Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast
Africa's Sunshine Coast stretches from the forests of the Tsitsikamma in the west along hundreds of kilometres of sandy beaches to East London in the east, and northwards to the fertile river valleys and the Amatola Mountains. Richly blessed with an array of different landscapes, this is where many of South Africa's cultures first met.
The TsiTsikamma comprises a wonderful stretch of natural forests and boasts a wide array of adventure activities on the province's western gateway. An invitation of "out of the forest and into the sunshine" then awaits the visitor, as the glorious Sunshine Coast invites the visitor to follow the wonderful beaches of this route to Port Alfred in the west. This quaint resort town, together with St Francis Bay, Cape St Francis, Jeffreys Bay and the gateway city of Port Elizabeth offer a fantastic variety of activities and special interests.
Attractions include stunning beaches and warm water, a full variety of watersports (including world class surfing and sailing), quality golf courses, historical trails, a variety of Eco-walks and attractions, many annual festivals and welcoming locals. Less than an hour from the coast, one is able to view the Big Five in a malaria-free area which boats a unique bio-diversity , or ramble through the agricultural valleys to sample their hospitality and local fare. The numerous hunting farms of these areas are also a comfortable drive from the coast.
The coastline north of Port Alfred boasts a lush network of rivers, lagoons, estuaries and grassy plains and includes South Africa's only river port at the mouth of the Buffalo River. It is in this region that the visitor is fully exposed to the cultural heritage of the Xhosa nation, and several quality crafting and cultural experiences can be found here.
Quaint historical rambles trace the colourful early decades of the European colonisation of the Eastern Cape. Grahamstown, Africa's Festival Capital. Anchors the hinterland attractions and provides a fascinating opportunity to explore on foot. Town such as King Williams Town are steeped in history, and offer quality museums such as the Kaffrarian Museum. The German roots in South Africa can be traced through towns such as Stutterheim and offer this market a taste of early Settler life. Amatola also offers well-preserved architecture and artefacts from early military history of South Africa. Many of the route activities of the Western Sunshine Coast, such as golf, watersport, historical architecture and Eco-attractions continue along this section.
The hinterland is anchored by Bisho, the provincial capital, and is an explorer's dream. Stunning villages such as Hogsback and Katberg offer a wonderful country experience, including a rich tapestry of mountains, rivers, waterfalls, artist's studios and warm hospitality. Game reserves also offer a rich bio-diversity in a malaria free environment and offer a varied game viewing experience.
Available Activities
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