RISE IN THE BIRTHPLACE OF NELSON MANDELA INCENTIVE FACT BOOK Addo Elephant National Park EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE

The dramatic scenery of the Eastern Cape was the background to the formative years of many of ’s struggle heroes, such as Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki and Robert Sobukwe. With a rich history that spans many chapters in South Africa’s heritage, from the mighty Xhosa chieftains to the turbulent days of colonialism, the trekkers and to the fight against apartheid, it is also a province known for wild adventure experiences and exciting sightseeing opportunities. With a coastline that stretches over 800km and with large tracts of unspoilt wilderness, the Eastern Cape is known as a “Big 7”* wildlife destination. It is here that your delegates can enjoy both bush and beach experiences, as well as the laid-back cosmopolitan atmosphere of Nelson Mandela Bay () and Buffalo City (East London). From the pristine beaches of the Wild Coast, to the plains of Addo Elephant National Park, and the highest bungee jump from a bridge in the world at Bloukrans Bridge, the Eastern Cape is an excellent incentive and team- building destination. 1 The Boardwalk Hotel – Port Elizabeth

2 KEY ATTRACTIONS AND INSPIRING ACTIVITIES:

• TAKE A BIG 7* SAFARI: One of the few • LEARN ABOUT TRADITIONAL XHOSA places in the world where you can see CULTURE: In the Eastern Cape, your the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and delegates will have the opportunity to elephant) plus whales and great white explore traditional Xhosa culture – learn sharks. Delegates will be blown away by about cultural practises and enjoy the the opportunity of a game drive in one singing and dancing and marriage of the wilderness reserves, followed by a customs when visiting one of the marine adventure looking out for huge authentic cultural villages in the province. creatures of the deep. • FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF • THE VALLEY OF DESOLATION: For MADIBA: Nelson Rohlihlahla Mandela something completely different, have was born in the village of Qunu in the your group take a 4x4 trip into the rural Eastern Cape, yet there are many incredible valleys and sheer cliffs of places in the province where visitors can the Valley of Desolation. Part of the follow his life’s journey and the journey Camdeboo National Park and operated of other struggle heroes such as Oliver by SANParks, there a number of outdoor Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Chris Hani and activities on offer, including hiking and Steve Biko. Organise a tour for your birding in spectacular scenery. delegates to be inspired by the incredible landscapes that formed his childhood • BUNGEE: For team-building memories as you follow his journey opportunities, your more adventurous across the Eastern Cape. delegates may want to bungee jump off Bloukrans Bridge. For those who • TAKE A TOUR: Experience prefer ‘soft adventure’, there are walking life in the townships on the outskirts of tours onto the bridge for perfect photo East London and Port Elizabeth, enjoy opportunities. spending some time with the local folk – buy a few homemade objects, and enjoy • HORSE-RIDING AT ADDO: You won’t the local music and perhaps taste some miss an elephant sighting if you book local beer at a tavern and eat marogo at your delegates to enjoy a horse-riding a nearby restaurant. adventure at Addo Elephant National Park. The vast national park has over 450 • MAGNIFICENT BEACHES: From the elephants and is an ecological gem in the numerous Blue Flag beaches in Port area. You can also enjoy hiking trails, 4x4 Elizabeth to the exquisite stretches of trails and marine eco-adventures. unspoilt sand along the Wild Coast, the Eastern Cape is home to some of the • LEARN TO SURF IN J-BAY: Jeffreys Bay finest beaches in the country. is known as the surfing capital of South Africa. As a result, there are some surf • THE ADVENTURE PROVINCE: If your schools in the area just waiting to teach delegates love an adrenalin rush, then your delegates a thing or two about look no further than the Eastern Cape, also getting onto a board and heading out known as ‘the Adventure Province’. With into the ocean. While no-one has any abseiling, surfing, kayaking, paragliding, great expectations for beginners, it’s a hiking, deep-sea diving and a host of soft fun activity and a great team-building and extreme adventures, there are no dull opportunity. moments in this part of the world. 3 The Boardwalk – Port Elizabeth

