The Eastern Cape is home to many quaint small towns, surrounded by diverse ecologies from semi-desert to tropical coastline. The FIFA 2010 World Cup season in South Africa is mid-winter, so for a week’s trip you can have it all – from sun and sea to skiing in the snow.

Take the N2 to Grahamstown then follow the R67 to Fort Beaufort then on to Hogsback. JRR Tolkien is said to have gained his inspiration for The Lord of the Rings in this delightful village. Stay at the Hogsback Inn with its open fire and hearty fare.


From Hogsback make your way to Queenstown on the N4 then onto Aliwal North and Lady Grey.


The Mountain View Country Inn offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape with welcoming country hospitality. Spend the day at the Cape Vulture Sanctuary and get a glimpse of the rare bearded vulture or Lammergeyer.


The village of Rhodes takes you into the Southern Drakensberg Mountains. During periods of harsh weather Rhodes can be cut off for days, so check weather forecasts ahead. Stay at the Rhodes Hotel and enjoy a hearty meal at the Partridge Pot restaurant. (If you like fly-fishing, rent rods and have a cast at Moshesh’s Ford.)


Then on to Tiffindell. If there’s no snow these guys will make it for you with their snow machine. This is the little Switzerland of South Africa, and there can be nothing more unique than snowboarding or skiing in Africa!


Contrast the snow with hot springs in Aliwal North at the Aliwal Spa Holiday Resort. The therapeutic effect of the 34°C spring water will soothe your aching bones after your skiing experience.


If beaches are more you thing, then follow the coastal highlights of the Eastern Cape to an area known as the Wild Coast. Although the main route to East London from Port Elizabeth is the N2, rather take the R72 via Port Alfred. The scenery is superb on this coastal road.


Join the N2 and head towards Morgan Bay. The Morgan Bay Hotel is right on the beach or camping at Double Mouth puts you on a sea facing campsite with amazing views and great facilities.


Rejoin the N2 for another 50km to Butterworth and turn off to Mazeppa Bay. This, like most establishments along the Transkei coast, is a full board hotel, offering fresh line fish and good local cuisine. Walk to the end of the point, accessible by suspension bridge. Relax on the beach and swim in mild waters protected by the bay.


Head back to the N2 until Umtata and the turn off to Coffee Bay. This is a very popular backpacker resort and features the unique geological feature of the hole in the wall.


Stay in the Hole in the Wall Hotel, and eat at the Lily Lodge Restaurant in Coffee Bay. The resort is littered with crafts specific to the Xhosa people and the Transkei.


Another 50km north on the N2 is the town of Port St Johns. Stay at the quaint Gecko Moon Guest house. The beaches are pristine so spend time taking long walks. Breakfast at the Linga Longa Tea Room and eat freshly caught seafood at Whale Watchers restaurant.


On your return to Port Elizabeth plan an overnight stop in Cintsa, just north of East London. Stay at Cintsa Lodge and take the funicular to Michaelas Restaurant, with 360 degree panoramic views of the coast.

Head far up North and experience the bush in all its splendour Polokwane in the Limpopo Province and Nelspruit in Mpumalanga, both gateways to the Kruger National Park - and the ultimate African getaway.

• SouthAfrica.net