The Eastern Cape is a favorite for families primarily because it offers superb malaria-free game viewing. This removes the need for anti-malarial medication, making it an ideal choice for travelers with young children or pregnant women. Addo Elephant National Park is the highlight, allowing self-drive safaris where you can see large herds of elephants at close range, along with lions, buffalo, and rhino. Numerous private game reserves in the area offer specialized 'kids on safari' programs with junior ranger activities.
The coast is defined by warm water and long, sandy stretches. Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) is known as the 'Friendly City' and offers safe swimming at Kings Beach and Hobie Beach. Just west of the city, the start of the Garden Route features the towering trees of the Tsitsikamma Forest. Here, older children can try canopy tours (ziplining through the trees) or walk the famous suspension bridge over the Storms River Mouth.
For families seeking culture and history, this province is the birthplace of Nelson Mandela. The landscape varies from the semi-arid Karoo in the interior to the lush, subtropical vegetation of the Wild Coast. While the roads in the rural Wild Coast can be challenging, the main tourist arteries are well-maintained. The region provides a quieter, more laid-back alternative to the busier Western Cape, with a focus on nature and outdoor adventure.
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Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Home to the Big Five at Addo Elephant National Park and the ancient Tsitsikamma forests, providing world-class wilderness immersion. Peak months align with the dry season for optimal wildlife viewing and mild hiking temperatures.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Rich in history with significant Nelson Mandela heritage sites and high-quality art museums in Gqeberha. The vibrant urban culture is best enjoyed during the warmer, sunnier months when street life is most active.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Boasts world-class infrastructure for adventure sports including the Bloukrans bungy and iconic multi-day hiking trails like the Otter Trail. Transition seasons offer the best balance of clear weather and comfortable physical activity levels.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Offers unique coastal landmarks like Hole in the Wall and family-friendly beaches in Gqeberha. Water and air temperatures only reach international 'beach' standards during the peak southern summer.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Features significant marine science centers and natural history museums that offer deep insights into Southern African biodiversity. Recommended during mild months to combine museum visits with outdoor scientific sites.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Acts as the terminus for the Garden Route and the start of the rugged Wild Coast driving experience. Summer offers the best visibility and daylight hours for navigating these scenic, internationally recognized routes.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Anchor events include the National Arts Festival and the Sardine Run, which are globally unique seasonal spectacles. These occur strictly in the winter months, defining the peak season for event-based travel despite cooler weather.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Includes historic thermal spring complexes like Aliwal North, though facilities are more rustic than international luxury spa standards. Best visited when the weather is warm enough for outdoor restorative bathing.
Amusement parks, family entertainment venues
Contains regional water parks that provide solid family entertainment but lack the scale of global theme park destinations. Operational and enjoyable only during the hot mid-summer period.
Attractions (74 total)
National Park / Nature Reserve
Addo Elephant National Park
Addo
A premier wildlife destination where families can view massive herds of elephants and other Big Five animals in a malaria-free environment.
Visit website →Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site
Patensie
A vast, rugged wilderness area and UNESCO site known for its deep gorges, diverse flora, and adventurous scenic mountain passes.
Visit website →Garden Route National Park - Tsitsikamma Section
Storms River
A stunning coastal reserve featuring famous suspension bridges, dramatic ocean vistas, and ancient indigenous forests perfect for family hiking.
Visit website →Camdeboo National Park
Graaff-Reinet
Home to the spectacular Valley of Desolation, where families can marvel at ancient dolerite pillars towering over the Karoo plains.
Visit website →Mountain Zebra National Park
Cradock
Offers families the chance to spot rare Cape mountain zebras and cheetahs amidst a ruggedly beautiful mountain landscape.
Visit website →Natural Hot Spring / Thermal Bath / Historic Bathhouse
Aliwal North Thermal Springs
Aliwal North
Two natural thermal springs discovered in 1835, producing 34°C water high in minerals. The site features the historic Spa Terminus with indoor and outdoor mineral pools, private baths, and a large public swimming complex.
Isinuka Sulphur Springs
Port St Johns
A historic and culturally significant natural sulphur spring and mud bath site. Features tepid mineral-rich waters and a dedicated mud-pit area used for traditional healing and skin treatments, set within a scenic valley near the Wild Coast.
