Sometimes the cliché holds true: you really do have to go to the far ends of the earth to find the path less traveled. Case-in-point: South Africa’s extraordinary Eastern Cape coastline. The beaches you’ll encounter here singular, the Eastern Cape is replete with sandy shore, diverse wildlife, ancient rock art, and Xhosa culture.
Have a penchant for history? Go to Grahamstown, a small city that’s home to some 70 heritage sites. Be sure to see the cathedral, surrounded by Victorian and Edwardian shop fronts. Grahamstown is considered by many the crucible of South African history, a place where Boer, British and Xhosa met.
Too tame for you? How ‘bout the reputed highest bungee jump on the planet. It’s there for the taking at Tsitsikamma. That’s a Khoi word meaning “place of abundant or sparkling water.” That water is where you can wash off all the knee-shaking perspiration you produced standing around waiting to bungee jump.
The Coastal Route takes you on to Port Elizabeth, deep-sea diving Mecca that’s the gateway to a slew of sunken ships. Explore some in nearby Algoa Bay. Beaches? They’re here in abundance, including the world-renowned kite-surfing spot at Cannon Rocks.
Finally, find a qualified guide and seek out the Baviaans Wilderness Area. This region is a legitimate World Heritage Site. Like unto it is Addo Elephant National Park, the only protected place on the planet where not just the Big Five” can be seen (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino), but whales and Great White sharks as well.
This is not a casual journey, not something quickly planned. Take your time and map it out. Then embark on what just could be the journey of a lifetime.
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Image: neiljs)
