Western Region
Valley of Desolation © Western Region
The Western Region of the Eastern Cape stretches from the Tsitsikamma National Park to Algoa Bay and in the North to the Karoo as far as Middleberg. The main city of the area is Port Elizabeth, capital of the Eastern Cape and often referred to as the Friendly City. Port Elizabeth is the largest coastal city between Durban and Cape Town and is the third largest port in South Africa. The city was the landing place of the 1820 settlers and there are many examples of fine Victorian architecture to be seen there. The city sits on what has become known as the Sunshine Coast, and is renowned for its long unbroken sandy beaches. Beach entertainment is second to none, and the city is a mecca for old and young alike.
At the extreme western end of the Western Region of the Eastern Cape along the coast lies the Tsitsikaama National Park. This park is in fact two parks, the Coastal Park and the Forest Park, both of which abound with natural beauty. The coastal park starts a few kilometers to the East of Plettenberg Bay and runs eastwards for some 75 kilometres to the mouth of the Groot River. It is bounded in the North by the cliffs and beaches and extending some 800 metres into the sea. There are several hiking trails along the coast and a unique Tsitsikaama Underwater Trail where the marine life is unbelievable. The Forest Park is a relatively small park of natural indigenous forest and can be found where the Storms River crosses beneath the N2 national road. This park is home to the Outeniqua Yellowwood, some of which exceed 50 metres in height. There are also many examples of stinkwood, ironwood and several species of tree fern.
Just to the North of Port Elizabeth is the Addo Elephant Park. Back in 1919 a Major Pretorius was employed to eliminate all elephants in this area and described the area as "a bit of all that is bad in central Africa that had been picked up and dropped in the Eastern Cape". The surviving elephants from this slaughter, about eleven beasts, fled to the impenetrable Harvey Bush. There are now more than one hundred elephants roaming this 8590 hectare park.
The coast of the Western Region of the Eastern Cape is dotted with friendly, warm holiday resorts. There is Jeffreys Bay and Paradise Beach, Kenton on Sea and Colchester, Sea Vista and the Storms River Mouth. All are hospitable small resorts offering miles of unspoilt beaches and some of the best surfing in the world. But inland there are some of the most interesting small towns. Graaf-Reinet is the oldest town of the Eastern Cape being established in 1786 and making it the fourth oldest town in the whole of South Africa. Graaf-Reinet is known as the Gem of the Karoo and is situated at the foot of the Sneeuberg Mountains surrounded by the Karoo Nature Reserve. Just a few kilometers from the town is the Valley of Desolation, a deep, steep sided canyon that cuts through the Sneeuberg mountains to reveal the distant plains of the Karoo and its distant koppies.
Further South and just to the North of Port Elizabeth lies the fifth oldest town in South Africa and second oldest of the Eastern Cape. Uitenhage has a long and colourful history and is often referred to as the Garden Town on account of its beautiful parks and gardens. The town is the centre of vehicle manufacturing for the Western Region of the Eastern Cape. The Old Station Museum was built in 1875 and was one of the oldest stations in South Africa. It was turned into a museum when a more modern station was built in another part of the town. The museum houses two vintage locomotives and several old coaches, and is well worth a visit.
