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South Africa
EASTERN CAPE GRAND CIRCUIT: TSITSIKAMMA TO WILD COAST WONDER
Track Addo's elephants, surf Jeffreys Bay's legendary waves and discover villages preserved in time. The Eastern Cape is made for adventurers.
≈ 18
Days
1740
Km
15
Stops
Cross the Eastern Cape and its contrasts: Tsitsikamma and its forest bridges, Jeffreys Bay and its waves, Addo and its elephants. Enter Hogsback forests, then follow the Wild Coast, cliffs, pristine beaches and Xhosa villages. Here, South Africa is lived far from crowds, to Indian Ocean rhythm.
- Addo: elephant herds citrus valleys
- Jeffreys Bay: legendary surf perfect waves
- Coffee Bay: Wild Coast Xhosa culture
- Hogsback: mystical forests fairy gardens
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Experience the world-famous Bloukrans Bungy, recognized as the highest commercial bungy jump from a bridge on Earth. Plunge more than 200 metres towards the magnificent Bloukrans River valley using state-of-the-art pendulum bungy technology that ensures the smoothest jump possible. The breathtaking views from Africa's highest bridge capture all the majesty of this pristine wilderness area.
2
Embark on an exhilarating Tree Top Canopy Tour, ziplining between platforms along steel cables set amongst the magnificent Tsitsikamma forest surroundings. This unforgettable adventure is suitable for ages 7 to 70, making it perfect for families, nature lovers, and thrill-seekers alike. Glide through the ancient indigenous forest canopy for a unique perspective on this protected ecosystem.
3
Cross the iconic Storms River Suspension Bridge within Tsitsikamma National Park, where over 80 kilometres of protected coastline meet diverse ecosystems including fynbos, forests, and abundant marine life. The park, established in 1964, offers stunning scenery, hiking trails, and opportunities to observe the unique flora and fauna of this pristine coastal wilderness.
Activities
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Join a Kayak and Lilo Experience, paddling across the ocean and beneath the Storms River suspension bridge before venturing deeper into the dramatic Storms River Gorge. This family-friendly adventure allows you to leap from cliff overhangs into deep pools and explore the spectacular gorge by inflatable lilo. The experience is consistently recommended as a highlight by visitors from around the world.
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Discover Storms River Village and the surrounding Tsitsikamma Forest on a guided Segway tour. Glide through cool pine forests and indigenous woodland, crossing the historical Witteklip Bridge and visiting the magnificent 1,000-year-old Tsitsikamma Big Tree. This unique mode of exploration offers an unforgettable way to experience the area's natural wonders.
Next stop
Distance:
85 km
Travel time:
1h10
2
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Ride the legendary Super Tubes at Jeffreys Bay, consistently ranked among the best surfing spots in the world. When conditions align with a 4-8ft swell and southwest winds, this world-class wave can break from the point all the way past the car park. The warm local hospitality and laid-back coastal atmosphere make this surfer's paradise an unmissable destination on the Eastern Cape coast.
2
Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush with a tandem skydive over Jeffreys Bay. A scenic 20-minute flight takes you to over 2,700 metres before a 30-second freefall at 200 kilometres per hour, followed by a peaceful 5-minute parachute descent with panoramic coastal views. All instructors have completed a minimum of 1,000 jumps, ensuring the highest safety standards.
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Explore the pristine beaches surrounding Jeffreys Bay, including the family-friendly shores of Aston Bay, Kabeljous, and Paradise Beach. The town offers excellent accommodation options, diverse restaurants, and vibrant evening entertainment with live music and beach bonfires. Local markets provide opportunities to shop for beachwear, surf gear, and unique souvenirs.
Next stop
Distance:
75 km
Travel time:
1h
3
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Discover Greater St Francis, located at the easternmost point of Africa, where the charming canal-side village offers a unique coastal experience. Cruise the picturesque St Francis Canals by barge, exploring this Venice-like network of waterways lined with thatched-roof cottages and lush gardens. The area combines natural beauty with sophisticated coastal living.