4 EASTERN CAPE: PORT ELIZABETH

Rise with the spirit of the • North America: Washington, Friendly City New York • South America: Buenos Aires, Your delegates will find so much to see and Sao Paolo do in the ‘friendly city’ of Port Elizabeth. • Asia: Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, The Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Mumbai, Singapore District links the city of Port Elizabeth with • Australia: Perth, Sydney the industrial inland towns of , Despatch and Colchester. From exploring • Africa: All major cities the beautiful beaches that surround the city to feasting on exquisite seafood with a view Port Elizabeth is also accessible via of the ocean to the wonderful museums, highways from both and nearby golf courses and all the fun on offer . A road journey from at the Boardwalk Entertainment Complex, Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth will take there really is so much on offer for the about 10-11 hours and from Cape Town delegate who enjoys a variety of attractions to Port Elizabeth it is about 8-9 hours. and activities as part of their overall experience of a city. Another highlight Where to stay is that Nelson Mandela Bay experiences excellent weather all year round, with mild There are over 2 289 graded hotel rooms winters and long, warm summers. in and around Port Elizabeth, from luxury boutique hotels to top-class city hotels, Accessibility bed-and-breakfasts and exquisite private game lodges in the surrounding areas. Situated along the shores of , Port Elizabeth is easily accessible The Boardwalk Hotel is a popular choice from the major urban centres via Port in the city, as is the Radisson Blu and the Elizabeth International Airport. The Protea Hotel Marine. The Bushman Sands airport is regularly serviced by local and Hotel and Golf Course is a popular choice national airlines. (especially with golfers, as the name suggests). If your delegates are looking for From Johannesburg’s OR Tambo something a bit different, they might want International Airport and Cape to stay at the African Pride Pumba Private Town International Airport, there Game Reserve for a bush experience. are connections around the globe. Further afield (about an hour and a half International flight connections include: from Port Elizabeth) is the award-winning Shamwari Game Reserve, with a number • Europe: Amsterdam, Frankfurt, of lodges and camps on offer. Istanbul, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Munich, Paris, Zurich • Middle East: Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Dubai, Jeddah 5 Summerstrand Dunes Boardwalk – Port Elizabeth

6 Exceptional incentive activities • FOR FANTASTIC WILDLIFE EXPERIENCES: Both the Kragga • A CRUISE TO THE ST CROIX ISLAND Kamma Game Park and Seaview MARINE RESERVE: Is a highlight for Game and Lion Park are situated close visitors to Port Elizabeth. This is home by, giving delegates the chance to to the largest breeding colony of interact with creatures of the wild. African penguins – there are over 20 000 of them. Bottlenose dolphins • ADDO ELEPHANT BACK SAFARIS: are also often spotted from the boats, Guests get to ride on the back of an and sea birds, shipwrecks and Cape elephant (with a guide) so you can fur seals will probably all make an enjoy the scenery from an altogether appearance. different viewpoint.

• THE RED LOCATION MUSEUM: Is • WALKING TOUR OF PORT ELIZABETH: an award-winning museum where With its rich history and variety of visitors can explore the struggle attractions, delegates can enjoy a for freedom, situated on the site walking tour of the city – stopping off of the city’s first black township. It at the Campanile (commemorating is definitely worth a visit for some the 1 820 settlers), Donkin Reserve, insight into the past. Vuyisile Mini Square, Fort Frederick and South End Museum. • THE IBHAYI SUNSHINE SAUNTER: Is a circular self-drive route that highlights • HUMEWOOD GOLF COURSE: Is one the gorgeous western seaboard of of the finest courses in the country Port Elizabeth. Visit lush countryside and golf-loving delegates may want and stop off for tea as you view the to enjoy the course that spans 18 whales and the dolphins. There are holes and is 6 390 metres long. There places to picnic, rock pools and coves, is a well-appointed clubhouse with a all worth exploring – perfect for fantastic view of the ocean. delegates who wish to self-drive.

7 International Convention Centre – East London

8 EASTERN CAPE: EAST LONDON

Rise with the spirit of • South America: Buenos Aires, Buffalo City Sao Paolo • Asia: Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, East London (or Buffalo City) is the only Mumbai, Singapore river port in South Africa and has a laid- • Australia: Perth, Sydney back charm all of its own. There is a lot • Africa: All major cities to explore and experience around the city – from the famous East London Museum (and its fantastic coelacanth East London is also accessible via display) to a number of choice galleries highways from both Cape Town and architectural landmarks, as well as and Johannesburg. A journey from some very fine beaches and entertainment Johannesburg to East London will take venues. For nature lovers, there is lots to about 9-10, while a drive from Cape do in the city and surrounding areas, and Town will take 11-12 hours. there are some excellent golf courses in the region. For entertainment, there are lots of Where to stay restaurants and pubs, and several places to enjoy the relaxed vibes of this coastal town. There are many excellent hotels in this growing city. When it comes to graded Accessibility establishments, there are 2 109 hotel rooms to choose from: East London is easily accessible from the major urban centres via East London • 29 five-star rooms Airport. The airport is regularly serviced • 716 four-star rooms by local and national airlines. • 1 364 three-star rooms

From Johannesburg’s OR International For business-type hotels, you might Tambo Airport and Cape Town want to consider the Premier Hotel International Airport, there are King David, Premier Hotel Regent or connections around the globe. the Premier Hotel East London ICC – all International flight connections include: very convenient and perfectly good city hotels, with all the amenities. There is also • Europe: Amsterdam, Frankfurt, the Blue Lagoon Hotel and Conference Istanbul, London, Luxembourg, Centre, and Southern Sun Hemingways Madrid, Munich, Paris, Zurich to consider. For a country experience, you • Middle East: Abu Dhabi, Cairo, can opt for the Quarry Lake Inn, and for a Dubai, Jeddah brush of the bushveld, there is Mpongo Private Game Reserve. A number of • North America: Washington, boutique hotels and guesthouses are also New York on offer.

