The Windermere Hotel

Activities

• The main draw must be the 2 excellent game parks 80km inland. One is the Addo National Park, originally an ‘elephant park’ (the re-introduction of buffalo and lions has allowed it to evolve to 'Big 5' status)
  
  
• The second park is a private reserve at Shamwari, which in addition to the 'Big 5' boasts a conservation centre and an African ‘village’ with traditional arts and dancing, all of which are open to non-residents. Best of all, both parks are malaria-free (unlike the Kruger), though you will need to start early (around 7am) if you’re going to catch the animals before the heat of the day makes them lethargic
  
  
• The other big attraction is the 40km stretch of sandy coastline around Port Elizabeth, starting a stone’s throw from the hotel at Humewood Beach. Swimming, body-surfing, snorkelling, windsurfing and jet-skiing are possible from the city’s beaches.
  
  
• Divers can head to Hobie Beach (5km) to explore the coral reefs, wrecks and marine life - steenbras, red roman, musselcrackers, anemones, feather stars, sponges, not to mention the friendly bottlenosed dolphin - with Prodive, the only 5-star dive centre in the East Cape