The Eastern Cape is one of South Africa's nine provinces, located on the country's southeastern coast in Africa. It is a destination shaped by its varied landscapes and by the rich Xhosa cultural heritage of its people. The province is also the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, which gives many visitors a personal reason to come.
What the province offers
- Diverse landscapes: the region's scenery changes markedly from place to place, so a single trip can take in very different terrain.
- Xhosa culture: the province is central to Xhosa heritage, and visitors interested in the traditions, language and everyday life of the Xhosa people will find this a meaningful part of the region.
- Mandela's birthplace: for those following his life, the province connects directly to the origins of one of the most widely known figures of the twentieth century.
Planning a visit
Because the Eastern Cape covers a large area, it suits travellers who are willing to move between places rather than staying in one base. Choose the parts you most want to see, allow time for travel between them, and check current local information before setting out, as details such as access and opening arrangements can change.
A visit here is best approached with curiosity about the people and history as well as the scenery. Those who come to learn about Xhosa heritage and the story of Mandela's early life will likely find the province rewarding.
