Sometimes the best adventures are not found on a plane halfway across the world. Sometimes, they are right here at home, waiting to be discovered. Our latest journey took us to the Eastern Cape, a province filled with dramatic coastlines, rich history, incredible food and stories that deserve to be told.
We were invited to explore the Eastern Cape, recently highlighted under the name GoKompo, a destination that immediately reminded us that travel is about more than beautiful views — it is about understanding the places we visit.
WHERE THE OCEAN TELLS A STORY
There is something special about being beside the ocean. In the Eastern Cape, even the name KuGompo is connected to the sound of the sea. It is said to come from the melodic, rumbling sound of ocean waves — “gompo, gompo” — crashing against Ilitye likaGompo, known today as Cove Rock.
But Cove Rock is more than a spectacular coastal landmark. It carries deep spiritual and historical significance. It is regarded as a sacred site where amaXhosa kings, chiefs and prophets, including Makhanda (Nxele), gathered for rituals and spiritual renewal during the frontier wars.
Standing beside the water, it is easy to appreciate how places like this can hold memories that stretch across generations.
Our coastal experience continued at Grazia and Zaza Beach Club, where the ocean is practically part of the atmosphere. You can hear the waves in the background while enjoying the surroundings — and, in my case, doing exactly what I had planned from the beginning: eating as much seafood as possible.
Being this close to the ocean made the decision an easy one. Thankfully, the food did not disappoint.
DISCOVERING MDANTSANE
The journey then took us inland to Mdantsane, a place I realised I knew very little about despite its enormous significance. Recognised as South Africa’s second-largest township, Mdantsane is a community shaped by culture, resilience and a history that cannot be separated from the broader story of South Africa.
One of the most powerful stories we encountered was that of the Egerton Railway Station Bus Boycott Massacre.
On 18 July 1983, workers in Mdantsane and East London began a bus boycott after an unannounced five-cent increase in bus fares by the Ciskei Transport Corporation. Residents refused to use the buses and instead turned to trains and taxis, protesting against the transport system and the wider apartheid-era homeland government.
What began as a protest would have devastating consequences.
On 4 August 1983, commuters gathered at Egerton Railway Station in Mdantsane. Police and state-backed vigilantes, known as the Green Berets, attempted to prevent people from boarding trains. Gunfire followed.
Eleven people were killed and 36 commuters were injured.
Learning about this history while physically standing in the community gives the story a different weight. These are not simply dates and statistics in a textbook. They are stories connected to real people, families and a community that continues to carry its history.
WHERE SPORT MEETS COMMUNITY
Mdantsane’s story is also one of culture, entertainment and sport. We visited Sisa Dukashe Stadium, one of the township’s most recognisable landmarks.
The multi-purpose stadium, located in Unit 2, has long served as an important sporting and community venue. With a capacity of roughly 15,000 to 17,000 people, it has hosted football, rugby and major public events.
Built in the 1970s, the stadium has become more than a sporting facility. It represents the role that sport plays in bringing communities together — creating moments of celebration, competition and collective pride.
For visitors, it offers another perspective of Mdantsane: a place whose identity is not defined only by its past, but also by the energy and aspirations of its people.
THE ADVENTURE IS CLOSER
What stood out most from this journey was the sheer variety of the Eastern Cape. Within one trip, we moved from the sound of crashing waves and seafood by the coast to sacred heritage sites, township history and sporting culture.
And perhaps that is the biggest reminder: you don’t always have to travel far to find an adventure.
Sometimes you simply need to look again at the places you thought you knew.
The Eastern Cape isn’t just somewhere to pass through. It is a destination to taste, listen to, learn from and experience — and if you are anything like me, you should probably leave some extra room for the seafood.
Check out specials on the Sho’t Left Website for exciting travel deals
“It’s Your Country. Enjoy It! Nothing’s More Fun Than a Sho’t Left.”
#SouthAfricanTourism
#TravelWiseMzansi | #ItsMySouthAfrica | #Reason2Travel |
#TravelWeek26