6.2M
Population
168,966 km²
Area
800 km
Coastline
600+
Addo Elephants

Eastern Cape: History & Culture

Discover Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape is arguably South Africa’s most historically significant province. It is the birthplace of Nelson Mandela in Qunu, Walter Sisulu in Engcobo, and many other heroes of the liberation struggle. The province stretches from the semi-arid Karoo in the west to the lush subtropical forests of the Garden Route border, and encompasses the Transkei — the homeland that Mandela described as his paradise — with its spectacular Wild Coast. Addo Elephant National Park has grown from 11 elephants rescued from hunting in 1931 to a population of 600+.

Heritage & Landmarks

What Makes Eastern Cape Special

🐘

Addo Elephant Park

Africa's densest elephant population — 600+ elephants, Big Five and marine zone.

🌊

Wild Coast

275 km of pristine unspoilt coastline — South Africa's most dramatic coastline.

✊

Nelson Mandela Birthplace

Qunu and Mvezo — Mandela's birthplace and the village where he grew up, now a heritage site.

🏄

Jeffrey's Bay

One of the world's top ten surfing destinations — host of the WSL Championship.

Explore Eastern Cape

All Destinations

Where to Stay

Featured Accommodation

Country House
9.7
Exceptional
31 reviews
Woodall Country House & Spa ↗
📍 Woodall Farm, Jan Smuts Avenue, Addo, 6105, Eastern Cape, South Africa

An 11-room country house and spa on a working citrus farm in Addo, with twice-daily guided game drives into Addo Elephant National Park

✓ 7 luxury rooms (twin or king)✓ 3 suites and 1 family suite✓ Suites with private gardens and plunge pools✓ Bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers
Boutique Hotel
9.3
Exceptional
44 reviews
Prana Lodge ↗
📍 Chintsa Drive, Chintsa East, Chintsa, 5275, Eastern Cape, South Africa

A boutique lodge of individually designed suites in dune forest at Chintsa East, with direct access to Cintsa Bay on the edge of the Wild Coast

✓ Individually designed suites (Prana Suites✓ Forest Suite✓ Diamond Suite✓ Beach House)

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