencia, with Hermitage and Sunland a short drive away. Situated on the southern end of one of the biggest citrus producing areas in South Africa the local community flourishes in the hospitality of a bygone era. Lying at the foot of the Zuurberg Mountains activities are as varied as citrus farm and pack house tours to close encounters with local reptiles and birds of prey.
Enon & Beersheba
The beautiful little town of Enon & Beersheba boasts an old Moravian mission station, east of Kirkwood. The first oranges to be exported from the Sundays River Valley came from some 100 trees planted by the villagers. This village captures the atmosphere of a bygone era and is well worth a visit.
Kirkwood
Kirkwood is the largest town on the Greater Addo Route. Nestled in the shadows of the Rietberg, this vibrant country village is the starting point of 4 x 4 trails, adventure routes and home to an extreme diversity of fauna and flora. Kirkwood is also home to a small meat eating dinosaur nicknamed Kirky.
Paterson
Paterson is a little town in the heart of game reserve country, centrally situated between 8 of the most renowned and luxurious private game reserves in the Eastern Cape.Originally founded in 1879 by John Paterson, the man responsible for establishing the Standard Bank of South Africa, Paterson is just off the N10 from Port Elizabeth to Cradock.
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Baviaans & the Gamtoos Valley Area
Experience the true meaning of hospitality and adventure in the most beautiful of surroundings in the Baviaans and Gamtoos Valley. Known for the richness of its cultural heritage and abundance in bird and animal life, the Baviaans area holds ample opportunity for outdoor leisure and activities. Nature lovers can surround themselves in prime fauna and flora and the more adventurous can enjoy mountain biking excursions, 4 x 4 trails and hunting safaris. There are plenty of heritage sites just waiting to be discovered, as well as San Art which adorns the pristine cliffs. For clean skies, starry nights and sweet breezes, there is no better place than the Baviaans to spend your time. Towns in the area include:
Groot Rivier Valley
The Groot Rivier Valley has numerous game reserves, farm activities, hiking trails and unspoilt nature on offer. The route through the Valley winds its way through purple mountains and grazing fields, back into Steytlerville where good old Karoo hospitality is the order of the day.
Hankey
Hankey, the oldest town in the Valley, is home to the largest sundial in Africa (diameter: 36.4m) as well as the remains of Sarah Bartmann, a Khoi-san woman who was laid to rest upon a hill outside the town after leading a tragic life of ridicule and shame due to her strange body shape. From the Toposcope in Hankey, onlookers will have the most magnificent views of the Gamtoos flood plains, while the 9-hole golf course offers the perfect opportunity to unwind.
Loerie
The little town of Loerie is named after a rather elusive species of bird, the Knysna Loerie, and is probably best known for its annual NaartjieFestival which takes place during the month of September. There's only a church, a fistful of houses and a local store, yet this beautiful and fertile valley is a blend of nature, agriculture and wilderness that makes it the perfect place in which to escape.
Patensie
Patensie, guarded by the majestic Cockscomb Mountain, is situated at the doorway to the Baviaans wilderness area. This little town's activities primarily revolve around the citrus industry. Over time, it has become a very popular tourist destination with many B&B's and self catering establishments, as well as fuel stops, banks and shops to choose from. The impressive Kouga dam, which was built in 1967, is a must see together with the unique rock formations (i.e. Queen Victoria's profile) you can spot on your way to the dam.
Steytlerville
The little town of Steytlerville lies at the entrance to the north eastern parts of the Baviaanskloof and showcases a host of architectural gems such as quaint Edwardian and Victorian era houses with tin roofs and large street facing verandahs complete with broekie lace and stained glass windows. Home to several South African personalities in the past, a holiday in this town easily leads to relocation.
Willowmore
On the western side of the Baviaanskloof lies Willowmore, a town steeped in history and a prime spot to take a break from the 4 x 4 excursions. Boasting a host of interesting nooks and crannies, Willowmore offers weary travelers a place to rejuvenate both body and soul. The town lends itself to cozy weekends spent next to the fire relating folklore and recalling stories of a bygone era, while also offering various options for hikers to choose from. Nights here are filled with stars and are unpredictably cold, whilst day temperatures can soar to over 30 degrees.
