“After having travelled to many distant places, I still find the Eastern Cape to be a region full of rich, unused potential.” – Former President Nelson Mandela.

Sun, surf, sand, ski and adventure. The Eastern Cape is a culmination of all the great holiday destinations in Southern Africa. Stretching from Cape St Francis in the west to the Wild Coast in the east, the area is rich in cultural and natural heritage and boasts some of the best beaches in South Africa. The Province embodies the diversity South Africa is celebrated for. In this province visitors will find seven of South Africa’s ecological zones, as well as an unparalleled range of climates, landscapes and cultures.

Located on the southernmost coast of South Africa, the Eastern Cape is the second largest province in South Africa, covering 13.9% of the country’s land mass. Statistics show that this province contributes 8.1% of South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The Eastern Cape was one of the first areas settled by the Portuguese in 1488 and by the British in 1820. It was the site of many wars between the local Khoisan and Xhosa’s as well as the British, Dutch and Germans. This rich cultural heritage has been preserved in some of the region’s smaller towns including Bathurst, Grahamstown and Cradock.

Nelson Mandela’s birthplace lies just south of Mthatha in a cluster of villages known as Qunu. This is where the former president spent his early childhood. The Eastern Cape is home to many other struggle heroes including Walter Sisulu, Thabo Mbeki, Steve Biko, Chris Hani and Oliver Tambo.

With miles of pristine beaches, secluded lagoons, rocky coves and cliffs, the Eastern Cape’s most important natural feature is its spectacular coastline. Most of the provinces economic activity occurs around this feature, and it is also the main tourist attraction.  Port Elizabeth, the largest city in the province, plays a vital role in the economic activity.  It boasts a fresh-water port, as well as the Coega IDZ.  Other major GRP contributors are East London, host of the second IDZ in the Eastern Cape; Bhisho, the capital; and Uitenhage, an important motor vehicle manufacturing hub.

The Eastern Cape is also well known for its sandy beaches which stretch for miles along the coast. In 2009, the province boasted six “blue flag” beaches - Dolphin Beach in Jeffrey's Bay, Hobie Beach, Humewood Beach, Kings Beach and Wells Estate in Port Elizabeth and Kelly's Beach in Port Alfred. The Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-label awarded to over 3450 beaches and marinas in 41 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and the Caribbean.

The local economy is further supported by tourism. The Eastern Cape is the adventure province of South Africa, and with its varied climate and landscapes it offers a wide variety of tourist attractions. For instance:

• Skiing at South Africa’s only ski resort, Tiffindell.
• Experiencing South Africa’s cultures and art at Africa’s biggest National Arts Festival, the Grahamstown National Arts Festival.
• Bungee jumping of the world’s largest bungee jump, the Bloukrans Bridge.
• Surfing the longest ‘supertubes’ in Jeffreys Bay.

Marine life is abundant along the Eastern Cape coast, and visitors will often spot pods of dolphins playing just off the shoreline. Whales also pass through the area on their way up to the Western Cape coast to breed from September to December.

The malaria-free Eastern Cape is one of the few places in the world where visitors can get close to the “big seven” in real life. The Great White shark and seasonal Southern Right whale complete the “big seven” which also includes buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino. There are hundreds of game farms throughout the Eastern Cape which offer luxurious five star accommodation and “Big Five” safaris.

The family-friendly Eastern Cape destination offers many delights for thrill seekers, sun seekers and nature lovers alike. Much of the Eastern Cape land mass lies undeveloped and unexplored; it thus offers great economic opportunities to potential investors and interested industries. It is one of South Africa’s best-kept secrets, and its laid-back way of life will enchant all who visit its shores.