The century-old Seal Point Lighthouse and a penguin rehabilitation facility are located in Cape St Francis. These distinct landmarks represent some of Cacadu’s thematic range: alongside coastal attractions, visitors can discover cultural sites, events and outdoor activities.
Lighthouse, Museum and Events
The Observatory Museum in Grahamstown houses the only Victorian camera obscura in the Southern Hemisphere. The 1820 Settlers’ National Monument is surrounded by a wildflower garden with indigenous plants. The museum and monument offer different points of interest: a unique optical exhibit at the museum, and the combination of a monument and a garden of native plants at the monument.
The annual cultural events also offer a range of reasons to visit. Masicule is a choral concert featuring a large mass choir, held annually in Makhanda. Every July, the National Arts Festival turns Grahamstown, now Makhanda, into a platform for the performing and visual arts. Sasol Scifest takes place every year in late March or early April at the 1820 Settlers Monument and other venues in Grahamstown. For planning purposes, July and late March to early April are specific time windows; check the latest event dates, as the National Arts Festival programme may change.
Hiking Trails for Different Timeframes
Two very different hiking options can be compared in Addo Elephant National Park. The seven-kilometre Cannon Trail runs equally through coastal forest and along the beach; allow about two to three hours. By contrast, the Alexandria Hiking Trail is a 36-kilometre circular route with overnight options for two or three nights. These details show two different timeframes, from a few hours to a multi-day trail. Check the current operating conditions for the Alexandria Hiking Trail before your visit.
Addo Elephant National Park is also home to the African Big Seven: lion, rhino, Cape buffalo, elephant, leopard, great white shark and southern right whale. This broadens the picture of the park beyond its hiking trails without presenting the different animal species as a single experience.
Coast, Water and Landscape
Jeffreys Bay is known for its surf waves and numerous surf breaks, including Kitchen Window, Tubes, Super Tubes, Point and Albatross. Those who want to learn to surf can visit Wavecrest Surf School, where a lesson lasts two hours and includes the use of a surfboard and wetsuit. Confirm that lessons are currently running before your trip.
Possible activities at Gamtoos River Mouth National Reserve include fishing, canoeing, paddleskiing and sandboarding. In Kou-Kamma, Storms River Mouth is part of Garden Route National Park. Somerset East lies at the foot of the Boschberg Mountains; Camdeboo National Park offers scenic 4x4 routes.
In Baviaanskloof, the landscape and vegetation range from fynbos to lush riverine forest. Sewefontein Wild Fig Tree Forest has a hiking trail and shaded picnic spots. The Baviaans-Kouga 4x4 Trail and route are about 36 kilometres long; the drive takes approximately three to four hours. Check route conditions and booking requirements in advance. Baviaanskloof Heritage Tours start at The Willow Historical Guesthouse in Willowmore and end either in Patensie or Steytlerville; confirm that tours are currently running before your trip.
In the wider destination of the Eastern Cape, the Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site is part of the Cape Floristic Region and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Kleinpoort, Studtis, Kenton-On-Sea, Kromriver, Riebeek East, Clarkson, Steytlerville, Seafield, Witelsbos, Kou-Kamma, Joubertina.
To the wider travel overview: Eastern Cape.
