The PCO Alliance Network continued Tourism month with a small contingent of members doing a tour around some of the Eastern Cape last week. We visited the Addo Wildlife Reserve first where we viewed the beautiful property. It was the chosen venue for the SAACI National Conference 2023, which was a great success. The facilities and cottages are nestled around a small grassy plain with Springboks as one’s next door neighbours. We continued to Africanos Lodge which is quite fabulous. Their large venue – which is their pride and joy – can easily seat 200 people for a conference or wedding. Their Sushi Bar is memorable.
At Hopefield B & B in Addo Valley, Nicky and her staff welcomed us like old friends. Their property is tranquil and beautiful – and one’s lunch or dinner will include African risotto and salads made with home grown vegetables and herbs. To end our tour of Addo we did a walk around, and high tea at Avoca River Lodges and Estate. Tracey and her family welcomed us and as Tracey walked us around this magnificent property overlooking the Sundays River – we viewed gorgeous riverside chalets and bespoke function venues, where they cater for many weddings and functions.
We then went on to Nelson Mandela Bay where we visited the NMB Stadium – very cool and some great venues on offer. We also went to Werks – a multi space work place which had craftsmen, a brewery, Italian restaurant, rock climbing spot and very different event spaces.
Boardwalk Hotel did a site inspection of their conference venues and spaces, and beautiful accommodation – all with a lovely view of the Indian Ocean. Ginger Restaurant treated us to a delicious lunch – also a great venue for group dining.
We were invited to the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Awards at The Tramways, which was such an honour and were accommodated at the Town Lodge, lovely modern and comfortable hotel.
Continuing the Eastern Cape tour took us to the Kiera Municipality where we visited The Boma and The Plantation venues – which are absolutely gorgeous – surrounded by forest and woodlands. There are apparently 7 different biomes on these two adjacent properties. Then on to Pabala Game Reserve. They have their own bee hives on the property and have 3 different honeys. We were treated to a cheese and honey pairing and then a very interesting game drive.
After this we travelled to Cape St Francis Resort. They have a lovely large conference venue and a smaller one. Joe Fish on site doubles up as a gorgeous seafood restaurant and a large group dining facility. The Beach House accommodation – on the beach was fabulous!
Our last port of call on this momentous tour was Mentors Country Estate outside of Jeffrey’s Bay. The property is really impressive – they have their own rugby field. Their venues range from 40 pax to 850 pax in various superb venues. That concluded our Eastern Cape Tour. What an incredible experience all round. It is so true about what the Port Elizabeth slogan is – The Friendly City. It is absolutely and we thank Addo Tourism, Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism, Kouga Tourism and all the fabulous and interesting venues that we visited and stayed at.
