Eastern Cape | South Africa

Whether you're planning to move to the Eastern Capein South Africa, invest in property or are just passing through, you're in for a treat. The Eastern CapeProvince combines the very best of what South Africa has to offer. From rough stony hills littered with aloes, to bustling cities, and cultural strongholds, there's a little bit of everything in the Eastern Cape South Africa, and you're sure to lose your heart to the province.

From a property perspective, the Eastern Cape offers a broad selection from traditional homes within the provinces main cities of Port Elizabeth and East London to a plethora of holiday homes and properties in coastal towns like St Francis Bay, Jeffreys Bay, Port Alfred and Kenton.

Port Elizabeth

Situated on Algoa Bay, the city of Port Elizabeth, also known as Ebhayi and Nelson Mandela Bay, is one of the principal cities in the Eastern Cape, but it still manages to combine a small town feel with modern amenities. One of the most popular aspects of the city isits blue flag beaches, but there are many other historical and cultural attractions to lure visitors to 'The Friendly City.' The city is also the largest metropolitan area to Addo Elephant National Park and the Mountain Zebra Park (a short drive from Port Elizabeth and many visitors are attracted by the lure of a safari in the park.

Chas Everitt Port Elizabeth | Eastern Cape

Jeffrey's Bay

Another major tourist hub in the Eastern Cape of South Africa is Jeffrey's Bay. Still a small town, this mecca for surfing enthusiasts from around the world bursts at the seams with visitors during the summer, particularly during surfing competitions! Visitors can also visit unique attractions like the shark aquarium in Marina Martinique, or the picturesque community of St Francis Bay nearby. Local areas such as Aston Bay, Marina Martinique and Paradise Beach have proved popular with property purchasers looking for well-priced holiday homes in Jeffreys Bay.

Chas Everitt Jeffreys Bay| Eastern Cape

St Francis Bay

The picturesque holiday hamlet of St Francis Bay lies snuggled amongst the cover laden dunes lining the stunning Bay of St Francis. The Kromme River, traversable for 10 km, twists and winds its tranquil way down to an outstanding marina where the gracious white walled thatched homes are reflected in the quiet water of the canals. A marvelous white, lightly sloping beach provides safe bathing as well as some of the finest rock and surf angling on the Eastern CapeCoast at the bay. It is world famous for its waves and is frequented by surfers from all over the world.

Chas Everitt St Francis Bay| Eastern Cape

Local Website: www.everitt-stfrancisbay.co.za

East London

East London is sometimes considered the last Eastern Cape outpost before entering the almost wild, wide open spaces of the Transkei, beyond the Kei River. It's a small, historic city, with plenty to offer the visitor. With popular Eastern Cape tourist routes such as the Wild Coast, Sunshine Coast and Country and the Friendly N6, East Londonis regarded as the Gateway City.

Shop for ethnic jewelry sold by vendors along the famous Orient Beach, or explore the colonial era buildings that make up the city centre. Visit the museum to view the fascinating history of the city, including the re-discovery of the coelacanth. Surf at Nahoon beach, a pristine stretch of coffee coloured sand, lined by subtropical forests, or spend time wandering the botanical gardens. East London may be small, but there's plenty to see and do, in the city itself and in surrounding tourist hot spots like Cintsa in the Eastern Cape.

Chas Everitt East London | Eastern Cape Property Specialists

Local Website: www.everitt-eastlondon.co.za

Port Alfred

Another Eastern Cape gem – Port Alfred, set on the banks of the Kowie River is a popular holiday resort and coastal town. Stunning beaches, mountain backdrops, pleasant temperate climate and loads to do. Surrounded by game reserves including the likes of Shamwari and Kwandwe – all malaria free zones, Port Alfred is a haven for the Eastern Cape eco tourist

Grahamstown

Home of the renowned Rhodes University, this Eastern Cape city, some 130 km from Port Elizabeth, was founded in 1812 as a military outpost. Grahamstown hosts a number of popular and well attended festivals each year including the National Arts Festival.

Port St Johns

One of the best kept secrets in the Eastern Cape South Africa is Port St Johns. This small town, located on a river a short distance outside of Mtatha, is a haven for the world weary. Locals will tell you about the sharks that they see swimming near the river mouth, so swimming is best done at beaches with lifeguards, but there are plenty of other things to amuse the visitor to Port St Johns too. Spend time exploring the famous Wild Coast, or take a ferry on the river. Shop for cultural finds at the outdoor market in the town center, or go fishing, kayaking or golfing. Don't expect a big city experience though - this is the heart of Pondoland, and it shows!

Nieu Bethesda

Another small gem of a town in the Eastern Cape South Africa is Nieu Bethesda. It's a tiny town in the Karoo, that's world renowed for Owl House, the work of local artist Helen Martins. Martins transformed an ordinary house into the town into a living artwork, and even though she passed away in 1976, the house is maintained by the townspeople. Nieu Bethesda has also become a haven for artists, and there are plenty of new creative people living in this tiny village. The perfect place to get away from it all, and find out why the starry sky in the Karoo is so special.

The Tsitsikamma

The Tsitsikamma is not a city, but rather one of the most famous regions in the Eastern Cape South Africa. It's a densely forested strip of land in the Cacadu area of the province, and it's home to some amazing sites - like The Garden of Eden, and the famous Big Tree. It's also where you will find the famous Storms River, and the Bloukransbridge that spans it - and plays home to the world's highest commercial bungee jump!

The Eastern Capemay not be South Africa's most developed province, but that's part of it's charm. Wide open spaces, grass so green it almost seems unreal in the Transkei, aloes and beaches are plentiful in the Eastern Cape though, and it's the perfect place to escape reality, and seek out the extraordinary.