2
Embark on the Chokka Trail, a 62-kilometre slackpacking journey between Oyster Bay, St Francis Bay, and Cape St Francis. This self-paced hiking adventure showcases the greater St Francis area at its finest, with overnight accommodation at comfortable guesthouses along the route. Experience pristine coastline, indigenous vegetation, and abundant birdlife throughout the journey.
Activities
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Tee off at the prestigious St Francis Links, one of the Eastern Cape's premier golf courses set against a backdrop of spectacular coastal scenery. The championship layout challenges golfers while offering stunning ocean views. The greater St Francis area also offers Eco Sea Cruises lasting 5-7 hours, providing opportunities to observe marine life in their natural habitat.
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Experience horse riding along the golden beaches of Oyster Bay, where the unspoiled coastline stretches as far as the eye can see. Multiple operators offer rides suitable for all experience levels, from gentle beach walks to exhilarating gallops along the shore. The area's remote beauty and abundant wildlife make each ride a memorable adventure.
Next stop
Distance:
180 km
Travel time:
2h30
4
Day
Discover
1
Explore Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa's third-largest national park and the only Big 7 game reserve in the world. Witness the largest density of African elephants on the planet alongside Cape buffalo, leopard, black rhino, and lion, plus great white sharks and seasonal Southern right whales in the marine section. The park's diverse ecosystems encompass 5 of South Africa's 7 biomes.
2
Soar through the air on the highest, longest, and fastest double zipline in South Africa, the only adventure of its kind in the country. The experience includes a moderate 500-metre hike to the launch platform, rewarding participants with spectacular views of the Sundays River Valley. A unique giant swing adds additional thrills for adventure seekers.
3
Visit the Daniell Cheetah Project for an educational Predator Tour led by trained guides. This one-hour experience provides insights into cheetah conservation and the facility's rehabilitation work. Guests have the unique opportunity to enter a cheetah enclosure under expert supervision, learning about these magnificent cats and their critical conservation status.
Activities
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Cruise the Sundays River and experience the thrill of sand sledding on towering dunes just 5 kilometres from Addo Elephant National Park. This family-friendly adventure combines peaceful river exploration with the excitement of sliding down golden sand dunes. The activities are suitable for all ages and offer a refreshing contrast to traditional game viewing.
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Join an Addo Wildlife Eco Tour on the banks of the Sundays River, where expert guides share knowledge about unique Eastern Cape plants and trees. Observe the reserve's prolific wildlife including the locally endemic flightless dung beetle, a tiny creature vital to the ecosystem. The experience concludes with refreshments at a riverside boma.
Next stop
Distance:
120 km
Travel time:
1h30
5
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Master the waves at Port Alfred with professional surf instruction at Shaka Surf School, operating from a unique forest surf camp featuring an upcycled treehouse accommodation. The camp sits on the edge of ancient dune forest, complete with its own hiking trail and skateboard half pipe. Surfing road trips to nearby breaks extend the adventure for keen wave riders.
2
Paddle the Kleinemonde West River Canoe Trail, an 8-kilometre journey through magnificent scenery to the rustic Lily Pad overnight hut. This combination canoe and hiking experience showcases the region's abundant bird and wildlife in a pristine river setting. The trail offers an authentic wilderness experience just 15 kilometres from Port Alfred.
Activities
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Explore over 100 kilometres of pristine Blue Flag beaches along the Sunshine Coast, stretching from iconic Woody Cape to the Great Fish River. The coastline features majestic dunes, hidden coves, rocky bays, and stretches of golden sand, with ten rivers offering excellent opportunities for water sports, paddling, and canoeing in warm Indian Ocean waters.
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Experience beach horse riding with Three Sisters Horse Trails or Beachcombers Horse Trails, galloping along golden beaches and exploring secluded coves, dune fields, and river mouths. Wildlife safaris on horseback offer the thrill of riding alongside herds of eland, giraffe, and zebra in a truly unique Eastern Cape adventure.
Next stop
Distance:
65 km
Travel time:
55min
6
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Discover Makhanda, host city of the National Arts Festival, the largest annual celebration of arts on the African continent held each July. This historic town offers a rich programme of drama, dance, theatre, comedy, opera, music, jazz, visual art, and film, transforming into a vibrant cultural hub that attracts artists and audiences from around the world.
