Are you planning on coming to NAF 2023? Make a winter holiday out of it and explore the Eastern Cape. From endless wild landscapes dotted with scenic aloes to spectacular sunsets, friendly people and diverse cultural experiences, you might just lose yourself. 

Regular Festival-goer’s know that an Eastern Cape winter serves up some beautiful, warm days – although nights do get chilly. So plan a cosy fireside spot for your holiday in the coastal towns of Port Alfred, Cape St Francis, Kidds Beach or Morgan’s Bay. Or inland at or near one of the game farms. There are often great locals-only deals and the Addo Elephant National Park is a must-see.

Have a taste for the quirky and historical? Head to Bathurst where you can stop in at the Pig & Whistle, thought to be the oldest licensed pub in South Africa. You’ll also get a clear reminder that you’re in pineapple country when you pass ‘The Big Pineapple’, a 16.7 metre, 3-storey high fibreglass pineapple situated on one of the region’s farms. 

Abundant bird life and wildlife keeps the road trip interesting but along the way but you’ll almost certainly spot a host of animals at the Addo Elephant National Park. For R1 200* you can do the Addo Big 5 & Bedrogfontein 4×4 Self Drive, which affords visitors the remarkable opportunity to drive through the Kabouga and Darlington area of Addo and stop at the breathtaking views and cultural sites of Addo. Get a quote here and find out more.

If you’re up for an adrenaline rush, head for one of the skydiving sites with J Bay ticking the list for most thrill seekers. For something equally invigorating book a Fish River Horse Safari or enjoy guided hikes and horse trails throughout the region.

If you’re more interested in history and culture there are plenty of museums and sites of interest to amble through. From the East London Museum, where you can see an example of the famed coelacanth, to the curious Owl House in the town of Nieu Bethesda. You can also learn about the tiny town of Aliwal North which holds the Aliwal Museuem, bursting with history and knowledge about the town. 

If you’re travelling as a family, there is plenty to keep the little ones busy. If you’re near Port Edward stop off at the Wild Waves Water Park where the kids will have a ball on the slides and rides. If you are in J Bay you can head for the Dolphin Beach Entertainment Centre for more waterpark fun. Older kids up for some ziplining? You can ride with the wind with them at Tstsikamma Falls or at the Tstsikamma Canopy Tour.

So stay and play – and top up your Eastern Cape memory bank. Till we see you again.

For details on these activities and many more, visit Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism. If you would like to explore closer to the Makhanda area then pop over to Makana Tourism and discover all the gems in store here.

*price correct when published, visitors are advised to contact the company directly for bookings and prices.