- Port Elizabeth
- Jeffreys Bay
- Addo
- Nelson Mandela Bay
- Summerstrand
- Cape St. Francis
- Walmer
- Grahamstown
- St. Francis Bay
- Storms River / Tsitsikamma
Nqweba Campsite
Game Reserve And Bush Lodge Accommodation in Camdeboo National Park
Western Region
Fifteen caravan or tent sites are situated beneath thorn trees on a gravel substrate. Each site has a braai unit and powerpoint. A communal kitchen provides deep freeze, stove top and microwave facilities while the communal ablutions have showers, toilets …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Addo Rest Camp
Game Reserve And Bush Lodge Accommodation in Addo
Western Region
The popular main Addo Rest Camp offers a wide variety of accommodation units to suit all tastes, and plenty of activities to keep visitors busy. A unique feature is the waterhole lookout point, floodlit at night, within the camp as well as the underground …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Mountain Zebra National Park Rest Camp
Game Reserve And Bush Lodge Accommodation in Mountain Zebra National Park
Western Region
Invigorating crystal clear air, beautiful scenery, tranquil ambience and an abundance of wildlife offer you a special and personal African wilderness experience at Mountain Zebra National Park. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Dreamers Villa @ Bushmans
Wheelchair Friendly Accommodation in Bushman's River Mouth
Western Region
Dreamers Villa has the rare quality of being a Beach House with a farm like atmosphere and has a real holiday ambience. It has three bedrooms, sharing two and a half bathrooms. The TV Room has a sleeper couch. A fourth large en-suite bedroom is available …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Outsiders Bed & Breakfast
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Nieu-Bethesda
Western Region
In the heart of the quaint Karoo hamlet of Nieu-Bethesda, lies Outsiders B&B. Cosy double rooms offer an en-suite shower with toilet and a private entrance. Relax on your stoep and watch village life pass you by at the unhurried pace of bygone times. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Royal Hotel, Steytlerville
Hotel / Boutique Hotel Accommodation in Steytlerville
Western Region
Have a memorable stay in the historical Royal Hotel in Steytlerville. Whether you are an adventurer, a historian or a romanticist, you will have a fabulous time at our establishment! …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Blue Skies Country House
Pet Friendly Accommodation in Theescombe
Western Region
Blue Skies Country House offers comfortable Bed and Breakfast accommodation for 26 people in 11 rooms at realistic prices. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of our 2 hectare garden near Kragga Kamma Road with a sparkling salt water pool and abundant bird.. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Sundays Karoo Guesthouse
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Graaff-Reinet
Western Region
The old Karoo home, circa 1856, has been created into a small boutique-type accommodation centrally situated, offering family-friendly accommodation, and children are most welcome. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Oysterbay Sea kaya
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Oyster Bay
Western Region
Oyster Bay is a quiet, peaceful town on the edge of the Tsitsikamma coast with wide stretches of beach which gives a feeling of complete relaxation. The town is 110km west of Port Elizabeth. Days can be spent relaxing in the sun, swimming, ... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
16 Beach Music Self Catering
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Beachview
Western Region
Beach front Self-Catering. Unobstructed ocean and beach views.
Situated on the spectacular coastline of Beachview, we offer you relaxed beach
house living. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Margate Place Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Summerstrand
Western Region
Margate Place is an owner-managed establishment and we cater for business executives, tourists and holidaymakers. Children are welcome and we offer a variety of different options for families. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Astons 16
Self Catering Accommodation in Jeffreys Bay
Western Region
The Astons is a luxury ground floor 3 bedroom apartment in a secure complex situated right on the beach and about 100 meters from the lagoon. You cannot get any closer! The apartment offers 3 neatly decorated bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Mi Casa Guesthouse
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Uitenhage
Western Region
Our Luxurious Five Star Guesthouse is situated in the heart of Uitenhage, 35 minutes drive from PE Airport and Addo National Elephant Park. Mi Casa was designed and built in 2006 as a Guesthouse and conference facility …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
16 Beach Music B&B
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Beachview
Western Region
Beachfront Bed and Breakfast. Situated on the spectacular coastline of Beachview, we offer you relaxed beach house living. Enjoy the best of both worlds, the benefits of seaside living and the close proximity of the city. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Spekboom Tented Rest Camp
Game Reserve And Bush Lodge Accommodation in Addo
Western Region
Spend a night in the middle of the bush, listening to the sounds of the wild around you. You may catch a glimpse of nocturnal animals drinking at the nearby waterhole, gaze at the starry skies and enjoy simply being away from it all. The tents are located …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Narina Bush Camp
Game Reserve And Bush Lodge Accommodation in Addo
Western Region
Visitors can access the bush camp - situated 25 km (about a 45 minute drive) away from the Addo Rest Camp on gravel roads - by car, hiking trail or horse trail. For a horse trail, bookings must be made with the Addo Game Drive Office. Guests should arrive …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Astons no 27
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Jeffreys Bay
Western Region
Our upmarket, spacious 3 bedroom self-catering apartment is on the 3rd floor in a secure complex right on the beach, about 100 meters from the lagoon in Aston Bay. It consists of 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, open-plan kitchen/lounge and a built in braai in …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
