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Eastern Cape
Portfolio offers a variety of accommodation from fine country houses, hotels, private game reserves and game lodges, guest houses, country inns, villas and apartments, self-contained cottages and farm stays. Whether you are on safari, or planning a honeymoon, traveling with the family or seeking a romantic weekend away or simply traveling South Africa, the choices are endless with over 900 accommodation establishments to choose from country wide. . Whether you are seeking a golfing holiday, eco-safari or cultural experience, the Portfolio Collection has it all.
The Eastern Cape is one of Africa's rare and unspoilt gems, offering great diversity. Discover superb beaches on its wild coast, the vast Karoo landscape with unforgettable star-studded night skies, charming, historic towns, and a warm welcome. Parks are being restocked with wildlife including the Big Five and the Addo Elephant Park has expanded its boundaries. Port Elizabeth, East London and Grahamstown are in the province, as well as Umtata in the Transkei. Qunu in the Transkei is the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, who is affectionately known as Madiba.
The Eastern Cape is a malaria-free area and offers many private game reserves, and game lodges as well as bed and breakfast homes and guest houses situated close to the game reserves. Many farms also offer hospitality to travellers seeking a special experience.
Graaff-Reinet - The awesome Valley of Desolation is not to be missed, neither are the most spectacular Karoo sunsets. Visit Agatha Paelonie, a real character, whose miracle healing cream is well-known and knowledge of Karoo medicinal herbs is outstanding. Stroll the streets with its charming historic buildings.
Grahamstown - Settler history is strong here, with the town being founded by the 1820 settlers from Britain. Rhodes University today forms a large part of Grahamstown's profile. The Grahamstown Arts Festival in June/July draws the crowds for its contemporary and fringe theatre, drama and art presentations.
Nieu-Bethesda - Travel off the beaten track along a gravel road to this tiny hamlet, famous for the Owl House where eccentric and artistic Helen Martins created a fantasy world of glass, mosaic and cement sculptures. Relatives of her assistant, Koos Malgas, recreate cement and glass owl mementos for sale.
R72 - Off the N2 to Port Alfred is Nanaga Farm Stall famous for its pies and farm style kitchen serving traditional roosterkoek.
Addo Elephant Park is close to Port Elizabeth and has recently been expanded to include a much larger area, where many game lodges and game reserves offer the opportunity to see the Big Five. |