Cradock Spa
Cradock
Natural thermal sulphur springs featuring indoor and outdoor pools. The facility is a long-standing destination for those seeking the therapeutic benefits of sulphur-rich water, set within a park-like environment in the Karoo.
Hiking & Cycling Routes
Amatola Trail
King William's Town
100km expert 6-day mountain wilderness hike with approximately 5,000m total elevation gain. Traverses the Amathole Mountains through ancient yellowwood forests and past numerous waterfalls. Rental: Amatola Trails (amatolatrails.co.za)
Visit website →Otter Trail
Storms River Mouth
45km challenging 5-day coastal trek along the Garden Route. Includes significant elevation gain with steep climbs and river crossings. Famous for its rugged shoreline and fynbos scenery.
Visit website →Wild Coast Hiking Trail
Port St Johns
60km moderate 5-day walk from Port St Johns to Coffee Bay. Notable for rolling green hills, traditional Xhosa villages, and dramatic coastline. Includes river crossings and beach walking.
Visit website →Baakens Valley MTB Trails
Gqeberha
25km network of moderate to expert singletrack trails within an urban green corridor. Features technical descents, rock gardens, and steep climbs. Rental: Action Cycles (actioncycles.co.za).
Visit website →Sacramento Trail
Gqeberha
8km easy/moderate day hike along a rocky coastline and through a nature reserve. Famous for the Sacramento shipwreck monument and seasonal wildflowers. Duration: 3 hours.
Visit website →Alexandria Hiking Trail
Woody Cape
36km moderate/challenging 2-day circular trail in Addo Elephant National Park. Features the largest coastal dunefield in the Southern Hemisphere and indigenous forests with 500m elevation gain.
Visit website →Baviaanskloof MTB Route
Willowmore
200km challenging multi-day mountain bike route through a World Heritage Site. Significant elevation gain through narrow gorges and rugged passes. Bike rental: Cycle Pro (cyclepro.co.za) in Gqeberha.
Visit website →The Leopard Trail
Patensie
60km moderate/challenging 4-day slackpacking hike through the Baviaanskloof mountains. Circular route with three overnight huts and roughly 2,800m elevation gain over the duration.
Visit website →Tsitsikamma Mountain Trail
Nature's Valley
60km moderate 6-day hike through the Tsitsikamma Mountains. Unlike the coastal Otter Trail, this route stays inland, traversing mountain fynbos and pine plantations with sweeping ocean views.
Visit website →Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
Bayworld
Gqeberha
A large complex combining a natural history museum, snake park, and oceanarium that offers an educational and entertaining look at marine life.
Visit website →East London Aquarium
East London
The oldest aquarium in South Africa provides family-friendly seal shows and a spectacular deck for seasonal whale watching.
Visit website →SANCCOB Gqeberha
Gqeberha
This specialized marine bird rescue center offers families a chance to see African penguins up close while learning about vital conservation work.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Dolphin Beach
Jeffrey's Bay
A world-renowned Blue Flag beach and surfing mecca, known for its long right-hand point break and vast stretches of golden sand.
Hobie Beach
Gqeberha
The city's premier Blue Flag beach, famous for the Shark Rock Pier and safe, calm waters ideal for family swimming.
Visit website →Hole in the Wall
Coffee Bay
A massive detached rock archway standing in the sea, representing one of the most iconic and photographed natural landmarks on the Wild Coast.
Storms River Mouth
Tsitsikamma
A dramatic coastal landscape where the river meets the Indian Ocean, featuring an iconic suspension bridge and rugged hiking trails.
Visit website →Nahoon Beach
East London
East London's most popular beach, offering a scenic river mouth, extensive boardwalks, and a famous surf break at Nahoon Reef.
Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
East London Museum
East London
Renowned for housing the world's first discovered Coelacanth and a rare dodo egg, focusing on natural and cultural history.
Visit website →Ulwazi Interpretive Centre
Addo
An interactive discovery center within Addo Elephant National Park showcasing the region's unique biodiversity and conservation history.
