Discover Route 72 in South Africa

Let’s explore Route 72. We all enjoy exploring new destinations that have these three aspects:

First, a place that offers lots of things to do.
Secondly, not many other visitors.
And third, beautiful scenery!

Route 72 in the Eastern Cape is just that place.

So where is Route 72?

 

It is located on South Africa’s Sunshine Coast and stretches from Port Elizabeth in the west, along hundreds of kilometers of pristine beaches and bush to East London in the east, and northwards to the historically rich region of the Eastern Cape’s Frontier Country. Conveniently situated between two major airports access is easy – fly in, pick up the rental car and hit the road.

What is there to see and do on Route 72?

The 280 km coastline boasts a lush network of 20 rivers, pristine lagoons, estuaries and grassy plains. It also includes South Africa’s only river port at the mouth of the beautiful Buffalo River.

View the spectacular Big 5 in malaria-free areas which boasts a unique bio-diversity, or simply ramble through the abundant agricultural valleys to sample the local Xhosa’s hospitality and hand-crafted fine fare.

Adventure Activities
Wellness Packages
Girls Getaways
Multi-day Horse Trails
Walking Holidays

So Much To See And Do:

But be warned:

Just a word of caution… we personally know people that visited Route 72, and decided to move there and settle! This is a destination that is so full of incredible experiences; it will take a lifetime to do it all.

Plan Your Trip:

1. 1. Adventure:
      For River Cruises, Mountain Biking Routes, Canoeing, Fat Bike Beach Rides and Beach Walks contact Allen Cunningham from Woodlands Country Cottages on info@woodlandscottages.co.za or +27 (0)46 648 2867.
      
   2. Multi Day Horse Trails:
      Jono Arnott at Beachcomber Horse Trails takes you on a 7 day horse trail along this incredible coastline. Expect long beach rides, river crossings, dune forests, grasslands and lots more on this exhilarating horse safari. Contact Jono or Mel on rides@beachcomberhorsetrails.co.za or +27 83 281 3322.
      
   3. Wellness Packages:
      If you enjoy pampering, rejuvenation and wellness treatments, Afrika Kusini Wellness Spa in Kenton On Sea is the place to be. Zuney Meiring and her team offers 3, 5 and 7 day wellness packages for those looking to relax and unwind. Contact her on pamper@afrikakusini.com or +27 (0)46 648 1139 to book your Kenton spa package.
      
   4. Hiking:
      Ralph Kirsten lives and breaths the outdoors. He specialises in multi-day hiking tours in the Eastern Cape. There is a particular two day hiking trail that will blow you away. It is called the Woody Cape Trail and takes you into indigenous forests, coastal dune forests, grasslands and long, open stretches of beach in this little known part of Addo Elephant National Park (don’t worry, there’s no elephant here!). Contact Ralph from Tokoloshi Expeditions at info@tokoloshi.co.za or +27 71 8809627 to book this hike.
      
   5. Wildlife Safaris:
      There are a few places to choose from, so it depends on what you prefer. Be it a luxury tented camp, an authentic bush camp or a camping experience in a wildlife area, it is all available on Route 72. And it’s malaria free! Some of the places to consider: Kariega Game Reserve, Sibuya Game Reserve, Oceana Reserve, Mansfield Reserve, Kaprivier Game Reserve, and even Addo Elephant National Park (which is technically not on Route 72 but close enough to qualify).

There are lots more to do on Route 72, so just contact Route 72 for more information. Some of the beaches along Route 72 have been voted the best in the world! But that deserves it’s own article.

 

So pack those bags. It’s time to explore Route 72.