Cricket is certainly the number one spectator sport in the province and fans love nothing better than packing into St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth, to watch South Africa against its international rivals.

With its fabulous waves and large swells, the Eastern Cape is a popular surfing destination. The most popular spot is of course, Jeffrey’s Bay, renowned for its big waves and surf schools.

Running is a popular past-time in the Eastern Cape, and there are a few notable clubs in the major urban centres. Trail running at Rhodes forms part of the Ultra Cup South Africa Series and covers some 52 kilometres along the Southern Drakensberg.

The friendly City of Port Elizabeth offers 40 kilometres of magnificent beaches with warm water and calm seas. These beaches offer safe and sheltered swimming in an eco-friendly environment.

For the super-fit, training for triathlons is a big deal in this part of the world. A major event on the calendar of the super-fit is the Sunshine Coast Triathlon that kicks off from Orient Beach, East London with a 750 metre swim, 20 kilometre bike ride and a 5 kilometre run.

There are a number of excellent golf courses in the Eastern Cape. A popular option includes the East London Golf Club. The St Francis Bay Links is a new addition to the varied number of golf courses and golf estates in the Eastern Cape.

Kayaking is very popular in this part of the world. Take your kayak along the Kromme River or into the Marina at St Francis Bay. An added bonus are the sightings of otter, dolphins, penguins and whales.

While it’s renowned for surfing, Jeffrey’s Bay is also known as an excellent deep sea fishing destination. Head out to sea and try catching reef fish such as Tuna, Dorado and Cape Salmon.

Test your mountain biking skills in the forests around Stutterheim or Hogsback. Endurance can be challenged around the valleys and hills of Rhodes or go for multi-day rides in the spectacular Baviaanskloof.

The Eastern Cape boasts some of the most popular hiking trails in South Africa. The Otter Trail is famous and for good reason (you need to book about a year in advance). Hiking trails along the beaches of the Wild Coast are also popular