Where else can you surf the world’s biggest waves, ski down the only snow slopes in Africa, go on a `big seven’ safari, visit the birthplace of Nelson Mandela and bungee the highest bridge in the southern hemisphere? The Eastern Cape, of course.

The second largest of South Africa’s nine provinces, the diverse Eastern Cape landscape ranges from the dry desolate Great Karoo to the steamy forests of the Wild Coast and the Keiskamma Valley. The area also embraces the fertile Langkloof, renowned for its rich apple harvests, and is cradled by the mountainous southern Drakensberg.

Here, widespread hills are juxtaposed with sandy beaches; here small-town South Africa comes to greet you – gently offering hospitality and friendship and asking for nothing in return. This is where the `big seven’ roam, and where the tropical forests share their space with abundant birdlife and nature at its most generous.

Major Attractions:

• Nelson Mandela Museum
The museum was officially opened on the 11 February 2000, at a function to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the release from prison of Nelson Mandela in 1990. The birthplace/museum is situated at Qunu, along the N2 highway, south of Umtata.
 
• Addo Elephant Park
Situated 73km from Port Elizabeth, in South Africa's Eastern Cape, the park is a true conservation success story.

• Highest Bungee Jump in the world 
The world's highest bungee-jumping site is to be found at Blaauwkrans Bridge on the Storms River. A daring adrenaline-rushing dive from this bridge ensures a dazzling 180 meters of freefall at 193kmph, taking seven seconds - even the rebound is higher than the Victoria Falls.

• Jeffreys Bay – Super Tubes
Experience the perfect wave in Jeffreys, the surfing capital of South Africa and a major international surfing venue that attracts visitors from all over the world to experience the “perfect wave”.  Jeffreys Bay’s appeal began in the late 60s and continues with the hip-hop generation of today.

• Beaches
The Eastern Cape offers 800km of untouched and pristine coastline along with some of the world’s best beaches. Port Elizabeth, alone, has 40km of magnificent beaches and, with its perfect combination of warm water, calm sea and fair breezes, it is one of the best sailing venues in the world, and a magnet for all beach and water sports enthusiasts.