The Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency has unveiled a new tourism product.
A new 900 kilometre coastal route has been mapped out to showcase the Eastern Cape's pristine coastline, its rich biodiversity and diverse wildlife.
The new route offers the intrepid explorer the opportunity to also enjoy the Eastern Cape's sandy beaches, ancient rock art and Xhosa culture.
Unveiled at Indaba 2012 on Monday, the Route is divided into eight regional routes stretching from the Baviaans to the Wild Coast.
"The eight (8) regional routes include Baviaans, Tsitsikamma Adventure, Kouga, Frontier Country, Sunshine Coast, Amathole Mountain Escape, the Wild Coast, and Greater Addo. The route incorporates suggested itineraries based on interesting things to see and do as well as value-for-money local accommodation which are sure to extend visitor stays in the province," said ECPTA acting CEO, Sybert Liebernberg.
"The benefit of the Coastal Route is that it will highlight not only the Eastern Cape's well known and iconic attractions such as the Mkhambati Nature Reserve, Addo Elephant National Park and the province's amazing beaches and surfing spots, but it will also take travelers to some of the undiscovered places of natural beauty," he said.
"For sand dune enthusiasts, the 6,500 year old Coastal Dune Field found at Alexandria is the largest shifting dune field in the Southern Hemisphere and has been nominated for listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other attractions include the Amathole Mountain Escape and Port St John, Jewel of the Wild Coast."
"For those interested in history and culture, tourists can view ancient man-made fish traps at Cape St Frances; experience Grahamstown, a small city which boasts more than 70 heritage sites including a cathedral and the surrounding Victorian and Edwardian shop fronts on the Church Square; spend time visiting the final resting place of Sarah (Saartjie) Baartman the "Hottentot Venus" in Hankey, visit the Xhosa cultural hub of the province in the Wild Coast and experience mouth watering dishes in East London, surrounding game reserves and in Port Alfred," he added.
Liebenberg says at Tsitsikamma "adrenalin junkies can participate in the highest bungee jump in the world, take a treetop canopy tour or go black water tubing. Those who like their thrills a little more sedate, can spend a few days at one of the many 5-star game lodges, play golf, go fishing or just relax at a spa."
"The Eastern Cape has it all. Other highlights along the Route include Jeffrey's Bay, home of the best right hand wave in the world; Port Elizabeth, a water sport paradise offering every conceivable coastal and marine recreational experience one could think of including the added thrill of deep sea diving to explore a few of the 300 ships wrecked in nearby Algoa Bay. There are 6 blue flag beaches along the coastal route including the world-renowned kite-surfing spot at Cannon Rocks."
"The Baviaans Wilderness Area is an extension of the Cape Floral Kingdom and has been declared a World Heritage Site. Addo Elephant National Park abutting the Indian Ocean is the only protected area in the world where not only the "Big 5" (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) may be seen but also whales and Great White sharks."
"The Wild Coast covers untouched beaches with waterfalls running into the sea. The annual sardine run rivals the famous Masai Mara wildebeest migration in East Africa. The area is rich in cultural diversity, including the Birthplace of Nelson Mandela's with a National Museum in Mthatha dedicated to the origin of His footsteps. The area is home to many of South Africa's historic leaders and human icons such as O.R. Tambo and Walter Sisulu. This region is also known for its authentic Xhosa culture tradition, Art amenities and other adventure activities."
He says the ECPTA is determined to make the Eastern Cape Province the destination of choice in South Africa; a destination where biodiversity, conservation and tourism management underpin sustainable development. Travelers can access the area via a number of sea ports along the coast, a well maintained road network, or through airports at Port Elizabeth and East London.
