London, UK – The energy at this year’s World Travel Market (WTM) in London is palpable. Amidst the vibrant chaos of global destinations vying for attention, I had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Thandiswa George, the Senior Manager for Destination Marketing and Information Services at Buffalo City Tourism. With a warmth that instantly transports you from the bustling ExCeL London to the sunny shores of the Eastern Cape, Thandiswa is a passionate and knowledgeable ambassador for her region.

As we settled in, I was struck by her opening words, a powerful invitation that set the tone for our entire conversation: “For too long, the world has seen only a fraction of what South Africa has to offer. We invite you to discover the untapped magic of the Eastern Cape, the authentic South Africa that awaits.”

Dali: Thandiswa, for UK tour operators who primarily sell Cape Town and Kruger, what is the unique selling proposition of Buffalo City and the Eastern Cape?

Thandiswa: That’s a wonderful question, Dali. While Cape Town and Kruger are undeniably jewels in our country’s crown, the Eastern Cape offers a different, more profound experience. We are the Birthplace of Legends. This is the land of Nelson Mandela, born in Mvezo near the breathtaking Wild Coast. It’s a region steeped in the rich, vibrant heritage of the Xhosa people. A visit here isn’t just a holiday; it’s a pilgrimage to the very soul of our nation.

But we also offer the classic safari experience, and we do it with a unique advantage. We have a wealth of malaria-free, family-friendly Big Five private game reserves, like Shamwari, Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve, Kwandwe, and Pumba, all within a short drive. And of course, there’s the iconic Addo Elephant National Park, a sanctuary for one of the densest elephant populations in Africa.

Then there is our untouched coastline. The Wild Coast is a place of raw, dramatic beauty, with cliff-hanging hikes that will take your breath away, traditional villages where you can experience authentic Xhosa hospitality, and the iconic Hole in the Wall landmark. It’s a photographer’s dream and an adventurer’s paradise.

And at the heart of it all is East London and the Buffalo City Metro, our vibrant urban hub. It’s the perfect gateway, offering all the city comforts your clients could need. We have the fascinating East London Museum, home to the coelacanth, a prehistoric fish thought to be extinct, and the world-renowned Nahoon Surfing Reef.

Dali: Let’s talk logistics. How easy is it for a UK tourist to get to you?

Thandiswa: It’s surprisingly simple, and we have several excellent options for every type of traveler.

• Option 1 (The Classic Route):Your clients can fly direct from London Heathrow (LHR) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg with British Airways or Virgin Atlantic. From there, it’s a quick, easy, and scenic connecting flight with our trusted domestic carriers, South African Airlink or CemAir, directly to East London (ELS).
• Option 2 (The Scenic Start):For those who want to begin their journey in the Mother City, they can fly direct from LHR to Cape Town (CPT). After a few days exploring its iconic landmarks, they can take a short domestic flight to Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha) to visit Addo Elephant Park, and then enjoy a beautiful coastal drive up to Buffalo City.
• Option 3 (The KwaZulu-Natal Combo):Another fantastic option is to fly from LHR to Durban’s King Shaka International Airport (DUR), with carriers like Emirates. This allows your clients to explore the historic Battlefields and rich Zulu culture of KwaZulu-Natal before embarking on an epic coastal road trip south to the Eastern Cape.

Dali: For a UK operator looking to create a truly unforgettable 10-14 day experience, how can they weave the Eastern Cape into a broader South African journey?

Thandiswa: This is where the Eastern Cape truly shines! We are the heart of the ultimate South African coastal road trip. Imagine this:

Your clients start in Durban, soaking up its vibrant Indian Ocean vibe and unique cultural mix. From there, they drive south along what I like to call the ‘Garden Route of the East’ – the stunning, less-traveled coastline through the Wild Coast. They can stop in Coffee Bay, hike to the magnificent Hole in the Wall, and experience Xhosa culture firsthand in a way that is both authentic and respectful.

Then, they enter the Eastern Cape proper. Here, they can indulge in a world-class safari at one of our malaria-free private reserves near Buffalo City or spend a few nights at Addo Elephant National Park, marveling at the incredible wildlife.

To conclude their journey, they can fly from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) to Cape Town for the final leg of their adventure. This route offers “South Africa in a single trip”: from the rich traditions of Zulu and Xhosa culture to breathtaking coastal scenery, world-class safaris, and a cosmopolitan finale in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Thandiswa’s Pitch to Operators:

To all the tour operators reading this, I want to extend a personal invitation. Buffalo City Tourism is not just a destination; we are your partners. We are ready and eager to provide you with the logistical support, familiarization (FAM) trip hosting, high-quality imagery, and expert local knowledge you need to build and sell these unique itineraries with confidence. We want to help you differentiate your offerings and give your clients the authentic, life-changing South African experience they are searching for.

Conclusion

As our meeting drew to a close, Thandiswa left me with a final, powerful thought: “We invite your clients to walk in the footsteps of legends and discover the soul of South Africa.”

For the readers of Europe2Africa, the message is clear. The Eastern Cape represents a new frontier for curated, authentic travel. In a world where travelers are increasingly seeking meaningful experiences, this remarkable region offers a chance to connect with history, culture, and nature in a way that will set your offerings apart and leave your clients with memories that will last a lifetime.

Contact Details for Buffalo City Tourism

Thandiswa George Senior Manager: Destination Marketing & Information Services