2
Explore the Amazwi Museum of South African Literature, one of the country's literary treasures tucked away in Makhanda. The museum collects creative writing by southern African authors across all genres including novels, plays, poetry, and memoirs. Critical writings, manuscripts, and audio-visual materials document the rich literary heritage of the region.
3
Visit the Albany Museum, established in 1855 as South Africa's second oldest museum, and its Observatory Museum housing one of only two Victorian Cameras Obscura in the world. This magical mirror device reflects the town onto a large circular table, offering a unique historical perspective. The companion piece exists only in Bath, England.
Activities
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Stop at the historic Pig and Whistle Inn in nearby Bathurst, providing hospitality for over 180 years and home to the oldest continuously licensed pub in South Africa. Nearby stands the Big Pineapple, a three-storey landmark constructed in the 1980s containing a museum about pineapple cultivation and an observation platform with panoramic views.
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Experience world-class Big 5 game viewing at one of Frontier Country's prestigious reserves including Shamwari, Kwandwe, Lalibela, Pumba, and Amakhala. These private reserves offer exceptional wildlife encounters in landscapes where five great cultures-San, Khoi-Khoi, Dutch, Xhosa, and British-once met during nine frontier wars.
Next stop
Distance:
130 km
Travel time:
1h40
7
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Discover East London, a relaxed city blessed with warm Indian Ocean breezes and a welcoming sub-tropical climate that draws visitors year-round. The city's pristine beaches-Nahoon, Gonubie, and Orient-offer clean sands, sparkling waters, and stunning sunsets that paint the sky in brilliant colours each evening.
2
Experience the diverse water activities available along the East London coastline, from world-class surfing and scuba diving to dolphin and whale watching expeditions. The warm ocean currents support abundant marine life, making this stretch of coast a paradise for fishing enthusiasts and underwater explorers alike.
Activities
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Cross the Kei River on the historic pont, a traditional cable ferry that has transported travellers across this significant waterway for generations. This crossing marks the traditional boundary between the former Cape Colony and the Transkei, offering a tangible connection to the region's complex history and cultural heritage.
Next stop
Distance:
95 km
Travel time:
1h20
8
Day
Discover
1
Wander through Hogsback, a mystical village nestled in the Amatola Mountains surrounded by indigenous forests and cascading waterfalls. The enchanting setting features ancient trees, flowing streams, and the opportunity to spot rare Cape parrots and Knysna Loeries. The village takes its name from three hog-shaped mountains visible on approach.
2
Hike to the magnificent Madonna and Child Waterfall, one of Hogsback's most beloved natural attractions where crystal waters plunge through pristine indigenous forest. The surrounding trails wind past ancient yellowwoods and tree ferns, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere that has inspired countless visitors and artists.
Activities
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Explore the labyrinth at The Edge and capture an iconic selfie at the famous bathtub at Away with the Fairies, two of Hogsback's most photographed spots. The area offers numerous hiking and mountain biking trails suitable for families, plus visits to local pottery studios and craft shops showcasing the village's creative community.
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Set out on the Amathole Trail, one of South Africa's premier multi-day hiking routes traversing indigenous forests, mountain streams, and grasslands rich in Xhosa cultural heritage. The trail offers challenging terrain rewarded with breathtaking views and encounters with diverse wildlife in an area steeped in frontier history.
Next stop
Distance:
180 km
Travel time:
2h30
9
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Discover Mazzeppa Bay, a hidden gem on the Wild Coast accessible only via challenging roads that reward adventurous travellers with untouched natural beauty. This secluded paradise features iconic sunsets, pristine beaches, and the unique sight of cattle gathering on the sand as the day ends. The journey itself becomes part of the adventure in this remote coastal haven.
Activities
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Cross the famous suspension bridge at Mazzeppa Bay, connecting the mainland to the offshore island and providing spectacular views of the coastline. The area offers excellent hiking opportunities, peaceful beaches for swimming, and the chance to experience authentic Wild Coast tranquility far from the crowds of more accessible destinations.
