Route 72 on the Sunshine Coast

Africa's Sunshine Coast stretches along the Route 72 from the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole (incorporating Port Elizabeth) in the west along hundreds of kilometres of sandy beaches to the Buffalo City Metropole (incorporating East London) in the east, and northwards to the historically rich region of the Frontier Country.  Richly blessed with an array of different landscapes, this is where many of South Africa's cultures first met. 

Attractions include some of the world’s best sandy beaches, dune fields and sandstone rocky outcrops, a full variety of water sports (including world class surfing, sailing and snorkelling), quality golf courses, historical trails, a variety of Eco-walks and attractions, many annual festivals and welcoming locals.  Less than an hour from the coast – in Frontier Country, one is able to view the Big 5 in a malaria-free area which boasts a unique bio-diversity, or ramble through the agricultural valleys to sample their hospitality and local fare.

The coastline boasts a lush network of rivers, lagoons, estuaries and grassy plains and includes South Africa's only river port at the mouth of the Buffalo River in East London. It is in this region that the visitor is fully exposed to the cultural heritage of the Xhosa nation, and several quality crafting and cultural experiences can be found here.