+44 (0)20 7819 9770
  1. Home
  2. South Africa 
  3. Places of interest 
  4. Eastern Cape
South Africa Kartiega Settlers Drift Eastern Cape South Africa 2 Logo South Africa
Back to Listing

Eastern Cape

The spectacular shoreline of the Eastern Cape, known as the Wild Coast, runs east from Port Elizabeth, and is one of the main draws of the area. You'll understand why when you discover its secluded sandy coves licked by the azure-blue Indian Ocean, encircled by lush tropical forests and rocky outcrops. There’s no surprise that marine life here is sensational, with plenty of dolphin sightings throughout the year.

However, there is so much more to see than just beaches in this region, and the Eastern Cape is a great option for a safari after exploring the beautiful Garden Route. Inland is dotted with wildlife rich national parks and game reserves, including the Addo Elephant National Park where you can stay at a luxury lodge and fall asleep to the rhythmic trumpeting of the nearby elephants. This non-malarial region also offers spectacular Big Five game viewing opportunities, and even a chance to spot the rare White Lion.

There’s also the semi-desert Karoo (240 km north of Port Elizabeth), where you can contemplate the sheer cliffs with echoing bird calls, expansive skies and epic vistas in the awesome Valley of Desolation. This area lends itself perfectly to hiking, with numerous trails throughout the area. Bird lovers should also keep a look out for the majestic Verreaux’s (or Black) eagle, which uses the sheer rock faces as ideal hunting grounds for its favourite prey, the Rock Hyrax. Nearby is the quaint colonial town of Graaff-Reinet, one of the oldest towns in South Africa and with much of its historical centre is intact. It is home to pretty pink shuttered cottages, delightful café’s, antique shops and Dutch Reformed churches; staying here makes one feel as though they have stepped back in time into an old saloon town.

The region’s largest city, Port Elizabeth, boasts numerous heritage buildings, as well as some beautiful bathing beaches, excellent water sports and some of the best surfing spots in the country. It makes for a great stop over point pre or post safari, or in between connecting flights and is well connected with its airport operating a number of flights to Cape Town and Johannesburg daily.

Features in the following itineraries

Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 6 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 6
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 8 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 8
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 21 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 21
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 23 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 23
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 62 Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 62
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 52 Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 52
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 67 Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 67
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 12 Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 12
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 9 Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 9
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 8 Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 8
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 3 Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 3
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 1 Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 1
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 76 Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 76
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 71 Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 71
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 69 Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 69
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 68 Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 68
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 18 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 18
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 65 Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 65
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 51 Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 51
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 49 Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape South Africa 49
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 27 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 27
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 26 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 26
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 22 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 22
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 20 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 20
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 16 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 16
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 5 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 5
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 45 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 45
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 44 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 44
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 42 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 42
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 38 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 38
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 36 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 36
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 34 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 34
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 32 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 32
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 30 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 30
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 28 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 28
It is not the length of life, but the depth of life.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Make an Enquiry

Client Testimonials

I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka

Let us keep you up to date

Sign up to our newsletter and never miss out on unmissable exclusive luxury experiences