We thought we knew South Africa. We knew the big cities, the popular holiday destinations and the beaches everyone talks about. But after spending a few days travelling through the Eastern Cape, we realised just how much of our own country there is still left to discover.

Our Sho’t Left Travel Week journey took us from KuGompo and Mdantsane through Chintsa, Port Alfred, St Francis Bay and Colchester — and every stop revealed another side of the province.

We started in KuGompo, East London, with lunch before heading into Mdantsane with Uncuthu Tours. The township experience gave us an opportunity to experience the history, culture, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the community.

From there, we headed towards the coast for sundowners and dinner at ZaZa Beach Club before making our way to Chintsa. Our stay at Olivewood was one of the highlights of the trip. The estate was beautiful, peaceful and luxurious, with stunning rooms that made it easy to unwind.

The next morning brought more adventure. We explored the area before heading to Areena Riverside Resort for outdoor activities. From zip lining and quad biking to the possibility of Segway tours and canoeing along the Kwelera River, there was no shortage of ways to experience the landscape.

The quad biking was a personal highlight because it allowed us to explore more of the surrounding land and nature reserve. After working up an appetite, we returned to Olivewood for lunch, where I had what I can confidently call one of the best lamb shanks I’ve ever eaten.

From Chintsa, we continued towards Port Alfred, stopping at the Big Pineapple in Bathurst before checking into Mpekweni Beach Resort.

But then came St Francis Bay — and this was one of the biggest surprises of the entire journey.

The drive there was long, but because I was well rested, I didn’t feel the need to sleep. Instead, I spent the journey taking in the breathtaking scenery. It was another reminder of just how beautiful South Africa is and why we need to protect the natural spaces we have.

As we entered St Francis Bay, I immediately noticed that this was a completely different side of the Eastern Cape. The impressive homes lining the canals, the boats and the overall atmosphere gave the town an unmistakably sophisticated and luxurious feel.

We stopped for lunch before checking into Cape St Francis Resort, where I was fortunate enough to get an incredible room. After several days of travelling, it felt like exactly what I needed.

Before dinner, we were offered a massage — and it turned out to be one of the best massages I’ve ever had. By the time it was finished, I was completely relaxed. It was what I needed before I even realised I needed it.

Then came dinner.

Being next to the ocean meant I had made it my mission to try as much seafood as possible. I started with calamari before being served a plate of big prawns. The only problem was that by the time my main course arrived, I was already full. But that was the story of the entire trip: travel, explore, eat, repeat.

The official itinerary also included a boat cruise and sundowners in St Francis Bay, giving us another opportunity to experience the coastline from the water.

After dinner, I went back to my room, took a shower and had one of the best sleeps of the trip.

Our final adventure took us to Colchester for sandboarding across the Alexandria coastal dune fields with Sundays River Adventures.

Looking back, the Eastern Cape gave us everything: culture, adventure, luxury, history, incredible food, beautiful accommodation and landscapes that constantly surprised us.

But perhaps the biggest lesson was that we don’t always have to travel far to find something extraordinary.

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“It’s Your Country. Enjoy It! Nothing’s More Fun Than a Sho’t Left.”

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