Next stop
Distance:
85 km
Travel time:
1h40
10
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Marvel at the Hole in the Wall, an iconic rocky archway rising from the sea just offshore from the Wild Coast village of the same name. This natural wonder was carved over millions of years by relentless wave action against sandstone and shale beneath hard volcanic dolerite. The landmark stands before the Mpako River mouth, inspiring countless legends among local communities.
2
Embark on a Wild Coast hike, traversing some of South Africa's most spectacular coastal scenery along well-established trail routes. Accommodation along the way ensures comfortable pacing while maximizing exposure to the region's steep green hills, traditional Xhosa villages, windswept cliffs, deserted white beaches, and indigenous forests.
Activities
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Experience Wild Coast horse riding adventures suitable for all levels, from gentle day rides lasting 1-4 hours to extended multi-day trails along the pristine coastline. The Kei River Horse Trail combines base rides with a 2-3 night coastal journey, while the 7-night Wild Coast Horse Trail offers advanced riders an epic 8-day adventure through this untamed landscape.
Next stop
Distance:
100 km
Travel time:
2h
11
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Witness the incredible Sardine Run, one of nature's greatest spectacles occurring along the Wild Coast from mid-June to late July. Millions of sardines migrate along the coast, attracting ocean predators in a feeding frenzy that offers extraordinary photographic and snorkelling opportunities. Both scuba divers and confident snorkellers can experience this phenomenon firsthand.
2
Take in the breathtaking views from the Port St Johns airstrip, perched dramatically above the town where the Umzimvubu River meets the Indian Ocean. The setting between two massive cliffs-known as the Gates-creates one of the most spectacular natural harbours on the South African coast.
Activities
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Visit Magwa Falls and the surrounding tea plantation, where water cascades 144 metres into a forested gorge. The Magwa Tea Estate offers tours of its operations set against a backdrop of rolling hills covered in tea bushes. Nearby Mkambati Nature Reserve features additional waterfalls and pristine grasslands teeming with wildlife.
Next stop
Distance:
95 km
Travel time:
1h30
12
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Pay tribute at the Nelson Mandela Museum in Mthatha, endorsed by the icon himself and offering a profound heritage experience in the heartland of his birth. The museum documents Mandela's journey from rural childhood to global statesman, with exhibits spanning his life, the anti-apartheid struggle, and his enduring legacy of reconciliation.
2
Journey to Qunu, the village where Nelson Mandela grew up, lived during his presidency, and chose as his final resting place. Walk the valleys he roamed as a boy and experience the rural landscape that shaped one of history's most influential leaders. His grave site offers a place of quiet reflection and profound historical significance.
Activities
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Visit Mvezo, Nelson Mandela's birthplace, where the Mvezo Komkhulu Museum preserves the humble beginnings of this global icon. Continue to Mqhekezweni, where the young Mandela spent his formative years. These sites bring his autobiography 'Long Walk to Freedom' to vivid life, though distances between locations require careful planning.
Next stop
Distance:
280 km
Travel time:
4h
13
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Discover the quaint village of Rhodes, tucked away in a remote corner of the Eastern Cape Highlands bordering the Kingdom of Lesotho. This peaceful settlement serves as a gateway to exceptional fly fishing waters, with approximately 150 kilometres of pristine mountain streams available to anglers. Rivers originating up to 3,000 metres above sea level provide world-class trout fishing.
2
Explore ancient San rock art at sites near Rhodes, where paintings created by the original inhabitants hundreds of years ago adorn rock shelters and caves. These precious artworks depict the San way of life, their spiritual beliefs, and the wildlife they hunted in these mountains. Viewings require visits to private properties with prior arrangement.
Activities
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Experience the mountain passes of the Eastern Cape Highlands, including Naude's Nek-the highest mountain pass in South Africa-and Joubert's Pass, the country's third highest. Volunteershoek climbs to Tiffindell Ski Resort and the highest point in the Cape, while the challenging Bastervoetpad rewards adventurous drivers with incredible valley views.
