Plan your next weekend coastal escape at these Eastern Cape port towns

SSome of the highlights include: 

• Bird Watching at Umzimvubu Retreat - Are you into bird watching? Well, over 40 species of birds have been identified in the Umzimvubu Retreat alone… that also includes the oh-so-rare Cape Parrot! Venture into the forests off-site, the bass dam for water birds specifically and do try some Fish Eagle spotting.
• Visit Cape Hermes Lighthouse - If you're up for a lighthouse experience, this one is located just past the entrance to Mzimvubu River, First Beach on the right side, on a bright green patch of grass and is enclosed by quaint wooden fencing. From the lighthouse, you can view landscapes of mountain ranges, a never ending ocean and a river mouth diverting canals into the ocean. A lighthouse experience in a small dorpie is indeed, a 'must do', because these situations of lighthouses and small towns going together are quite rare! 
• Get fishy in Port St Johns - You don't go to Port St Johns and not fish! Fishing on the Wild Coast is a staple activity that every Wild Coast explorer should do. Let's say you chose the Mzimvubu River as your fishing destination... well, you could not have made a better choice, because garrick fish is very popular from October towards the end of the year. Make sure you've packed in your fishing gear and equipment... you don't want the other guys to outshine you.

Port Elizabeth - Port Elizabeth Harbour & Port Ngqura

This port town, lovingly known as 'The Friendly City', is probably the best known town in the Eastern Cape. It houses not just one, but two ports! Its main one - the Port Elizabeth Harbour - as well as a smaller one - Port Ngqura.

WWhile some might consider PE to be a snooze-fest, there's actually plenty to do and keep you entertained.

Some of the highlights include:

• Hike the Island Nature Reserve - Get outdoors and get hiking! Port Elizabeth has some of the best hiking trails to explore with beautiful sights to see as you go along the various routes. With a network of hiking trails, expect beautiful scenery and a great outdoor adventure for the whole family to enjoy. Bring along some food as there is a great place to braai or setup a picnic. The venue can be accessed via the Seaview Road turn off along the national road and operates daily. 
• Take a tour of the Volkswagen factory and Auto Pavilion - Car enthusiasts can be sure to trace the history and development of beloved automotive brand Volkswagen. You can time travel and see vehicles from the past and concepts for the future and enjoy a mobile tour of the factory taking you into the heart of the operation as you see where the cars are assembled. They are open weekdays between 08:30 and 16:00 and every first Saturday of the month from 10:00 to 13:00 and can be found at 103 Algoa Rd, Uitenhage. 
• Stroll along the Route 67 Art and Heritage Walk - If you're in a group, you should consider taking a walking tour of some of the most historic and famed places in Port Elizabeth. Start at the Donkin Reserve and Tourism Information Office and grab a guide. To walk the Route 67 is to walk through the history of South Africa and one of its most iconic sons, Nelson Mandela. Browse 67 pieces of art from 67 local artists in 67 steps. It is best to experience this during daylight hours and the route starts at Campanile in Strand Street, but do consider starting at the Donkin Reserve. 
• Play a round at Planet Paintball - For a day of fast-paced, adrenaline-filled adventure, go out and play a round or two of paintball! Experience the thrill, and challenge, of trying to avoid paintballs flying at you at incredible speed. Suitable for children and better suited to larger groups, the Planet Paintball staff will ensure you have a fun, and safe, day filled with laughter and smiles.
  
• educational facts about marine life at this Oceanarium, snake park and museum. Bayworld is home to endless educational discoveries, including a 15-metre skeleton of the last Southern Right whale. The Oceanarium also features live seal shows and an underwater observation area - perfect for kids curious about life under the sea.