R oads run through it, excellent national roads – the N2, N6, N9, N10, R61 and R71. They take you through South Africa’s second-largest province, known for its scenic beauty, game reserves, historic sights and wonderful beaches. In fact, there is just too much to do, so it is better to decide on an area or a theme and build your travels around that.

If you’re a history buff, there is enough to keep you busy in the Eastern Cape. Best then to decide on, say, five historic sights and use the opportunity to travel through the province and enjoy the scenery.

Coming from the north, you’ll go through Graaff-Reinet, South Africa’s fourth-oldest town. There is much to see: Reinet House, Graaff-Reinet Museum, Old Library Museum, Old Residency, Military History Museum and more.

Visit the Hester Rupert Art Museum, which is in one of Graaff-Reinet’s many old Cape Dutch buildings. It has a focused collection and is a must for anybody interested in South African art. There are about 130 works from more than 100 artists.

The original building was to be replaced by a filling station, but famous conservationist and businessman Anton Rupert, a native of Graaff-Reinet, intervened and the art museum is now managed by the town council, who named it after Rupert’s mother.

Swing north to get to East London and you can view some of the oldest sights in the world. In the local museum, you will see the last remaining dodo egg, the oldest fossilised footprint and the Coelacanth, a prehistoric fish that lived in the Indian Ocean for 400 million years and was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 1938. This fish was regarded as the most significant zoological find of the century.

Turn south and not far from Mthatha you’ll find Qunu. A small quiet hamlet, this is where Nelson Mandela grew up and was later buried. To be where this great man started his life – and spent the happiest years of his life, he later wrote – is a humbling experience. There’s not much to do, really, but suck up the atmosphere and wonder that such a tiny place could produce such a massive figure.

Still southward and inland is Grahamstown – a military base, a diocese, seat of a High Court, university town and the 1820 settlers’ National Monument (built to commemorate the contributions those settlers made to the Country, particulary the English language and the democratic traditions) – it is a conference centre and a theatre of art; it’s meant to encourage open debate, freedom of expression and creativity. This is a living monument and plays a pivotal role in the hugely popular National Arts Festival, every year.

Further southward, there is Port Elizabeth, one of the great holiday cities in South Africa. Again, there’s far too much to do, so concentrate – this trip is about one highlight per place. In this one, try walking the Donkin Heritage Trail. It’s named after the acting governor of the Cape at the time, Lt-Gen Rufane Donkin.

This hike is an interesting way to 'walk in the footsteps' of the settlers in the Old Hill area. As you wind your way, take in the City Hall, Diaz Cross, the Donkin houses, the Gothic library building, art gallery, open-air theatre, a conservatory, numerous churches and the opera house. It’s an infinitely rewarding – if slightly tiring – expedition on foot. And then if you’re up to it, you could always go and relax on the beach and reward yourself for a well- spent afternoon.

Or hit the N2 and go further south to explore the Garden Route. There will always be a gorgeous, open national road to take you where you want to go next. Enjoy the ride on us.