Visit website →Albany Museum (Natural Sciences Museum)
Makhanda
Features extensive collections of dinosaur fossils, regional birds, and insects within one of South Africa's oldest scientific institutions.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Face Adrenalin Bloukrans Bungy
Tsitsikamma
Home to the world's highest commercial bridge bungee jump, offering thrill-seekers a 216-meter drop into the Bloukrans River gorge.
Visit website →Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour
Storms River
An eco-adventure that takes visitors through the indigenous rainforest canopy via steel cables and platforms attached to giant yellowwood trees.
Visit website →Areena Riverside Resort Adventure Centre
East London
Offers a wide range of family-friendly outdoor activities including quad bike safaris, abseiling, and zip lining along the Kwelera River.
Visit website →Adrenalin Addo
Addo
An outdoor activity hub featuring the highest and longest double zip line in South Africa and a giant 18-meter high swing.
Visit website →Untouched Adventures
Storms River
A premier activity center specializing in kayak and lilo tours through the narrow, high-walled Storms River Mouth gorge.
Visit website →Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Garden Route (Eastern Section)
Storms River
Approximately 200km paved highway (2-3 days). Highlights include the Paul Sauer Bridge, Tsitsikamma National Park's coastal forests, Bloukrans Bridge, and the rugged coastline ending in Gqeberha.
Visit website →Route 62 (Eastern Section)
Kareedouw
Approximately 150km paved road (1 day) through the Langkloof Valley. Known as the inland alternative to the N2, featuring fruit orchards, rugged mountain passes, and small rural towns like Joubertina and Misgund.
Visit website →The Wild Coast Route
East London
350km mix of paved N2/R61 and gravel access roads (3-5 days). Highlights include the Morgan Bay cliffs, the 'Hole in the Wall' at Coffee Bay, and Port St. Johns. High-clearance vehicles recommended for coastal turn-offs.
Visit website →Valley of Desolation Scenic Drive
Graaff-Reinet
14km paved steep mountain road (1-2 hours). Located within Camdeboo National Park, the route winds up to panoramic viewpoints overlooking 120-meter high dolerite columns and the vast Plains of Camdeboo.
Visit website →Sunshine Coast Route (R72)
Gqeberha
250km paved coastal road (4-6 hours). Connects Gqeberha to East London via Alexandria and Port Alfred, featuring sand dunes, river estuaries, and access to malaria-free game reserves like Addo Elephant Park.
Visit website →The Amatola Mountain Escape
King William's Town
150km paved mountain route (1 day). Highlights include the mystical village of Hogsback, ancient Afro-montane forests, waterfalls, and the spectacular views from the top of the Amatola Mountains.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Graaff-Reinet Historic Town
Graaff-Reinet
Known as the 'Gem of the Karoo,' this historic town features over 200 declared national monuments and beautifully preserved Cape Dutch architecture.
Nelson Mandela Museum
Qunu
An essential cultural and historic site dedicated to the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela in his childhood village.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Kwelera National Botanical Garden
East London
The Eastern Cape's first national botanical garden, offering families a chance to explore pristine coastal dune forests and indigenous plant displays.
Visit website →Makana Botanical Gardens
Makhanda
Established in 1853, this historic garden features one of the oldest botanical collections in the country with tranquil paths and diverse birdlife.
Visit website →Pearson Conservatory
Gqeberha
An exquisite Victorian-style glasshouse built in 1882, housing a magnificent collection of exotic orchids and tropical plants within St George's Park.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Nanaga Farm Stall
Alexandria
A legendary farm stall famous for its homemade pies, roosterkoek, and local produce, serving as a quintessential rural stopover.
Visit website →Tea in the Trees
Chintsa
A coastal forest farm experience featuring a petting zoo, jungle gym, and a popular Sunday market set in a natural woodland environment.
Visit website →The Big Pineapple
Bathurst
The world's largest pineapple-shaped building featuring a museum, gift shop, and views over the surrounding pineapple plantations.
Holmeleigh Farm Yard
Gqeberha
A charming farm yard offering children the chance to feed animals, enjoy tractor rides, and play in a large outdoor area.
Visit website →Major International Festival / Cultural Event
National Arts Festival
Makhanda
Late June to early July, 11-day multi-disciplinary arts celebration, over 200,000 visitors, Africa's largest cultural event featuring theater, dance, and music, highly family-friendly with markets and youth programs.
