Where to stay in the Eastern Cape

Nature's Valley, Otter Trail in the Eastern Cape. Photo: Rckr88 / flickr

The Eastern Cape has an abundance of excellent accommodation but not all of it is listed online. Ask for recommendations from people who have visited the area before to find hidden treasures. Pre-booking, especially in rural areas, is recommended. Here are a few options to choose from:

Summerstrand beach in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. Photo: Francois Le Roy / flickr

Hotels

If on-site amenities and privacy are what you’re looking for when choosing accommodation, then staying at a hotel is your best option. Hotels tend to offer fabulous amenities such as room service, swimming pools, restaurants and bars, gyms and personal concierge services. Here are a few options for hotels in the Eastern Cape:

Ocean View Hotel, Coffee Bay

Historic Hogsback Inn, Hogsback

SUN1 Port Elizabeth, Gqeberha

Bed & Breakfasts

Bed and breakfast establishments are a popular choice for many when it comes to accommodation. You’re allowed private rooms and ensuite bathrooms and a delicious breakfast in the morning. Some B&B’s even offer hotel amenities like a swimming pool and all-meal food services. Here are some options for Bed & Breakfasts in the Eastern Cape:

On the Beach Guesthouse, Jeffreys Bay

182 Old Transkei Road, East London

Sky Blue Guest House, Kenton-on-Sea

Self-catering

Self-catering accommodation is perfect for those who want ultimate freedom and privacy wherever they’re staying. Usually in the form of entire houses, apartments or chalets, self-catering allows you total run of the place, including cooking, cleaning and use of any facilities. These are some options for self-catering accommodation in the Eastern Cape:

The Oyster Shack, Kenton-on-Sea

Addo River-View Lodge, Colchester, Gqeberha

The Ark Guesthouse, Jeffreys Bay

Backpacking

If you love meeting new people and making friends wherever you go, backpacker or hostel accommodation is an ideal option for you. Typically, you pay for a single bed in a room which others will share, but most backpackers also offer private rooms as well. Here are some options for backpackers in the Eastern Cape:

Coffee Shack Backpackers, Coffee Bay

St Francis Bay Backpackers, St Francis Bay

Tsitsikamma Backpackers, Stormsrivier

Camping

Staying outdoors amongst fauna and flora, under the stars and sky has huge appeal for many – especially in beautiful South Africa! Whether you’re glamping or really want to rough it, camping really allows you to appreciate all that Mother Nature has to offer. Here’s a few options for camping spots in the Eastern Cape:

Van Stadens Resort, Gqeberha

Cannon Rocks Holiday Resort, Kenton-on-Sea

Green Fountain Farm Caravan Park, East London

ALSO READ: What to do on the Wild Coast

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