Eastern Cape

Eastern Cape

Regarded as South Africa’s ‘wild’ province, the Eastern Cape features expanses of untouched beach, bush and forest that yield a plethora of visitor activities and attractions. more
Art Versatile, East London

This young Xhosa artist has a game plan, good art education grounding, a style of his own and ambitions to sell his work around the world. more
Uniondale to Patensie – below the Baviaans

When driving Route 62 in the Eastern Cape province from the town of Uniondale eastwards, you are never very far from the spirit and the culture of the ancient Khoikhoi people who lived here. more
Bedford Rosarium, Eastern Cape

Heritage roses always have stories – where they came from, how they were rediscovered. Bedford in the Eastern Cape has a sanctuary for these charismatic old roses. more

More about Eastern Cape

The Horse Memorial, Port Elizabeth

From pioneer work horses to war horses, farm horses to outride horses, horses in South Africa have a rich and varied history. more

Wild Coast horseback safaris

Vast stretches of desolate beaches combine with lush natural beauty to make the Wild Coast a top-notch destination for exhilarating beach-and-bush horseback safaris. more

Hole in the Wall, Wild Coast

Millions of years ago, waves punched a hole through the middle of a large cliff stranded offshore, leaving the Hole in the Wall. more

1Piri-Piri

Early Portuguese settlers introduced the sacana chilli to South Africa and it is now central to South African flavour repertoires. Whether it's spelled peri-peri or piri-piri we love this hot little number in sauces and spices.

2Biltong

Biltong is Afrikaans term, derived from the Dutch words bil 'buttock' + tong 'tongue'. Lean strips of beef or venison are cured in coriander and vinegar before being allowed to air dry. Biltong is an essential snack when watching sport, hiking, going on a road trip and it works a treat on teething babies.

3Sosatie

The term sosatie probably derives from the Malay kebabs called satay. Cubes of meat, usually lamb or mutton, are marinated in a picante mixture of vinegar, turmeric and curry powder before being interlaced with onion and dried apricot on a skewer and grilled. Delicious!

4Braaivleis or Chisa nyama

Whether you prefer the Afrikaans term, braai (barbeque) or the Zulu phrase, Chisa nyama, cooking our food outdoors over an open wood/coal/ or gas fire is as South African as food gets! Chisa nyama is also used to mean township butchery/ steak house venues.

5Boerewors

Boerewors, or farmer's sausage is a classic South African food stuff. Classically, it's made from a mixture of beef and pork, and seasoned with coriander, but don't be surprised to see flavour variations that include cloves, chilli, cheese, chutney and chakalaka!

6Koeksisters and koesisters

Koeksister with a 'k' refers to the Afrikaans term for a plaited yeast doughnut that is deep fried then dipped in ginger-flavoured syrup. Cape Malay koesisters are oval yeast beignets that are also deep fried, dipped in syrup and rolled in dessicated coconut.

7Bunny chow

Street food first developed by South Africans of Indian origin whereby curry is placed inside a hollowed out loaf of bread. There are township variations such as spatlho and the kwata or kota.

8Chakalaka

A spicy cooked vegetable relish of Zulu origin with Indian fusion influences. The base consists of a cooked relish made from tomatoes, onions, carrots, and chillies. Thereafter cooks choose to add peppers, cauliflower, cabbage or baked beans. Tinned forms can be oily so go for a homemade version.

9Pap or maize meal

Pap is a thick porridge made from maize meal, that's eaten as a staple food throughout South Africa. A favorite starch to enjoy with a meat stew, it can be dressed up or down to go with just about any meal.

10Rooibos

Not technically a food but rather an essential break-time beverage. This indigenous shrub is commonly brewed as a tea but is also used as a seasoning, a flavourant and it's revered for its soothing medicinal properties.