Examples of local vegetation include ericas, protease, wild daisies, the Cape Thatching reed, the Yellowwood, Schotia and Coral Trees, Spekboom (a favourite of the elephant), tree fuschia, sneezewood, guarri, the num-num and other shrubs (found predominantly in the Addo area), many varied grass types, Euphorbia, Aloe and other succulents, along with herbs and bulbous plants.

South Africa's native fauna is the premier attraction of the many game reserves in the Eastern Cape. Boasting some magnificent and almost untouched scenery, the area is malaria-free and is fast becoming one of the foremost game viewing destinations in the country. Various private game farms in the area have ensured that the Eastern Cape is well stocked with wildlife. Varieties of buck (bushbuck, duiker, gray reebok, mountain reedbuck, grysbok) and birdlife inhabit the region. The Shamwari Game Reserve between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown houses the Big 5 (Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo) as well as zebra, giraffe, and more.

(source: adapted from South African Tourism)