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TThe Sunshine Coast, Eastern Cape, is unlike its international namesakes in Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
For a start, it's almost always sunny on this Sunshine Coast and, despite its popularity with local and international visitors, the region has managed to avoid excessive commercialisation and retain its charm.
This 500km stretch of coastline includes the beautiful forest-clad slopes of the Tsitsikamma with its many eco-trails and hikes, luxury bush destinations and sheltered coves, rock pools and lagoons along with seaside holiday towns like Kenton-on-Sea, Port Alfred, Cape St. Francis and St. Francis Bay.
Also on this coast is the surfing mecca of Jeffrey's Bay, where you'll find some of the best surfing spots in the world along with Supertubes, famous for its consistent, right-hand break.
The Tsitsikamma (part of the Garden Route National Park) marks the start of the Eastern Cape's Sunshine Coast, and is an absolute must for adventure seekers. Abseiling, hiking, river rides, nature trails and the world's highest commercial bungee jump are all on offer in this area.
At the route's northern end is the coastal town of East London, also called Buffalo City. Like much of the rest of the Eastern Cape, this town has a rich history associated with the local people and the impact of the arrival of early European settlers.
Did You Know?
Travel tips & planning info
Who to contact
Eastern Cape Tourism
Tel: +27 (0)43 492 0881
Sunshine Coat Tourism
Tel: +27 (0)46 624 1235
How to get here
Fly direct from any of South Africa’s major cities to Port Elizabeth International Airport. If you’re driving; from Johannesburg take the N1 south and then the N9 after Colesberg. Pick up the N10 at Middleburg to Port Elizabeth.
Travel north, up the coast, to enjoy the Sunshine Coast from Port Elizabeth to East London or south, down the coast, to enjoy the route from Port Elizabeth to Tsitsikamma.
If travelling from Cape Town and Durban, take the N2 east and west respectively to Tsitsikamma or East London.
Best time to visit
The Sunshine Coast is an all-year-round destination, due to its warm climate.
Things to do
A day trip to Sibuya Game Reserve near Kenton-on-Sea, for a game drive and river cruise; a horse safari on the Fish River at Port Alfred; the Dolphin Trail at Tsitsikamma; and visits to the Jeffreys Bay Shell and Jeffreys Bay Surf museums; trips to interior towns and villages like Bathurst, Grahamstown and Addo.
What to pack
Don’t forget the sunblock!
Where to stay
The Sunshine Coast offers a wide range of accommodation from hotels to B&B's, guest houses and backpackers.
What to eat
The coast is renowned for excellent sea food.
Related links
- Eastern Cape Tourism
- East London Tourism
- Jeffreys Bay Tourism
- Sunshine Coast Tourism
- Tsitiskamma Tourism Association
- Garden Route National Park
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