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Grahamstown Area
Frontier Country is a vibrant mix of all the best of Africa - where many intense battles were fought & many famous warriors are remembered. True country hospitality reigns in this area with its world class game lodges, hotels and guest houses. Towns in the area include:
Alicedale
This charming Victorian-styled town, situated 65km outside of Grahamstown, used to be the core railway junction in South Africa before the mid 1990's. Whilst in Alicedale, do not miss out on a trip to the Mohair Museum, a round of golf at the Gary Player designed 18-hole golf course and lunch at the 4 star Bushman Sands Hotel. A visit to the bushman caves, unscathed rock art and safari experiences in game reserves in the area are also recommended.
Fort Brown
Located next to the Great Fish River between Kwandwe Game Reserve and the Fish River Nature, Fort Brown sprung up around a British Fortification of the same name. This area with its barren beauty surrounded covered by Eastern Cape thicket is only 30kms from Grahamstown.
Frasers Camp
Located near an old lookout tower and near the other settlement of The Coombs, this little settlement is located amongst grassy hills and is an excellent base to explore the Fish River and Kap River valleys.
Grahamstown
Grahamstown, Africa's Festival Capital comes alive with culture & activity, drama & jazz, flea markets & cabaret as over 50 000 people flock to the city for the annual National Arts Festival during June / July. Home to Rhodes University - this quaint town is a blend of history, art and culture packaged in a rustic town with architectural wonders, superb restaurants and nature on the doorstop - the perfect fusion of the past and present.
Click here for accommodation options in Grahamstown.
National Arts Festival
The Grahamstown National Arts Festival, held in late June or early July every year, is South Africa's oldest, biggest and best-known arts festival. The 10-day event offers every indulgence of theatre, music, song, dance, film and a whole lot more.
Sasol Scifest
Held annually in March, this science festival in Grahamstown features lectures, interactive exhibitions and workshops.
Riebeek- East
This town lies in the vicinity of the archaeological sites showing cultural activity that predates many claims world-wide, contributing to its status as the cradle of human culture. This typical "platteland dorp" was built around the magnificent Dutch Reformed Church and is surrounded by farms and game reserves.
Salem
This historic village, located on the road to Kendon-on-Sea, was founded by early British settlers. The village boasts two Methodist Churches which were erected in 1832 and 1848 which overlooks the village green where many a game of cricket has been played over hundreds of years. The village is famous for an event that took place in the Frontier Wars where a resident, Richard Gush, chose to successfully parley with an amaXhosa force that was preparing to attack the village rather than fight.
Sevenfountains
This village, located off the N2 about 30kms from Grahamstown possesses a splendid Methodist Church. Founded originally by Irish settlers in 1820 they named their little settlement after the number of springs in the area.
Sidbury
A small village set out by Richard Daniel in the early 1830's along thelines of an English country village with Daniel's house, Sidbury Park, being set a little way from the village. Sidbury boasts two splendid churches with a number of war graves in the church graveyards.
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Jeffrey's Area
The Jeffreys Bay region is renowned for its gorgeous beaches, never ending summers, plentiful shells and is best known as "the Surf Mecca of the World". The beautiful beaches are safe for bathing and provide endless excitement for water sports. Explore this district with its beautiful beaches, rich wildlife and adventures, surf the waves or swim with dolphins, there is something for everyone in this picturesque and breathtaking Jeffreys area. Towns in the area include:
Aston Bay
Situated between Jeffreys Bay and Paradise Beach, this area offers long stretches of untouched sandy beaches surrounded by protected nature reserves. Sightings of small buck, tortoises, a large variety of birds, rabbits and mongoose are part of every day life in this nature conservancy and the creatures are much loved by local home-dwellers.
Cape St. Francis
Cape St. Francis is renowned for its peace and tranquility. Nonetheless, surfers from all over the world flock to this coastal town in hopes of surfing a wave at the popular Seal Point. There are a number of nature reserves in the area and another key attraction for the town is its lighthouse, which was established in 1878 and has since been declared a national monument.
Humansdorp
The pleasant town of Humansdorp can be found en route to Plettenburg Bay from Port Elizabeth. The Kouga Cultural Centre is a famous attraction due to its symbolism and portrayal of the African Renaissance.