9 International Convention Centre – East London

10 Exceptional incentive activities City Hall (1897); the Edwardian-style Ann Bryant art gallery; as well as the XHOSA CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: Multicultural Memorial and German Delegates will enjoy a Xhosa Cultural Settler Monument and the fascinating Tour where they will get to learn more Calgary Transport Museum. about the Xhosa people and interact with the local community by visiting NAHOON POINT NATURE RESERVE: a traditional village and experiencing A network of boardwalks connects the many facets of Xhosa culture. pathways at the Nahoon Point Nature A half-day or full-day tour is very Reserve, designed specifically to protect interactive and includes singing and the delicate sand dunes. It is in Bat’s dancing, local storytelling, shared Cave that the ‘oldest footprints in the traditional meals and the opportunity world’ were located, and you’ll find the to buy local arts and crafts. whole story in the educational centre. The meandering boardwalks could be a ECO-ADVENTURES: The Eastern Cape is great opportunity for a ‘treasure hunt’ of a fantastic destination for team-building sorts, and delegates could celebrate with and East London is a great place to start coffee and cake at Footprints Café, with your group’s eco-adventure journey. its significant sea views. The experiences can be made up of various activities (depending on the TOWNSHIP FUN: Delegates will enjoy group), ranging from learning to surf to a township experience when visiting snorkeling, fishing, sand-boarding and East London. The township tours are even abseiling. Packages can be tailor interactive and visitors can explore a made for the group, depending on levels local herbal shop, and perhaps even of fitness and time available. buy a few remedies as well as visit the taxi rank and enjoy local beer at a CITY TOUR: Visitors to East London can’t township shebeen. Jazz evenings can go back home without exploring the also be arranged. There are a number of main attractions of the city, including historically significant townships close to the East London Museum, which houses East London, including and an incredible large natural science Duncan Village. collection (including the world’s only dodo egg). The installations include a GONUBIE NATURE RESERVE: Take a day world-renowned collection of Nguni trip to the Gonubie Nature Reserve, beading and traditional Xhosa artifacts known for over 130 bird species. and artworks. Don’t miss the maritime Fantastic walks are available in the displays, including a model of the indigenous forests and coastal areas and coelacanth (an ancient fish species that the facilities are excellent. This is a good was considered to be extinct until an East place to experience nature without being London fisherman caught one in 1938). too far from East London. Delegates may There is also Gately House, built in 1878 enjoy a packed picnic with some local and the residence of the first mayor, John delicacies for lunch. Gately; the magnificent architecture of

11 Coachman’s Restaurant – Port Elizabeth

12 CRUISING: There are various options for Cintsa is a great option for incentive cruising in and around East London and travellers. This pristine part of the world this is always a popular option whether offers some of the province’s finest you would like to send your participants beaches and groups can vary from on a sea cruise around the city or on a beginners to more experienced riders. river cruise. Sundowners and snacks are Take in the exquisite scenery of the area generally provided as part of the deal and dine on fine seafood at one of the and can provide an option for relaxing local eateries. networking at the end of a long day. IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF OUR STRUGGLE WILD COAST WALKING TRAILS: HEROES: For delegates who enjoy Among the highlights of the region are history, the Eastern Cape and East the walking trails along the exquisite London have so much on offer. Historical Wild Coast. The length and luxury of tours that follow the life and times these trails can vary depending on the of Nelson Mandela can be arranged, group’s or the delegate’s needs. Local including Qunu and Mthatha. One can guides accompany you on these trails, also experience the incredible life of telling stories of the region and the Steve Biko by exploring the Amatole various points of attraction as they region from East London to Alice or go along. Porters are also available to by visiting the Steve Biko Garden of carry gear to make the excursion more Remembrance, Biko House and the new comfortable. Steve Biko Centre at Ginsberg.

HORSE RIDING AT CINTSA: When it comes to exploring the wild beauty of the area, a horse-riding safari in scenic

13 Hole in the Wall – Eastern Cape

THE TIME TO RISE IS NOW. JOIN US.

For destination expertise and convention planning support, contact the South Africa National Convention Bureau. T: +27 11 895 3000 E: [email protected] W: www.businessevents.southafrica.net