Eastern Cape Car Tours: 5 Best Road Trip Adventures
Thinking about hitting the open road? The Eastern Cape in South Africa, well, it just so happens to be calling your name! Seriously, picture this: diverse landscapes that are almost begging to be explored, from super rugged coastlines to pretty green hills. That area is, like your ultimate playground for a road trip. Picking just five car tours is kind of tough, very true, yet these specific routes, really, show the true charm and variety the Eastern Cape has to show.
1. The Sunshine Coast Ramble
Imagine starting your adventure, very perhaps in Gqeberha (that area still goes by Port Elizabeth, to some folks), and tracing the warm Indian Ocean. That’s how the Sunshine Coast Ramble, almost always, begins! This drive is a gentle one, rather, it is perfect for those that are wanting pretty beaches and little seaside spots. You will discover spots like Jeffreys Bay, famous, very rightly so, for its amazing surfing waves. Or maybe, that trip could include St Francis Bay, often liked because of the houses all with the same look, all painted a canal-style scheme. As I was saying, the trip’s kind of leisurely. That stretch is definitely, typically filled with photo opportunities.
Don’t even think about going too fast. Enjoy the beach vibes and grab some super yummy seafood. This route usually is great, especially when you have travelers who are wanting to relax and get a tan. Consider adding a visit, clearly, to the Addo Elephant National Park, alright, its near the area, actually, so you could end up with a really great game viewing side trip.
2. The Wild Coast Expedition
If the road is a little less traveled is really your type of thing, that is how you know that the Wild Coast is definitely something to put into the navigator! Moving from East London, this area just oozes with that kind of real natural splendor, just a little raw. It is also got loads of that cultural depth too! This is a spot to be on the look-out for steep cliffs, those areas are so beautiful; that being said, make a mental note to check on roads. In these less crowded areas there may be some maintenance. Anyway the coastal trails are often near tiny villages. Getting in with the Xhosa people can provide you with some really good life stories.
Travel tip: Make sure your car is alright to deal with rugged paths because they just aren’t gonna be like highway rides. You need to try the Hole in the Wall rock development! Those rock scenes look superb, especially when the sun is rising and setting.
3. The Karoo Highlands Route
Ok, so want some vast open spaces instead? Getaway to the Karoo Highlands. A drive originating from Graaff-Reinet will show off what this arid section of South Africa has got. That region is really calm and quiet. The Midlands are typified by steep mountains so you will see vistas stretching almost forever. Make certain to go see the Valley of Desolation which can teach you the true meanings, actually, of both geologic greatness and beauty.
Pack for big daily hot cold temperature differences and maybe find guesthouses along your set path because you don’t want to try, basically, the camp out thing out there, really not worth the trouble, when the cold shows its ugly face at night!
4. The Route 72 Coastal Jaunt
Looking to have that quick road fling type moment, yet also be memorable? East London and Port Alfred are tied in thanks to Route 72. As I was saying, its that quick little hop, full of tons, literally tons of things to see. Its an easy drive that hugs cliffs all along the seacoast. That makes for super nice viewing. The roads may even be a great area for dolphin and whale spots.
Port Alfred makes a fun spot where you can grab refreshments. That specific tiny township feels calm so chill, as I was saying, and maybe check some local foods as a snack before you, very frankly, return on back, typically. This road trip, arguably, can suit individuals trying to have scenery that can be taken with brief pauses.
5. The Amatola Mountain Escape
Take it away from the shore so, for instance, explore those heights, the Amatola Hills being so lush. You can go see that stretch from somewhere such as King William’s Town so as to experience some pretty woodland locales and mountain views, anyway. So be sure to view Hogsback. The villages are actually legendary. Typically many imagine The Lord Of The Rings type of feels. The trekking options will let you stretch and visit certain waterfalls.
Make it possible so you pack layers just in case of rainfall because peaks areas aren’t really playing with precipitation. That makes an escape route ideal for people loving the outdoors that also enjoy, in a way, taking quiet breaks and just hiking trails. Don’t miss the indigenous trees, of course, that you can see throughout!