Jeffreys Bay
Affectionately known as "J-Bay" by the Locals and the home of the perfect wave - situated between Port Elizabeth and the Garden Route is Jeffreys Bay, the soul of surfing in SA with a terrain of aloes, perfect points & classic reefs. Once a year the best surfers in the world get together for the annual Billabong Pro surfing competition at Supertubes.
Oyster Bay
What originally started off as a coastal farm before 1956, has since evolved into the small coastal town of Oyster Bay. Found 14km west of St Francis Bay, activities such as swimming, deep sea and surf fishing can all be enjoyed in this sea-side town.
Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach promises a relaxing day on a pristine white beach, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life. The name itself, explains it all...it really feels like paradise. Because of its wide and uncrowded beach, its also a paradise for windsurfers and kite boarders with good wind all year round.
St. Francis Bay
The charming holiday town of St Francis Bay known for its endemic white houses with black roofs, either tile or thatch, together with Sardinian-style red tile roofs is set around the astonishing Marina canals, offers a delightful escape from the pressures of daily life, in a heaven of peace and tranquility. Enjoy the glorious beaches, excellent water-sports, a leisurely lifestyle and the magical beauty of its unspoilt surroundings.
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Karoo Area
The Karoo - "Place of Thirst" - is a boundless and mysterious area covered by vast sheep and game farms, where broad plains roll away toward distant koppies and multilayered mountains that seem to touch the indigo sky. One can stop almost anywhere in the Karoo and listen to the silence, breathe in the aged earth and the Karoo Bossies (which conjures up the taste of Karoo lamb!), and gaze at a startling clear horizon that seems drawn at the other end of the earth. The Karoo's clear night sky is densely studded with countless stars and huge, bright planets; even other galaxies are visible with the naked eye, offering some of the best star-gazing in the world. Fossils of some of the earliest forms of one-celled life have been discovered in the Karoo, indicating that life has existed in this region for more than three billion years. The richness of pre-dinosaur fossils in this region is world-renowned. To experience the magic of this area, you must venture off the N1 national road where you will discover eccentric little hamlets, sprawling farmsteads and historical towns populated by warm and welcoming people that love to share their stories and legends. Towns in the area include:
Aberdeen
Situated in the delightful plains of Camdeboo, Aberdeen was founded in 1856 and is a declared architectural conservation town and a veritable repository of styles including Victorian, Georgian, Karoo, German, Gothic Revival, Russian, Art Nouveau and Flemish Revival.
Cookhouse
Many believe Cookhouse was named after a small stone kitchen erected by garrison troops during the frontier wars. Today, Cookhouse is best known as a railway junction.
Graaff-Reinet
Graaff-Reinet is the oldest town in this area, known as the 'Athens' of the Eastern Cape and is recognised as the home of magnificent examples of Karoo architecture and over 220 heritage sites, more than any other town in South Africa. Another unique characteristic of the town to look out for is one of the largest grape vines in the world, which was planted in 1870. The town lies on the banks of the Sundays River and is surrounded by the Camdeboo National Park.
Jansenville
The little town of Jansenville owes its origins to the Dutch Reformed Church that formed a parish there in 1854, named after the last Dutch Govenor of the Cape. Jansenville is game country with many game farms and hunting concessions in the area. The restored Sid Fourie House serves as the local museum and has a surprising variety of interesting collections relating to both the lifestyles of the past and the locality in particular. It offers travellers a welcome break in their journey through the Karoo Heartland.
Nieu-Bethesda
The village of Nieu-Bethesda lies at the foot of the Sneeuberge, approximately 55kms from Graaff-Reinet. The town came about after having been established as a mission station in 1875. It is known for its sacred Bushman rock art sites, fossils and the Owl House, which is a museum dedicated to the eccentric artist Helen Martins.
Pearston
The peaceful little hamlet of Pearston, immortalised by Eve Palmer in The Plains of Camdeboo, personifies the Karoo. It is reached from Graaff-Reinet by driving across the Camdeboo, where the scenery is characterised by multilayered Karoo Mountains and koppies in the distance across endless expanses of Karoo plains.
Somerset East
Established in 1825 by Lord Charles Somerset and found at the base of the Boschberg Mountain, Somerset East is home to many beautiful heritage sites and buildings of historical importance. It is also known to produce some of the finest roses in the country, while the Walter Battiss Art Gallery, in the hometown of this grand old man of South African art, has the largest collection of his work in Africa on display.