Visit website →The Sardine Run
Port St. Johns
June to July, seasonal natural spectacle, billions of sardines migrate along the coastline, attracts thousands of international wildlife enthusiasts and divers, family-friendly boat excursions for whale and dolphin spotting.
Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum
Gqeberha
This museum hosts a world-class collection of South African art and craft across two historic buildings near St George's Park.
Visit website →Hester Rupert Art Museum
Graaff-Reinet
Located in a 19th-century mission church, this museum holds a prestigious collection of 20th-century South African contemporary art.
Visit website →Ann Bryant Art Gallery
East London
Housed in a stunning late-Victorian mansion, this gallery features a significant permanent collection of 19th and 20th-century South African works.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Nelson Mandela Museum (Qunu Site)
Qunu
A powerful historic site where visitors can explore the childhood home and legacy of South Africa's most famous leader.
Visit website →The Owl House
Nieu-Bethesda
A surreal and magical sculpture garden and museum created from cement and glass that fascinates children and adults alike.
Visit website →Fort Frederick
Gqeberha
A historic stone fort from 1799 where families can explore old cannons and enjoy sweeping views of the harbor.
Visit website →No. 7 Castle Hill Museum
Gqeberha
This well-preserved 1827 settler cottage offers a hands-on look at colonial life with vintage toys and period rooms.
Visit website →Donkin Reserve
Gqeberha
This hilltop park features a historic lighthouse and a stone pyramid with panoramic views of the city and colorful public art.
Visit website →Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Paterson
A world-class reserve featuring dedicated wildlife rehabilitation centers that offer educational tours for families and conservation enthusiasts.
Visit website →East London Lion Park
East London
A family-friendly park providing the opportunity to see lions, tigers, and other animals with designated play areas for children.
Visit website →Kragga Kamma Game Park
Gqeberha
A convenient game park near the city where families can enjoy self-drive safaris to see rhinos, cheetahs, and giraffes.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Storms River Suspension Bridge
Tsitsikamma
A breathtaking pedestrian bridge spanning the mouth of the Storms River, offering dramatic views of the Indian Ocean and steep coastal cliffs.
Visit website →Shark Rock Pier
Gqeberha
An iconic concrete pier and popular urban landmark extending into the ocean, offering spectacular views of the Gqeberha beachfront and Algoa Bay.
Dutch Reformed Church (Grootkerk)
Graaff-Reinet
One of the finest examples of Victorian Gothic architecture in South Africa, standing as the central landmark of this historic Karoo town.
Nelson Mandela Museum (Bhunga Building)
Mthatha
A significant cultural landmark housed in a historic building, dedicated to the life and legacy of South Africa's first democratic president.
Visit website →The Campanile
Gqeberha
A historic 52-meter tall bell tower built to commemorate the 1820 Settlers, offering a carillon and an observation deck with harbor views.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Tsitsikamma National Park - Storms River Mouth
Storms River
A breathtaking coastal reserve featuring a dramatic suspension bridge over the river mouth and lush indigenous forest trails suitable for all ages.
Visit website →Morgan Bay Cliffs
Morgan Bay
Towering sea cliffs that offer incredible vantage points for sunset views and seasonal whale watching along the rugged Wild Coast shoreline.
Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve
Gqeberha
A pristine coastal area famous for its massive shifting white sand dunes and untouched beaches, perfect for family walks and exploring nature.
Valley of Desolation
Graaff-Reinet
Known as the Cathedral of the Mountains, this site offers spectacular views of 120-meter high dolerite columns overlooking the vast Karoo plains.
Visit website →Theme Park / Amusement Park
Wild Waves Water Park
Port Edward
A premier water park located on the Wild Coast offering world-class aquatic thrills, including the Boomerango and high-speed Aqua Loop slides.
Visit website →Splash Waterworld
Gqeberha
A family-oriented water park at King's Beach featuring various speed slides, a super tube, and safe play areas for toddlers.
Visit website →Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Wacky Waterpark
Jeffreys Bay
An adventure-focused aquatic park known for its inflatable obstacles, floating trampolines, and high-energy water slides.
Visit website →Water World
East London
An expansive leisure park near the Buffalo River featuring a variety of water slides, swimming pools, and family recreation facilities.
Visit website →