The weather is dominated by the Agulhas Current, which keeps water temperatures warm-ish in winter and warm in summer, often reaching above 22°C. Air temperatures in summer are warm to hot. In winter, the weather is mild, with cold spells. Along the coastline rain falls mostly in summer.
There were 9 frontier wars between 1779 and 1878.
- Cape St Francis
Named after the patron saint of sailors, St Francis Bay was first discovered in 1575 by the Portuguese. It's become somewhat exclusive but still has one of the finest surf spots in the world according to King/surf bum Geoffrey and other surf rats.
- Jeffreys Bay
Until fairly recently, Jeffreys Bay was not much more than a couple of rocks that made good sunset perches. Then, in the 1960's, waves were discovered by local surfers and since then, the town has become increasingly popular. Especially amongst backpackers.
- Thornhill
A little dorp not far from J'Bay, with plenty of unspoilt nature all around.
- Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth is the 5th largest, and reportedly the safest, city in South Africa. It's surrounded by good beaches and has consistently good surf conditions.
- Kenton-On-Sea
Tthis quiet little paradise is off the beaten track. Ain't much to write home about the town itself. But who cares when the surroundings are so divine… Nature freaks should get off the bus and do their thang.
- Port Alfred
Port Alfred is a charming little town with a graceful architectural integrity not often found in South African seaside towns. It's a quaint and unassuming place with heaps to do. Actually, we're very fond of it – and not just 'cos the beer's cheap.
- HamburgEC
Tucked away at the end of a dirt road, Hamburg is an enchantingly dilapidated little village that nestles on an exquisite estuary.
- East London
East London has three backpacking hostels which all offer something different. It is a great place to stop before the Wild Coast or Garden Route.
- Gonubie
Rocking surf, dune boarding, diving and plenty of hiking.
Sunshine Coast
A beautiful stretch of the coastline that's lapped by the warm Indian Ocean, and so called because it offers more sunshine hours per year than anywhere else in South Africa.
The mountains of the Garden Route slip away into the hills of the Sunshine Coast, where rolling coastal pastures lead down to a legion of sand dunes and the challenge of the perfect wave. With more sunshine hours per year than any other part of South Africa, the warm Indian Ocean and over 500km of beaches, this could be a very easy place to park off in for a while. This is a diverse and relatively undeveloped region. Inland lies Settler country, where the Xhosa, the British and the Boers battled for the right to claim pastures for their cattle. It’s also here that the 1820 Settlers arrived, effectively doubling the white population of the country. Now that frontier wars lie in the past, this is just a plain old beach mecca with some elephants and the Big Five thrown in for good measure. Sensational beaches and world famous surfing spots litter the coastline, along with a treasure trove of rare and beautiful shells. The Addo elephant park guarantees the sight of elephant herds making their way to the waterholes, along with the ubiquitous, indispensable and protected VIDB (Very Important Dung Beetle). If you aren’t going any further, then splurge on a trip to Shamwari Game Reserve, where the Big Five roam.
Call a cow
On the N2 to Port Elizabeth cows have their very own cell phone number. Give them a call.
On the N2 to Port Elizabeth cows have their very own cell phone number. Give them a call.
Annual events
Jeffrey's Bay holds the Billabong surf competition in June/July. Grahamstown hosts the National Arts Festival in in July.
Jeffrey's Bay holds the Billabong surf competition in June/July. Grahamstown hosts the National Arts Festival in in July.
