Eastern Cape Provincial Article - South African Vacations

Outdoor activities: There are various hiking trails, both coastal and inland to
choose from, horse riding opportunities from St Francis Bay resort, as well as
some well-organised hunting safaris.
Shell collecting: Try the beaches of Second Bush, Seal Bay and Oyster Bay
for shelling.
Surfing: The surf break between the lighthouse and Seal Bay, known locally
as ”Seals”, is an internationally renowned surfing spot.
Water sport: Opportunities include swimming, surfing, fishing, water-skiing,
scuba-diving, snorkelling, yachting, rubber-ducking, jet-skiing, canoeing and
wind-surfing; all supported by excellent facilities.
FAUNA AND FLORA
The Cape St Francis Nature Reserve: This reserve, which lies between Cape
St Francis and St Francis Bay is a popular destination for game lovers and
anglers. Whales, dolphins and the rare black oystercatcher are some of the
reserve’s most sought-after inhabitants.
Swan Colony: A familiar landmark in the St Francis Bay area is the spot just
off Cape St Francis where the Cape Recife was wrecked in 1929. After a
compassionate crewmember released a pair of swans that were on the ship,
they both made it safely to shore and today, their offspring, now wild and free,
congregate around the Seekoei River estuary.
HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE
Seal Point: On the bay’s western-most extremity lies Seal Point with its
cylindrical lighthouse, the tallest masonry lighthouse in the country and which
is now a national monument. According to local fishermen it is the best place
in the country to catch yellowtail.
STEYTLERVILLE
The Winterhoek Mountains form an imposing backdrop to the town of
Steytlerville. The town is reached via a scenic pass with spekboom-covered
slopes. Steytlerville started out as a Dutch Reformed rural community on the
farm Doorspoort in 1876 and was named after the founder, the Reverend
A Steytler. The lovely, tree-lined streets in the town were built wide enough to
enable an ox-wagon to turn around. Farmers in the district produce mainly
ostrich, merino and mohair products.
ADVENTURE AND SPORT
Black Eagle Farm Holiday Route: For the ultimate outdoor experience follow
this route that links several farms in the area and incorporates various
- 70 -