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Witness spectacular alpine flower displays in the montane grasslands from November to April, with peak blooming at higher altitudes. Tiffindell typically offers impressive shows in early December, while Naude's Nek reaches its floral peak in February. Guided botanical tours reveal the diversity of these sub-alpine ecosystems.
Next stop
Distance:
180 km
Travel time:
3h
14
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Stand in awe before the Valley of Desolation, a hauntingly beautiful geological wonder featuring spectacular 120-metre columns of ancient eroded volcanic rock standing sentinel over the Camdeboo plains. Declared a National Monument in 1939 for its geological and scenic significance, this dramatic landscape offers sightings of kudu, Cape mountain zebra, and the majestic Verreaux's eagle with its impressive 2-metre wingspan.
2
Explore Graaff-Reinet, South Africa's fourth oldest town founded in 1786, renowned for its remarkably well-preserved historic homes and buildings. Notable figures including Lord Somerset, Robert Sobukwe, and Dr Anton Rupert have connections to this characterful Karoo town. The Reinet House museum provides fascinating insights into Karoo history and art.
3
Journey to the Owl House in Nieu-Bethesda, a National Heritage Site representing South Africa's foremost example of outsider art. Artist Helen Martins transformed an ordinary Karoo home into a place of light and colour, with a fantasy garden filled with concrete and glass sculptures known as the Camel Yard. Her extraordinary vision continues to captivate visitors.
Activities
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Discover Karoo fossils at Wellwood Farm and Ganora Guest Farm, viewing remarkable displays of ancient specimens collected over 20 years. Ganora Excursions offers guided walks to view Bushman and Khoi paintings, rock engravings, and the James Kitching Fossil Centre. A guided fossil trail leads to the riverbed where evidence for the region's prehistoric past continues to emerge.
Next stop
Distance:
70 km
Travel time:
1h
15
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Explore Mountain Zebra National Park, encompassing 28,000 hectares of protected wilderness that serves as a crucial sanctuary for the endangered Cape mountain zebra. The park's diverse wildlife includes aardwolf, Cape buffalo, cheetah, blue crane, black rhino, and the rare Denham's bustard. Expert-guided cheetah tracking safaris on foot offer intimate encounters with these magnificent predators.
2
Experience the vast Karoo landscape, where rugged beauty is defined by flat plains, rocky mountains, and the world's largest assortment of succulents. This remarkable region, characterized by red dust, thorny acacias, stunted vegetation, aloes, and windmills, contains the largest ecosystem in South Africa with endemic plants and creatures found nowhere else on Earth.
Activities
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Hike the Karoo Camino, a multi-day trail traversing the spectacular Karoo Heartland through landscapes dotted with sheep, angora goats, and some of the quaintest towns in the country. Night walks offer excellent stargazing opportunities beneath some of the clearest skies in the world, while game drives and mountain biking reveal the region's hidden treasures.
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Autumn (March-May): Perfect weather with comfortable temperatures (18-26°C), minimal rainfall, and ideal conditions for safari and outdoor activities. Excellent wine harvest season, beautiful landscapes, moderate tourist numbers, reasonable accommodation rates.
Spring (September-November): Excellent weather with warming temperatures (16-24°C), blooming wildflowers, and perfect conditions for wildlife viewing. Whale watching season, jacaranda blooms, moderate prices, excellent photography opportunities.
Summer (December-February): Warm temperatures (20-30°C) with occasional rainfall, peak holiday season, and vibrant outdoor atmosphere. Beach season, highest accommodation rates, school holidays, excellent for coastal activities.
Winter (June-August): Cool, dry weather (8-20°C) perfect for safari with excellent wildlife viewing and clear skies. Peak safari season, whale watching, cozy wine estates, moderate accommodation rates.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 14 and 22 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in South Africa?
Rainbow nation with incredible wildlife, stunning landscapes, and diverse cultures. Experience safari adventures, wine regions, and authentic African experiences from Cape Town to Kruger. The country offers wildlife encounters with cultural diversity and natural beauty. South Africa provides comprehensive African experiences with modern amenities and cultural richness.