 The Eastern Cape is South Africa’s second largest province. The regions in the province differ to such an extent in relief, climate and vegetation that each region has its own character. In the north are the plains of the Great Karoo, in the northeast the Drakensberg Mountains and at the coast line is the beautiful Wild Coast. The eastern interior is covered with grasslands while typical Karoo vegetation occurs in the dry northern parts and savannah on the central western plateau. The Addo National Park and the various beaches in the area are fast becoming one of South Africa's favorite travel destinations
The Eastern Cape population of 6.7 million mainly speaks IsiXhosa while Afrikaans and English are spoken by approximately 13% of the population. Bisho is the capital and Port Elizabeth is the main harbour. Uitenhage, East London, King William’s Town, Umtata, Grahams Town, Graaff-Reinet, Cradock and Port St. Johns are the other main urban centres.
The largest city of the Eastern Cape, Port Elizabeth, receives 624 mm of rain annually. The Eastern Cape is the transitional zone between the winter and the summer rainfall regions. The average summer temperature in Port Elizabeth ranges between 18°C and 25°C, while the winter temperatures vary from a minimum of 9°C to 20°C.
Fish, sheep wool and meat, deciduous fruits, pineapples, chicory and dairy products are the main agricultural products of the eastern Cape. Motor manufacturing and assembly and related factories are the main industries of the Eastern Cape. Tourism and marine services are the most important tertiary activities.
When traveling to South Africa's Eastern Cape Province the attractions to consider visiting are :
• Port Elizabeth:
Also known as the friendly city, beautiful beaches, oceanarium.
• East London:
South Africa’s only river port.
• Wild Coast:
Beautiful scenery including the “Hole in the Wall”, angling, whale watching.
• Grahamstown:
Museums and Historical buildings, National Arts Festival.
• Coffee Bay and the Hole in the Wall:
Coffee Bay is popular amongst surfers, anglers and shell collectors. At the Hole in the Wall waves continuously crash through a huge hole in a cliff. The Wild Coast is renowned for its beautiful beaches.
• Graaff Reinet:
Over 200 houses that have been restored to their original Victorian look.
• National conservation areas:
Include the Addo Elephant National Park. Vicious hunting for ivory led to the near extinction of the elephant population. Today more than 350 animals as well as Cape buffalo, are protected in this park. Other areas of conservation are Mountain Zebra National Park and Mkambati Nature Reserve. Addo has the highest concentration of elephant in South Africa and is one of South African Travel destinations which is becoming increasingly popular |