Click here for accommodation options in Somerset East.
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Sunshine Coast Area
The Sunshine Coast has more sunshine hours per year than any other part of South Africa. With plenty of charm, sun-drenched beaches, warm waters and quaint seaside villages it makes a popular holiday destination. Watch the whales and dolphins play in the sparkling ocean and the Big 7 roam their natural habitat. The area boasts a wide variety of water sports such as surfing, canoeing, skiing and an annual power boat race. Other activities for the adventurous include beach sports, fishing, golf, hiking trails, mountain biking and horse safaris. With miles of sun-drenched coastline, warm sparkling ocean and unspoiled beaches, the Sunshine Coast will enchant, entice and excite all who visit the area. Towns in the area include:
Alexandria
The little village of Alexandria, established in 1840, lies 99 kms east of Port Elizabeth. It is home to the largest active dunefields in the world. The town is known for its chicory, dairy and pineapple farming.
Bathurst
Bathurst was founded in 1820 and named after the colonial secretary of the British government, Lord Bathurst. 10 minutes from Port Alfred and home to the oldest pub in South Africa, the towns' major attraction is the Big Pineapple, which stands 16.7m high.
Boknes
The Boknes coast is an untouched, natural paradise that offers an expansive stretch of magnificent, unspoiled beaches.
Bushmans River
The little village of Bushman's River Mouth has a calm estuary and long stretches of sandy beach, which is perfect for river and beach activities. The Bushman's River offers a 22km stretch of open water and is the 2nd longest navigable river in South Africa.
Cannon Rocks
Named after the two cannons and anchor near the Boknes beach, Cannon Rocks is a tiny and quiet village lying on the shores of the Boknes lagoon. It is a very popular fishing spot and a bird connoisseur's delight.
Kasouga
Kasouga is a little hamlet untouched by time, with wonderful and diverse birdlife and a lagoon brimming with life. There are no tarred roads, streetlights, hotels or shops, but a handful of little friendly B&B's that offer the perfect excuse to unwind.
Kenton-on-Sea
This tranquil coastal town lies between the Kariega and Bushman's Rivers. It is host to beautiful bays, beaches, well renowned nature reserves and activities such as water sports and angling.
Kleinemonde
The little town of Kleinemonde lies on Twin Rivers - east and west Kleinemonde - and the banks are crowded with indigenous vegetation and ancient cycads that only add to the already incredible atmosphere.
Port Alfred
On the Kowie River, 30kms from Grahamstown, lies Port Alfred. Uniquely positioned around the spectacular Royal Alfred Marina, Port Alfred is not only famous for its annual power boat race, but also provides great shopping opportunities, as well as beauty, wellness and day spas.
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Tsitsikamma Area
Tsitsikamma is a Khoi word meaning "place of abundant or sparkling water". The area is covered in large tracts of indigenous forest and fynbos. Deep river gorges cleft the plateau as they make their way down to the sea, creating spectacular waterfalls and deep kloofs. Indulge in Tsitsikamma's unparalled pleasures - visit the National Park with its abundance of birds & wildlife, watch whales & dolphins along the rugged untouched coastline or explore the Khoisan rock art and many walking and hiking trails. Take a treetop canopy tour - spread your wings and glide like a bird from tree to tree! Adrenalin junkies can enjoy white water tubing, or a 7 second free fall from the World's Highest Commercial Bungee Jump! Take a walk on the wild side in the indigenous Tsitsikamma forest - home to the giant Outeniqua Yellowwood or simply relax & unwind in a completely serene wonderland of forest, mountain & sea. Towns in the area include:
Joubertina
Established in 1907 on a piece of farmland, Joubertina is today the main town of the old Langkloof farm. The first building in Joubertina was the Dutch Reformed Church in 1911, which still stands today. The area is also home to early bushman paintings and the famous Kouga Mummy, the only Mummy ever found in the southern hemisphere. Other than the historical significance, Joubertina has 30 odd mountain bike and hiking trails. The experienced mountain climbers will enjoy Formosa Peak.
Kareedouw
Kareedouw is named after a tree with the name Karee. The name means Karee Dew. Kareedouw is the operational centre for the municipality and Joubertina is the business centre for the agricultural industry.
Krakeelrivier
The name is a Dutch word for fighting, and is an imitation of the noise that the water makes at this point where the two rivers meet and flow strongly. Almost all the houses are situated on the banks of the Krakeel River. The river originates on the northern slopes of Formosa Peak (1 675m), which is the highest point of the Tsitsikamma Mountains, and flows into the Kouga River at Krakeel.
Langkloof (R62)
Better known as the Fruit Route, the Langkloof fruit region is the second largest deciduous fruit-producing area in South Africa. Its fertility is visible as most of the valley is lined with fruit orchards, with beautiful mountains and perennial streams as a backdrop. This used to be the home ground of Bushman and Gonagua Hottentots, and today the 'Apple Express' runs through the valley, linking all the fruit-growing villages and towns.
Storms River
Located just outside the National Park, this area has become a hot spot in South Africa for many tourists. The wildlife in this area can be described as nothing less than lush, green and rich. Activities include bungee jumping at the Bloukrans River Bridge, canopy tours, various exciting hiking trails and the Storms River Mouth Walks.
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East London, affectionately called Buffalo City by the locals, is situated 1000 kilometres from Cape town on the South East coast of South Africa. Lying in between the Nahoon River in the north and the Buffalo river to the south it is the only river port in South Africa. The shores are lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and with its sub-tropical climate is a sought after tourist destination for local South Africans and international tourist alike. Long before written history the banks of the now Buffalo River and the seashore were inhabited by early man, the Nahoon footprints have been dated at been 200 000 years old, the oldest fossilized human footprints found in the world.
Click here for accommodation options in East London.
Nelson Mandela: humanitarian, activist, icon to the world and towering figure of the twentieth century. Now a destination has been named after him – the only geographical area that has been allowed to do so: Nelson Mandela Bay, incorporating the beautiful and historic old city of Port Elizabeth and the towns of Uitenhage and Despatch. Situated on the southern tip of Africa, Nelson Mandela Bay boasts 40km of magnificent golden beaches, washed by the warm water of the Indian Ocean. The Bay is within half an hour’s drive of several internationally acclaimed game reserves, offering an unforgettable experience of African wildlife. Most reserves have the Big Five. A must-see on any itinerary is the Red Location Museum of Struggle. This multi-award winning museum, which was opened in November 2006, commemorates South Africa’s turbulent apartheid history and the long struggle for freedom.
Despatch
Originally developed in 1942, Despatch is regarded as a relatively young town. Despatch officially obtained municipal status in 1945. The name of the town was derived from the brick industry, as it was from a railway siding (later known as “Hitler’s Halt”) in the late 1800’s near Uitenhage, that the bricks were “dispatched” or rather, “despatched” Many of the older buildings and houses in Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage were built with these very bricks. Sadly, the brick business is now a remnant of the past. Despatch offers the charm of a rural town in the heart of a city.
Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth’s rich cultural heritage guarantees history lovers a unique insight into the Eastern Cape’s diverse and remarkable past. Altogether 4 000 British Settlers arrived by sea in 1820, to become the first permanent British residents in the Albany District. On 6 June 1820, Sir Rufane Donkin, Acting Governor of the Cape Colony at the time, named the new sea port in memory of his late wife, Elizabeth.
Port Elizabeth is host to a number of 2010 soccer world cup matches. Click here for the fixture list.
Click here for accommodation options in Port Elizabeth
Uitenhage
In 1804, J A Uitenhage de Mist, Commissioner-General of the Batavian Republic, instructed Captain Alberti to select a site for the new Drostdy (Eastern Cape District). Alberti chose a site on the banks of the Zwartkops River Valley because of the favourable climate and abundant water supply. As a result, Uitenhage (also known as the Garden Town) was originally the headquarters of the Eastern Cape. Located only 35km from Port Elizabeth, today Uitenhage is a thriving industrial and commercial town and forms part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.The surrounding area also encompasses the pristine Groendal Wilderness Reserve that provides a host of eco-outdoor activities.
Prickly Pear Festival
The annual Prickly Pear Festival is held in late February or early March near Uitenhage in the Eastern Cape. It's a day of traditional food such as ginger beer, potjiekos, home-made jam, a spit and fish braai, bunnychow and home-made pudding.
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